To ensure the validity of a conclusion, the author of a research paper must properly evaluate the following:
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The support for main ideas - This includes examining the evidence and arguments presented to see if they logically support the thesis and lead to a sound conclusion.
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Credibility of sources - Evaluating the credibility of the sources used is crucial as unreliable or biased sources can undermine the validity of the research and its conclusions.
While the thesis and the conclusion are also important elements of a research paper, they do not need to be "evaluated" in the same way as support for main ideas and sources, which directly impact the validity of the arguments made in the paper.
In summary, both the support for main ideas and the credibility of sources must be properly evaluated to ensure the validity of the conclusion.