Here's why:
* Conclusions summarize and synthesize: The conclusion is meant to wrap up your argument, restate your thesis, and offer a final thought or reflection. It shouldn't introduce new information or arguments.
* Citations are for specific claims: Citations are used to support specific claims and evidence presented within the body paragraphs. The conclusion is a space for you to draw connections and offer a broader perspective.
* Redundancy: If a source was relevant enough to mention in the body paragraphs, it doesn't need to be re-cited in the conclusion.
Exceptions:
There might be rare cases where a citation in the conclusion could be appropriate:
* Directly quoting a source: If you end your conclusion with a powerful quote that directly relates to your thesis, you might need to cite it for attribution.
* Referencing a specific source mentioned in the conclusion: If you're briefly mentioning a particular source in your conclusion, it might be appropriate to cite it in a footnote or endnote.
Important Note: Always follow the specific citation style guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.