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Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Last updated on: Oct 28, 2024
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As a critical component of scholarly writing, the discussion serves as the intellectual heart of your work. It provides a platform to interpret findings, draw conclusions, and engage with existing literature.
In this guide, we will cover the primary objectives of the discussion, outline the essential steps for writing, and provide insightful examples. Learning how to write a discussion is key to elevating the impact of your research conclusion.
Follow along as we break down the complexities and offer valuable insights to ensure your discussion section meets the highest standards!
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The discussion section of a research paper is where the author interprets the results, contextualizes findings within the existing literature and engages in thoughtful analysis.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the discussion is the space for reflection, providing a bridge between the results and the overall conclusion.
The discussion section typically follows the results section but precedes the conclusion.
People may sometimes confuse discussions and conclusions sections. While the conclusion summarizes key points, the discussion section interprets and analyzes the results in detail. The discussion goes beyond summarization, offering a deeper understanding of the study's implications and contributing to the scholarly conversation.
The discussion section in a research paper comprises the following key elements:
The primary objectives of the discussion section include:
Follow these steps to draft a well-organized and effective discussion:
Begin with a concise reintroduction of your research question or hypothesis, setting the stage for the discussion.
Provide a brief recap of your key results, summarizing the main outcomes of your study.
Dive into a detailed analysis and interpretation of your results, addressing the "why" and "how" behind the observed patterns or trends.
Discuss how your findings align with or differ from existing literature added in your literature review section, highlighting the significance of your contribution to the field.
Explore the broader implications of your study, considering its impact on theory, practice, or future research.
Acknowledge and address any limitations in your study, demonstrating a transparent and reflective approach.
Suggest potential avenues for future research or improvements based on the insights gained from your study. |
Now that you have a clear structure of your discussion section let’s move on to the writing phase.
The steps below will help you write an effective research paper discussion section:
Start the discussion section by providing a brief reintroduction to your research question or hypothesis. This serves to set the stage for the discussion, reminding readers of the study's primary focus.
Next, proceed to summarize your results. Offer a concise overview of the main findings, highlighting the most relevant outcomes of your research. This lays the groundwork for the subsequent interpretation and analysis.
Summarization Sentence Starters Examples:
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In this step, highlight why your findings matter and how they enhance our understanding of the research area. Use a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques to comprehensively interpret results.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Organize your interpretations around themes, hypotheses, or research questions for a focused and structured discussion. Structure your interpretations based on the significance of findings or unexpected results to guide the reader through the crucial aspects of your study.
Interpretation Sentence Starters Examples:
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Unpacking the implications involves relating your findings to scholarly work. Discuss how your study aligns with or deviates from previous research from your literature review. It will showcase the academic context of your contributions.
Answer these questions:
Implication Sentence Starter Examples:
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Limitations refer to factors that could potentially impact the accuracy, reliability, or scope of your study. They are aspects that were beyond your control or constraints within the research design.
Limitations may arise due to various factors, such as the study's methodology, sample size, data collection tools, or external influences. Identifying these limitations is a crucial aspect of maintaining transparency in research.
Even the most well-conducted studies have limitations. Mentioning these limitations will enhance your research paper's credibility:
Tip:
Highlight limitations directly influencing your research problem or question for a concise and relevant discussion.
Limitation Sentence Starter Examples:
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Having discussed the findings and limitations, it's now time to provide recommendations. These suggestions should arise from the insights gained during the study and serve as a guide for future studies.
To offer recommendations keep in view the following points:
Recommendation Sentence Starters Examples:
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Here are some important tips to consider and some common mistakes to avoid when writing a discussion section for your research paper:
If you're new to crafting research paper discussions, seeking examples can serve as a helpful guide to tailor your approach according to your paper's style and type.
Wrapping up,
In this guide, we've explored the essential elements, steps, and provided examples to demystify the process.
By adhering to the outlined steps you ensure a well-rounded and insightful discussion. Always keep your research questions in focus, maintaining clarity and relevance.
Remember, discussions are not merely an endpoint but a springboard for future research. But if you find yourself struggling with the right syllables or structure for your discussion section, professional assistance is just a step away.
Our reliable writing service is here to support you with your academic writing needs. With our experienced team, you can navigate the complexities of crafting a stellar discussion with confidence.
Don't hesitate to reach out to our research paper writing service today!
WRITTEN BY
Cathy A. (Marketing, Literature)
For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.
For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.
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