paper discussion research

How it works

"Christmas Offer"

Terms & conditions.

As the Christmas season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and those who we have helped to shape their future. It’s been quite a year for us all! The end of the year brings no greater joy than the opportunity to express to you Christmas greetings and good wishes.

At this special time of year, Research Prospect brings joyful discount of 10% on all its services. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with joy.

We are looking back with appreciation for your loyalty and looking forward to moving into the New Year together.

"Claim this offer"

In unfamiliar and hard times, we have stuck by you. This Christmas, Research Prospect brings you all the joy with exciting discount of 10% on all its services.

Offer valid till 5-1-2024

We love being your partner in success. We know you have been working hard lately, take a break this holiday season to spend time with your loved ones while we make sure you succeed in your academics

Discount code: RP0996Y

Your content here...

A Complete Guide to Forming a Research Paper Discussion

Published by Ellie Cross at October 25th, 2024 , Revised On October 29, 2024

Writing a comprehensive research paper is not an easy task. It requires complete focus and grip on presenting arguments with supporting references from credible research sources like journal articles, books, conference papers , and so on.

The discussion part of a research paper enhances the reader’s understanding because it contains the analysis of the information presented in the literature review , introduction, results and findings sections . Most of the students struggle to write perfectly crafted analysis content in the paper due to unfamiliarity with the right steps.

They usually mix the elements of the conclusion and discussion section, resulting in unstructured or ineffective sentences being outlined in the discussion & analysis section. Some research studies contain discussion & analysis content in one section to comprehensively form a study.

What is the Purpose of a Discussion Section?

The discussion section is meant to contextualise the whole content of the research paper into one comprehensive section. It provides the overall picture of the sections written up to the literature review or introduction in the form of a portion containing interpretation, analysis, and explanation.

The discussion section of the paper tells why the results are important and where they fit in the current literature while discussing the limitations of the study as well.

Things to Avoid While Writing the Discussion Portion of a Research Paper

Students, while writing dissertations or SCI papers , usually make some mistakes when writing the discussion section of the study. It has been observed that they usually mix the elements of the conclusion or other sections with the discussion & analysis portion.

Make sure to consider the below points to avoid making errors in your research study.

Rewriting the Results Section

Students usually write the sentences of the results and findings section in this particular section due to lack of guidance and make this portion subtle for the readers to land straight to the point. You should provide the interpretation and analysis of the arguments discussed above instead of presenting a fruitless summary.

Drawing Conclusions without References

Researchers mistakenly draw the conclusions in this section without presenting the supporting arguments placed in the literature review of the study. Try to remain within the demarcations that you have drawn before starting to write, and only back up your evidence with the data being used.

Adding New Information

Don’t confuse your paper by presenting the new pieces of information in the discussion section. If you have something really important to tell your audience, use the results or findings section instead. The discussion section is only limited to encompassing the data already presented in the above sections.

Selective Addition of Results

There are chances that you may get some results and findings that are not in accordance with your research questions or aims outlined in the introduction portion. It’s totally fine to get the results apart from the expectations.

The research paper discussion section is the place to only discuss why or how this may have happened to present the favouring evidence in your research paper.

Avoid Undermining Your Research

Try not to overemphasise the limitations or weaknesses present in your study because it weakens the credibility of your content. Discuss the limitations in the content that strengthens your credibility instead of raising questions on it.

How to Write a Discussion in a Research Paper?

The most common question that we have received at ResearchProspect from students of all study levels, undergraduate, master, PhD, is how to write a discussion in a research paper. It seems that students associated with the different fields of research studies lack the skill of putting the arguments in a structured way to convince their readers.

That’s why after consulting the top researchers of the whole world, we have devised some chronological steps that are easy to follow for every student. Make sure to use the below steps while writing the discussion section of a research paper.

Concisely Present Key Findings

Start your research paper discussion section by presenting your research problems and major findings concisely in your paper. Try not to just repeat the data presented above instead, aim for a clear statement that directly answers your main research questions.

Don’t write more than one paragraph and precisely evaluate the findings and discussions to not blend elements of the conclusion and discussions section.

Present Interpretations of Findings in Context

It is obvious that the results you are trying to derive from your research study may seem quite clear to you, but the case is not for all the readers. That’s why, try to present your interpretations based on the type of research methodology you have used.

You can use this section to base your whole idea around the key findings in relation to the literature review to show the larger image of your research study to the audience new to this concept or field of study.

Discuss Future Implications of Research

After discussing the key findings, you can jump on to the future implications present in your study. Highlight the ideas that readers can use for conducting further studies based on your research paper.

You need to ask yourself some questions, like what new information has been deduced from the results or findings section. Ensure to discuss the results or findings in line with your research questions or not to open the door for non relevant studies.

