10 Questions
What is the primary focus of the discussion section in a research paper?
Explaining and evaluating the meaning of results
How should a discussion section differ from a results section?
By providing interpretations and implications
In the discussion section, why is it important to discuss whether the results met your expectations?
To evaluate the validity of your hypothesis
What is one purpose of contextualizing your findings within previous research in the discussion section?
To highlight the novelty of your research
When discussing limitations in the discussion section, what is the main purpose?
To acknowledge constraints and areas for improvement
Why is it essential to discuss possible alternative explanations in the discussion section?
To show thoroughness in analysis
What element should be included in discussing recommendations in the discussion section?
Providing avenues for further studies
In the discussion section, why is it necessary to relate your results back to previously discussed literature?
To demonstrate critical thinking skills
What is one reason to include interpretations in the discussion section?
To explain the meaning of your results
Why should researchers consider exploring new insights their research contributes in the discussion section?
To highlight original contributions of their study
Study Notes
The Purpose of the Discussion Section
- The discussion section explains and evaluates the research results, relating them to the literature review and research topic, and supports the overall conclusion.
Key Elements of a Discussion Section
- Summary: a brief recap of key results
- Interpretations: the meaning and significance of the results
- Implications: the importance and relevance of the results
- Limitations: the limitations of the results
- Recommendations: avenues for further study
Structure of a Discussion Section
-
Step 1: Summarize key findings
- Reiterate the research problem
- Identify patterns and relationships among the data
-
Step 2: Interpret the results
- Discuss whether the results met expectations
- Contextualize the findings within previous research
- Consider alternative explanations for unexpected results
-
Step 3: Show the relevance and implications
- Relate the results to previous literature and existing knowledge
- Explore the new insights contributed by the research
- Acknowledge the limitations of the study
-
Step 4: Conclude the study
- Provide a clear picture of what can be concluded from the study
Learn how to write an effective discussion section in academic writing with tips and examples from Shona McCombes (2022) in Scribbr. Understand the importance of delving into the meaning and relevance of your results, connecting them to your literature review, and making a compelling argument to support your conclusions.
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