What should a research paper's conclusion accomplish in APA style?

The conclusion of a research paper in APA style is essential for synthesizing the study's findings and correlating them with broader implications within the field. By summarizing the key findings, the conclusion serves as a final reflection on what has been explored, allowing readers to understand the significance of the results. The suggestion of implications for future research is crucial, as it encourages continuing inquiry and demonstrates the potential for advancement in the subject area based on the study's outcomes. This emphasis on summarization and forward-looking suggestions solidifies the research's contribution to existing knowledge and illustrates that research is an ongoing process rather than a conclusive endpoint.

In contrast to this, simply reiterating points from the introduction does not provide new insights or forward-thinking discussions. Revealing unanswered questions, while sometimes valuable, is not the primary goal of the conclusion in APA style, which focuses more on synthesis and implications. Additionally, providing a detailed analysis of sources cited is generally not suitable for the conclusion, as this is better suited for the body of the paper where the arguments and evidence are initially presented and discussed.