Highlight Limitations

It has been observed that every research study contains some limitations, either in research gaps being addressed or in research questions left out from being discussed. It helps you to strengthen the credibility of your research study.

Remember that limitations are not simply a list of mistakes or errors present in the paper. Instead it helps the readers to view the content in a wider picture. Make sure to only list down the limitations directly related to your topic of discussion or research aims that you want to achieve.

Highlight Areas of Potential Research (Recommendations)

Present concrete ideas for future work and pinpoint the areas where there is a need to conduct further research studies. Make sure to provide a stepping stone to the coming researchers to make them able to build arguments on areas that your own research paper was unable to address.

Hire an Expert Researcher

Orders completed by our expert writers are

Formally drafted in academic style
100% Plagiarism free & 100% Confidential
Never resold
Include unlimited free revisions
Completed to match exact client requirements

What is the Difference Between Discussion and Conclusion Section in a Research Paper?

The conclusion holds the precise summary of the arguments or data presented in the whole paper to provide a recap of the whole journey in a few paragraphs. On the other hand, the discussion section is the thorough examination of results being interpreted to discuss how or why they are the way they are.

Moreover, the research paper discussion section is also used to highlight the limitations of the study or pinpoint research gaps for future implications. All in all, it is a meaningful section presenting the implications with a detailed discussion.

How Can the Main Points of the Discussion Section be Constructed?

Generally, the discussion section of the research paper should not be more than 6 to 7 paragraphs in accordance with the length of the introduction, literature review, results, and methodology section. Make sure to divide the portion into 3 separate paragraphs: introductory, intermediate, and concluding paragraph.

The introduction paragraph must contain the reason behind conducting the research studies, and the intermediate paragraph must present the issue with solutions being addressed, implications of future research, recommendations for future studies, and how the paper under observation solves specific issues to be discussed in the conclusion portion.

Writing a dissertation study or a term paper requires a lot of focus or a firm grip on the concepts of the research study in the best manner to make it readable or beneficial for the user. The art of putting the right words in the right place increases the credibility of the arguments being presented.

You must learn this art to write perfectly the research paper discussion section for conducting the perfect research study. If you are stuck halfway through writing the discussion part of your research paper, you can consult our experts to complete the study on time so that you won’t miss the submission deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal length of the discussion section in a research paper.

The ideal length of a discussion section written in the research paper is 6 to 7 paragraphs in accordance with the above sections written in the study. Remember there is no defined length for the researchers to follow the above formula is general to follow.

Can I get a discussion template for a research paper?

To get a discussion template for a research paper, make sure to contact us and get a perfectly crafted structure from our expert research paper writers for absolutely free.

Is there any difference between the discussion and results section?

Yes, there is a minor difference between the discussion and results section of the research paper as one presents the precise summary of the whole data being presented and the other presents the thorough examination of the results being analysed and interpreted.

As Featured On

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

Splash Sol LLC

How It Works

Research Paper Guides
Basics of Research Paper Writing

How to Write a Discussion Section: Writing Guide

Speech Topics
Basics of Essay Writing
Essay Topics
Other Essays
Main Academic Essays
Research Paper Topics
Miscellaneous
Chicago/ Turabian
Data & Statistics
Methodology
Admission Writing Tips
Admission Advice
Other Guides
Student Life
Studying Tips
Understanding Plagiarism
Academic Writing Tips
Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Essay Guides
Formatting Guides
Basics of Research Process
Admission Guides
Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

The discussion section of a research paper is where the author analyzes and explains the importance of the study's results. It presents the conclusions drawn from the study, compares them to previous research, and addresses any potential limitations or weaknesses. The discussion section should also suggest areas for future research.

Everything is not that complicated if you know where to find the required information. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about writing your discussion. Our easy guide covers all important bits, including research questions and your research results. Do you know how all enumerated events are connected? Well, you will after reading this guide we’ve prepared for you!

What Is in the Discussion Section of a Research Paper

The discussion section of a research paper can be viewed as something similar to the conclusion of your paper. But not literal, of course. It’s an ultimate section where you can talk about the findings of your study. Think about these questions when writing:

Did you answer all of the promised research questions?
Did you mention why your work matters?
What are your findings, and why should anyone even care?
Does your study have a literature review?

So, answer your questions, provide proof, and don’t forget about your promises from the introduction.

How to Write a Discussion Section in 5 Steps

How to write the discussion section of a research paper is something everyone googles eventually. It's just life. But why not make everything easier? In brief, this section we’re talking about must include all following parts:

Answers for research questions
Literature review
Results of the work
Limitations of one’s study
Overall conclusion

Indeed, all those parts may confuse anyone. So by looking at our guide, you'll save yourself some hassle. P.S. All our steps are easy and explained in detail! But if you are looking for the most efficient solution, consider using professional help. Leave your “ write my research paper for me ” order at StudyCrumb and get a customized study tailored to your requirements.

