Academic Writing: Discussion Section

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What is the primary purpose of the discussion section in a research paper?

To present the raw data collected from the study
To interpret the results and explain their implications (correct)
To introduce the research question and its significance
To detail the methodology used in the study

What should be included in the first paragraph of the discussion section?

A detailed description of the study's methodology
A discussion of the study's limitations and biases
A restatement of the research topic and main findings (correct)
A summary of the raw data collected

What is the main difference between the results and discussion sections?

The results section is always before the discussion section
The results section is longer than the discussion section
The results section interprets the data, while the discussion section presents it
The results section presents the data, while the discussion section interprets it (correct)

What should be avoided in the discussion section?

Repeating the results without adding new insights (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of highlighting language that differentiates the results and discussion sections?

To understand the structure and content of these sections (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the discussion section to address validity threats?

A discussion of the study's limitations and potential biases (A) Signup and view all the answers

When copying a methods section from a grant proposal to an academic paper, what should be changed?

The future tense to the past tense (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the results section in an academic paper?

To describe the findings without interpretation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tables, charts, and graphs in the results section?

To make the results more accessible to readers (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the discussion section in an academic paper?

To explain what the results mean and connect them to prior research (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked when revising the methods section from a grant proposal to an academic paper?

Both revisions based on study changes and journal formatting requirements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between the results and discussion sections?

The results section presents the findings, and the discussion section explains what they mean (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a research study, what should be avoided in the results section?

Including interpretations of the findings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the discussion section in a research study?

To interpret the results and discuss their implications (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are negative findings important to include in a research study?

They provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be discussed in the final paragraph of the discussion section?

Future directions and new research questions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why should secondary findings be included in the discussion section?

They provide additional context to the primary findings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should be linked back to in the discussion section?

Prior research studies (D) Signup and view all the answers