Step 1. Start Strong: Discussion Section of a Research Paper

First and foremost, how to start the discussion section of a research paper? Here’s what you should definitely consider before settling down to start writing:

All essays or papers must begin strong. All readers will not wait for any writer to get to the point. We advise summarizing the paper's main findings.
Moreover, you should relate both discussion and literature review to what you have discovered. Mentioning that would be a plus too.
Make sure that an introduction or start per se is clear and concise. Word count might be needed for school. But any paper should be understandable and not too diluted.

Step 2. Answer the Questions in Your Discussion Section of a Research Paper

Writing the discussion section of a research paper also involves mentioning your questions. Remember that in your introduction, you have promised your readers to answer certain questions. Well, now it’s a perfect time to finally give the awaited answer. You need to explain all possible correlations between your findings, research questions, and literature proposed. You already had hypotheses. So were they correct, or maybe you want to propose certain corrections? Section’s main goal is to avoid open ends. It’s not a story or a fairytale with an intriguing ending. If you have several questions, you must answer them. As simple as that.

Step 3. Relate Your Results in a Discussion Section

Writing a discussion section of a research paper also requires any writer to explain their results. You will undoubtedly include an impactful literature review. However, your readers should not just try and struggle with understanding what are some specific relationships behind previous studies and your results. Your results should sound something like: “This guy in their paper discovered that apples are green. Nevertheless, I have proven via experimentation and research that apples are actually red.” Please, don’t take these results directly. It’s just an initial hypothesis. But what you should definitely remember is any practical implications of your study. Why does it matter and how can anyone use it? That’s the most crucial question.

Step 4. Describe the Limitations in Your Discussion Section

Discussion section of a research paper isn’t limitless. What does that mean? Essentially, it means that you also have to discuss any limitations of your study. Maybe you had some methodological inconsistencies. Possibly, there are no particular theories or not enough information for you to be entirely confident in one’s conclusions. You might say that an available source of literature you have studied does not focus on one’s issue. That’s why one’s main limitation is theoretical. However, keep in mind that your limitations must possess a certain degree of relevancy. You can just say that you haven’t found enough books. Your information must be truthful to research.

Step 5. Conclude Your Discussion Section With Recommendations

Your last step when you write a discussion section in a paper is its conclusion, like in any other academic work. Writer’s conclusion must be as strong as their starting point of the overall work. Check out our brief list of things to know about the conclusion in research paper :

It must present its scientific relevance and importance of your work.
It should include different implications of your research.
It should not, however, discuss anything new or things that you have not mentioned before.
Leave no open questions and carefully complete the work without them.

Discussion Section of a Research Paper Example

All the best example discussion sections of a research paper will be written according to our brief guide. Don’t forget that you need to state your findings and underline the importance of your work. An undoubtedly big part of one’s discussion will definitely be answering and explaining the research questions. In other words, you’ll already have all the knowledge you have so carefully gathered. Our last step for you is to recollect and wrap up your paper. But we’re sure you’ll succeed!

How to Write a Discussion Section: Final Thoughts

Today we have covered how to write a discussion section. That was quite a brief journey, wasn’t it? Just to remind you to focus on these things:

Importance of your study.
Summary of the information you have gathered.
Main findings and conclusions.
Answers to all research questions without an open end.
Correlation between literature review and your results.

But, wait, this guide is not the only thing we can do. Looking for how to write an abstract for a research paper for example? We have such a blog and much more on our platform.

Our academic writing service is just a click away. We are proud to say that our writers are professionals in their fields. Buy a research paper and our experts can provide prompt solutions without compromising the quality.

Discussion Section of a Research Paper: Frequently Asked Questions

1. how long should the discussion section of a research paper be.

Our discussion section of a research paper should not be longer than other sections. So try to keep it short but as informative as possible. It usually contains around 6-7 paragraphs in length. It is enough to briefly summarize all the important data and not to drag it.

2. What's the difference between the discussion and the results?

The difference between discussion and results is very simple and easy to understand. The results only report your main findings. You stated what you have found and how you have done that. In contrast, one’s discussion mentions your findings and explains how they relate to other literature, research questions, and one’s hypothesis. Therefore, it is not only a report but an efficient as well as proper explanation.

3. What's the difference between a discussion and a conclusion?

The difference between discussion and conclusion is also quite easy. Conclusion is a brief summary of all the findings and results. Still, our favorite discussion section interprets and explains your main results. It is an important but more lengthy and wordy part. Besides, it uses extra literature for references.

4. What is the purpose of the discussion section?

The primary purpose of a discussion section is to interpret and describe all your interesting findings. Therefore, you should state what you have learned, whether your hypothesis was correct and how your results can be explained using other sources. If this section is clear to readers, our congratulations as you have succeeded.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Discussion Section Examples and Writing Tips

In this blog, we look at how to write the discussion section of a research paper. We will go through plenty of discussion examples and understand how to construct a great discussion section for your research paper.

1. What is the purpose of the discussion section?

The discussion section is one of the most important sections of your research paper. This is where you interpret your results, highlight your contributions, and explain the value of your work to your readers. This is one of the challenging parts to write because the author must clearly explain the significance of their results and tie everything back to the research questions.

2. How should I structure my discussion section?

Generally, the discussion section of a research paper typically contains the following parts.

Research summary It is a good idea to start this section with an overall summary of your work and highlight the main findings of your research.

Interpretation of findings You must interpret your findings clearly to your readers one by one.

Comparison with literature You must talk about how your results fit into existing research in the literature.

Implications of your work You should talk about the implications and possible benefits of your research.

Limitations You should talk about the possible limitations and shortcomings of your research

Future work And finally, you can talk about the possible future directions of your work.

3. Discussion Examples

Let’s look at some examples of the discussion section. We will be looking at discussion examples from different fields and of different formats. We have split this section into multiple components so that it is easy for you to digest and understand.

3.1. An example of research summary in discussion

It is a good idea to start your discussion section with the summary of your work. The best way to do this will be to restate your research question, and then reminding your readers about your methods, and finally providing an overall summary of your results.

Our aims were to compare the effectiveness and user-friendliness of different storm detection software for storm tracking. On the basis of these aims, we ran multiple experiments with the same conditions using different storm detection software. Our results showed that in both speed and accuracy of data, ‘software A’ performed better than ‘software B’. _ Aims summary _ Methodology summary _ Results summary

This discussion example is from an engineering research paper. The authors are restating their aims first, which is to compare different types of storm-tracking software. Then, they are providing a brief summary of the methods. Here, they are testing different storm-tracking software under different conditions to see which performs the best. Then, they are finally providing their main finding which is that they found ‘software A’ better than ‘software B’. This is a very good example of how to start the discussion section by presenting a summary of your work.

3.2. An example of result interpretation in discussion

The next step is to interpret your results. You have to explain your results clearly to your readers. Here is a discussion example that shows how to interpret your results.

The results of this study indicate significant differences between classical music and pop music in terms of their effects on memory recall and cognition. This implies that as the complexity of the music increases, so does its ability to facilitate cognitive processing. This finding aligns with the well-known “Mozart effect,” which suggests that listening to classical music can enhance cognitive function. _ Result _ Interpretation _ Additional evidence

The authors are saying that their results show that there is a significant difference between pop music and classical music in terms of memory recall and cognition. Now they are providing their interpretation of the findings. They think it is because there is a link between the complexity of music and cognitive processing. They are also making a reference to a well-known theory called the ‘Mozart effect’ to back up their findings. It is a nicely written passage and the author’s interpretation sounds very convincing and credible.

3.3. An example of literature comparison in discussion

The next step is to compare your results to the literature. You have to explain clearly how your findings compare with similar findings made by other researchers. Here is a discussion example where authors are providing details of papers in the literature that both support and oppose their findings.

Our analysis predicts that climate change will have a significant impact on wheat yield. This finding undermines one of the central pieces of evidence in some previous simulation studies [1-3] that suggest a negative effect of climate change on wheat yield, but the result is entirely consistent with the predictions of other research [4-5] that suggests the overall change in climate could result in increases in wheat yield. _ Result _ Comparison with literature

The authors are saying that their results show that climate change will have a significant effect on wheat production. Then, they are saying that there are some papers in the literature that are in agreement with their findings. However, there are also many papers in the literature that disagree with their findings. This is very important. Your discussion should be two-sided, not one-sided. You should not ignore the literature that doesn’t corroborate your findings.

3.4. An example of research implications in discussion

The next step is to explain to your readers how your findings will benefit society and the research community. You have to clearly explain the value of your work to your readers. Here is a discussion example where authors explain the implications of their research.

The results contribute insights with regard to the management of wildfire events using artificial intelligence. One could easily argue that the obvious practical implication of this study is that it proposes utilizing cloud-based machine vision to detect wildfires in real-time, even before the first responders receive emergency calls. _ Your finding _ Implications of your finding

In this paper, the authors are saying that their findings indicate that Artificial intelligence can be used to effectively manage wildfire events. Then, they are talking about the practical implications of their study. They are saying that their work has proven that machine learning can be used to detect wildfires in real-time. This is a great practical application and can save thousands of lives. As you can see, after reading this passage, you can immediately understand the value and significance of the work.

3.5. An example of limitations in discussion

It is very important that you discuss the limitations of your study. Limitations are flaws and shortcomings of your study. You have to tell your readers how your limitations might influence the outcomes and conclusions of your research. Most studies will have some form of limitation. So be honest and don’t hide your limitations. In reality, your readers and reviewers will be impressed with your paper if you are upfront about your limitations.

Study design and small sample size are important limitations. This could have led to an overestimation of the effect. Future research should reconfirm these findings by conducting larger-scale studies. _ Limitation _ How it might affect the results? _ How to fix the limitation?

Here is a discussion example where the author talks about study limitations. The authors are saying that the main limitations of the study are the small sample size and weak study design. Then they explain how this might have affected their results. They are saying that it is possible that they are overestimating the actual effect they are measuring. Then finally they are telling the readers that more studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to reconfirm the findings.

As you can see, the authors are clearly explaining three things here:

3.6. An example of future work in discussion

It is important to remember not to end your paper with limitations. Finish your paper on a positive note by telling your readers about the benefits of your research and possible future directions. Here is a discussion example where the author talks about future work.

Our study highlights useful insights about the potential of biomass as a renewable energy source. Future research can extend this research in several ways, including research on how to tackle challenges that hinder the sustainability of renewable energy sources towards climate change mitigation, such as market failures, lack of information and access to raw materials. _ Benefits of your work _ Future work

The authors are starting the final paragraph of the discussion section by highlighting the benefit of their work which is the use of biomass as a renewable source of energy. Then they talk about future research. They are saying that future research can focus on how to improve the sustainability of biomass production. This is a very good example of how to finish the discussion section of your paper on a positive note.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes you will have negative or unexpected results in your paper. You have to talk about it in your discussion section. A lot of students find it difficult to write this part. The best way to handle this situation is not to look at results as either positive or negative. A result is a result, and you will always have something important and interesting to say about your findings. Just spend some time investigating what might have caused this result and tell your readers about it.

You must talk about the limitations of your work in the discussion section of the paper. One of the important qualities that the scientific community expects from a researcher is honesty and admitting when they have made a mistake. The important trick you have to learn while presenting your limitations is to present them in a constructive way rather than being too negative about them. You must try to use positive language even when you are talking about major limitations of your work.

If you have something exciting to say about your results or found something new that nobody else has found before, then, don’t be modest and use flat language when presenting this in the discussion. Use words like ‘break through’, ‘indisputable evidence’, ‘exciting proposition’ to increase the impact of your findings.

Important thing to remember is not to overstate your findings. If you found something really interesting but are not 100% sure, you must not mislead your readers. The best way to do this will be to use words like ‘it appears’ and ‘it seems’. This will tell the readers that there is a slight possibility that you might be wrong.

Figures and Tables in Research Papers – Tips and Examples

In this blog, we will look at best practices for presenting tables and figures in your research paper.

Critical Literature Review : How to Critique a Research Article?

In this blog, we will look at how to use constructive language when critiquing other’s work in your research paper.

Introduction Paragraph Examples and Writing Tips

In this blog, we will go through a few introduction paragraph examples and understand how to construct a great introduction paragraph for your research paper.

Materials and Methods Examples and Writing Tips

In this blog, we will go through many materials and methods examples and understand how to write a clear and concise method section for your research paper.

3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid in the Research Introduction

In this blog, we will discuss three common mistakes that beginner writers make while writing the research paper introduction.

Technical Terms, Notations, and Scientific Jargon in Research Papers

In this blog, we will teach you how to use specialized terminology in your research papers with some practical examples.

How to Write a Discussion For a Research Paper | Objectives, Steps & Examples

11 min read

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

Last updated on: Oct 28, 2024

how to write a discussion for a research paper

What is the Discussion Section in Research?

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.

Elements of Discussion Section

The discussion section in a research paper comprises the following key elements:

Summary : What are the main findings in a nutshell?
Interpretations : How do you explain your results?
Implications : Why are your findings important in the broader context?
Limitations : What are the constraints in your methodology or data?
Recommendations : What future studies or improvements arise from your outcomes?

Main Objectives of Discussion Section

The primary objectives of the discussion section include:

To interpret the research findings accurately and comprehensively.
To place the study in the broader context of existing literature.
To engage in critical thinking and analysis of the results.
To communicate the significance and implications of the study effectively.

How To Structure a Discussion

Follow these steps to draft a well-organized and effective discussion:

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:

Step 1: Summarize your Results

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.

Step 2: Provide Interpretations

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:

Explain the correlation, patterns, and relationships in your data.
Quantify these relations and clarify how they contribute to your study's understanding.
Assess if your results align with expectations and whether they support or challenge existing theories.
Relate your interpretations to past research and established theories, showcasing their challenges to existing knowledge.
If there are unexpected results, thoroughly explain them, explore reasons, and discuss their implications for the topic.

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.

Step 3: Unpack the Implications

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:

Do your results confirm or contest existing theories? If supporting, what fresh insights do they bring? If challenging, what could be the reasons?
Are there practical applications of your findings?

Step 4: Discuss the Limitation

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.

Common Sources of Limitations

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.

How to Mention Limitations in the Discussion Section

Even the most well-conducted studies have limitations. Mentioning these limitations will enhance your research paper's credibility:

Clearly and honestly state the limitations of your study. Transparency builds credibility and demonstrates a thoughtful approach to the research process.
If there were limitations in your methodology (e.g., small sample size, survey design), discuss how these constraints might have affected the study's outcomes.
If data collection presented challenges (e.g., limited access, response bias), explain how these issues might have impacted the reliability of your results.
Acknowledge external factors beyond your control that might have influenced the study. This could include unforeseen events, changing societal norms, or evolving technologies.

Highlight limitations directly influencing your research problem or question for a concise and relevant discussion.

Step 5: Offer Recommendations

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.

How to Offer Recommendations

To offer recommendations keep in view the following points:

Base your recommendations on the insights discussed earlier. Consider what gaps or unanswered questions remain.
If applicable, recommend ways to address the limitations discussed in the study. Propose methodologies or approaches that could enhance future research.
Relate recommendations to practical applications whenever possible. Consider how future studies could provide actionable insights for real-world scenarios.
Offer tangible suggestions for further research. Provide clear directions and highlight specific variables, populations, or contexts that warrant exploration.

Discussion Writing Tips - DO'S & DONT'S

Here are some important tips to consider and some common mistakes to avoid when writing a discussion section for your research paper:

DO ensure that every point in your discussion directly relates back to your research questions or hypotheses. This maintains focus and relevance.
DO prioritize clarity in your writing. Use concise and straightforward language to communicate complex ideas, making them accessible to a broad audience.
DO acknowledge potential counterarguments or alternative explanations. This demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and adds depth to your discussion.
DO use concrete examples to illustrate your points. This helps readers grasp the practical implications of your findings and enhances the overall understanding.
DO provide actionable recommendations for future studies. Give researchers clear directions and ideas for expanding on your work, contributing to the advancement of the field.
DON'T introduce new information in the discussion. Stick to summarizing, interpreting, and discussing the results obtained in the study without adding fresh data or concepts.
DON'T overgeneralize your findings. Be cautious not to make sweeping statements beyond the scope of your study or without sufficient evidence.
DON'T ignore or downplay limitations. Be transparent about the constraints of your study, acknowledging potential biases or areas where improvements could be made.
DON'T use jargon unnecessarily. While some field-specific terminology is essential, avoid excessive technical language that might confuse readers who are not familiar with the subject.
DON'T rush the conclusion of your discussion. Take the time to craft a thoughtful and conclusive summary that encapsulates the key takeaways and implications of your study.

Discussion Section Examples

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.

Discussion For A Scientific Paper

Discussion For A Medical Research Paper

Example of Result And Discussion In Research Paper

Discussion in A Report

Qualitative Research Discussion Example

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!

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.

Need Help With Your Essay?

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Keep reading

50% OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

Essay Services

Argumentative Essay Service
Descriptive Essay Service
Persuasive Essay Service
Narrative Essay Service
Analytical Essay Service
Expository Essay Service
Comparison Essay Service

Writing Help

Term Paper Writing Help
Research Writing Help
Thesis Help
Dissertation Help
Report Writing Help
Speech Writing Help
Assignment Help

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Organizing Academic Research Papers: 8. The Discussion

Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Glossary of Research Terms
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Choosing a Title
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Executive Summary
Background Information
The Research Problem/Question
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tertiary Sources
What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Annotated Bibliography
Dealing with Nervousness
Using Visual Aids
Grading Someone Else's Paper
How to Manage Group Projects
Multiple Book Review Essay
Reviewing Collected Essays
About Informed Consent
Writing Field Notes
Writing a Policy Memo
Writing a Research Proposal
Acknowledgements

The purpose of the discussion is to interpret and describe the significance of your findings in light of what was already known about the research problem being investigated, and to explain any new understanding or fresh insights about the problem after you've taken the findings into consideration. The discussion will always connect to the introduction by way of the research questions or hypotheses you posed and the literature you reviewed, but it does not simply repeat or rearrange the introduction; the discussion should always explain how your study has moved the reader's understanding of the research problem forward from where you left them at the end of the introduction.

Importance of a Good Discussion

This section is often considered the most important part of a research paper because it most effectively demonstrates your ability as a researcher to think critically about an issue, to develop creative solutions to problems based on the findings, and to formulate a deeper, more profound understanding of the research problem you are studying.

The discussion section is where you explore the underlying meaning of your research , its possible implications in other areas of study, and the possible improvements that can be made in order to further develop the concerns of your research.

This is the section where you need to present the importance of your study and how it may be able to contribute to and/or fill existing gaps in the field. If appropriate, the discussion section is also where you state how the findings from your study revealed new gaps in the literature that had not been previously exposed or adequately described.

This part of the paper is not strictly governed by objective reporting of information but, rather, it is where you can engage in creative thinking about issues through evidence-based interpretation of findings. This is where you infuse your results with meaning.

Kretchmer, Paul. Fourteen Steps to Writing to Writing an Effective Discussion Section . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008.

Structure and Writing Style

I. General Rules

These are the general rules you should adopt when composing your discussion of the results :

Do not be verbose or repetitive.
Be concise and make your points clearly.
Avoid using jargon.
Follow a logical stream of thought.
Use the present verb tense, especially for established facts; however, refer to specific works and references in the past tense.
If needed, use subheadings to help organize your presentation or to group your interpretations into themes.

II. The Content

The content of the discussion section of your paper most often includes :

Explanation of results : comment on whether or not the results were expected and present explanations for the results; go into greater depth when explaining findings that were unexpected or especially profound. If appropriate, note any unusual or unanticipated patterns or trends that emerged from your results and explain their meaning.
References to previous research : compare your results with the findings from other studies, or use the studies to support a claim. This can include re-visiting key sources already cited in your literature review section, or, save them to cite later in the discussion section if they are more important to compare with your results than being part of the general research you cited to provide context and background information.
Deduction : a claim for how the results can be applied more generally. For example, describing lessons learned, proposing recommendations that can help improve a situation, or recommending best practices.
Hypothesis : a more general claim or possible conclusion arising from the results [which may be proved or disproved in subsequent research].

III. Organization and Structure

Keep the following sequential points in mind as you organize and write the discussion section of your paper:

Think of your discussion as an inverted pyramid. Organize the discussion from the general to the specific, linking your findings to the literature, then to theory, then to practice [if appropriate].
Use the same key terms, mode of narration, and verb tense [present] that you used when when describing the research problem in the introduction.
Begin by briefly re-stating the research problem you were investigating and answer all of the research questions underpinning the problem that you posed in the introduction.
Describe the patterns, principles, and relationships shown by each major findings and place them in proper perspective. The sequencing of providing this information is important; first state the answer, then the relevant results, then cite the work of others. If appropriate, refer the reader to a figure or table to help enhance the interpretation of the data. The order of interpreting each major finding should be in the same order as they were described in your results section.
A good discussion section includes analysis of any unexpected findings. This paragraph should begin with a description of the unexpected finding, followed by a brief interpretation as to why you believe it appeared and, if necessary, its possible significance in relation to the overall study. If more than one unexpected finding emerged during the study, describe each them in the order they appeared as you gathered the data.
Before concluding the discussion, identify potential limitations and weaknesses. Comment on their relative importance in relation to your overall interpretation of the results and, if necessary, note how they may affect the validity of the findings. Avoid using an apologetic tone; however, be honest and self-critical.
The discussion section should end with a concise summary of the principal implications of the findings regardless of statistical significance. Give a brief explanation about why you believe the findings and conclusions of your study are important and how they support broader knowledge or understanding of the research problem. This can be followed by any recommendations for further research. However, do not offer recommendations which could have been easily addressed within the study. This demonstrates to the reader you have inadequately examined and interpreted the data.

IV. Overall Objectives

The objectives of your discussion section should include the following: I. Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings

Briefly reiterate for your readers the research problem or problems you are investigating and the methods you used to investigate them, then move quickly to describe the major findings of the study. You should write a direct, declarative, and succinct proclamation of the study results.

II. Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important

No one has thought as long and hard about your study as you have. Systematically explain the meaning of the findings and why you believe they are important. After reading the discussion section, you want the reader to think about the results [“why hadn’t I thought of that?”]. You don’t want to force the reader to go through the paper multiple times to figure out what it all means. Begin this part of the section by repeating what you consider to be your most important finding first.

III. Relate the Findings to Similar Studies

No study is so novel or possesses such a restricted focus that it has absolutely no relation to other previously published research. The discussion section should relate your study findings to those of other studies, particularly if questions raised by previous studies served as the motivation for your study, the findings of other studies support your findings [which strengthens the importance of your study results], and/or they point out how your study differs from other similar studies. IV. Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings

It is important to remember that the purpose of research is to discover and not to prove . When writing the discussion section, you should carefully consider all possible explanations for the study results, rather than just those that fit your prior assumptions or biases.

V. Acknowledge the Study’s Limitations

It is far better for you to identify and acknowledge your study’s limitations than to have them pointed out by your professor! Describe the generalizability of your results to other situations, if applicable to the method chosen, then describe in detail problems you encountered in the method(s) you used to gather information. Note any unanswered questions or issues your study did not address, and.... VI. Make Suggestions for Further Research

Although your study may offer important insights about the research problem, other questions related to the problem likely remain unanswered. Moreover, some unanswered questions may have become more focused because of your study. You should make suggestions for further research in the discussion section.

NOTE: Besides the literature review section, the preponderance of references to sources in your research paper are usually found in the discussion section . A few historical references may be helpful for perspective but most of the references should be relatively recent and included to aid in the interpretation of your results and/or linked to similar studies. If a study that you cited disagrees with your findings, don't ignore it--clearly explain why the study's findings differ from yours.

V. Problems to Avoid

Do not waste entire sentences restating your results . Should you need to remind the reader of the finding to be discussed, use "bridge sentences" that relate the result to the interpretation. An example would be: “The lack of available housing to single women with children in rural areas of Texas suggests that...[then move to the interpretation of this finding].”
Recommendations for further research can be included in either the discussion or conclusion of your paper but do not repeat your recommendations in the both sections.
Do not introduce new results in the discussion. Be wary of mistaking the reiteration of a specific finding for an interpretation.
Use of the first person is acceptable, but too much use of the first person may actually distract the reader from the main points.

Analyzing vs. Summarizing. Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University; Discussion . The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Hess, Dean R. How to Write an Effective Discussion. Respiratory Care 49 (October 2004); Kretchmer, Paul. Fourteen Steps to Writing to Writing an Effective Discussion Section . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; The Lab Report . University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Summary: Using it Wisely . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Schafer, Mickey S. Writing the Discussion . Writing in Psychology course syllabus. University of Florida; Yellin, Linda L. A Sociology Writer's Guide. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2009.

Writing Tip

Don’t Overinterpret the Results!

Interpretation is a subjective exercise. Therefore, be careful that you do not read more into the findings than can be supported by the evidence you've gathered. Remember that the data are the data: nothing more, nothing less.

Another Writing Tip

Don't Write Two Results Sections!

One of the most common mistakes that you can make when discussing the results of your study is to present a superficial interpretation of the findings that more or less re-states the results section of your paper. Obviously, you must refer to your results when discussing them, but focus on the interpretion of those results, not just the data itself.

Azar, Beth. Discussing Your Findings. American Psychological Association gradPSYCH Magazine (January 2006)

Yet Another Writing Tip

Avoid Unwarranted Speculation!

The discussion section should remain focused on the findings of your study. For example, if you studied the impact of foreign aid on increasing levels of education among the poor in Bangladesh, it's generally not appropriate to speculate about how your findings might apply to populations in other countries without drawing from existing studies to support your claim. If you feel compelled to speculate, be certain that you clearly identify your comments as speculation or as a suggestion for where further research is needed. Sometimes your professor will encourage you to expand the discussion in this way, while others don’t care what your opinion is beyond your efforts to interpret the data.

<< Previous: Using Non-Textual Elements
Next: Limitations of the Study >>
Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803
QuickSearch
Library Catalog
Databases A-Z
Publication Finder
Course Reserves
Citation Linker
Digital Commons
Our Website

Research Support

Ask a Librarian
Appointments
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Research Guides
Databases by Subject
Citation Help

Using the Library

Reserve a Group Study Room
Renew Books
Honors Study Rooms
Off-Campus Access
Library Policies
Library Technology

User Information

Grad Students
Online Students
COVID-19 Updates
Staff Directory
News & Announcements
Library Newsletter

My Accounts

Interlibrary Loan
Staff Site Login

FIND US ON

Affiliate Program

UNITED STATES
台灣 (TAIWAN)
TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
Academic Editing Services
- Research Paper
- Journal Manuscript
- Dissertation
- College & University Assignments
Admissions Editing Services
- Application Essay
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letter
- Cover Letter
- CV/Resume
Business Editing Services
- Business Documents
- Report & Brochure
- Website & Blog
Writer Editing Services
- Script & Screenplay
Our Editors
Client Reviews
Editing & Proofreading Prices
Wordvice Points
Partner Discount
Plagiarism Checker
APA Citation Generator
MLA Citation Generator
Chicago Citation Generator
Vancouver Citation Generator
- APA Style
- MLA Style
- Chicago Style
- Vancouver Style
Writing & Editing Guide
Academic Resources
Admissions Resources

How to Write a Discussion Section for a Research Paper

We’ve talked about several useful writing tips that authors should consider while drafting or editing their research papers. In particular, we’ve focused on figures and legends , as well as the Introduction , Methods , and Results . Now that we’ve addressed the more technical portions of your journal manuscript, let’s turn to the analytical segments of your research article. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to write a strong Discussion section that best portrays the significance of your research contributions.

What is the Discussion section of a research paper?

In a nutshell, your Discussion fulfills the promise you made to readers in your Introduction . At the beginning of your paper, you tell us why we should care about your research. You then guide us through a series of intricate images and graphs that capture all the relevant data you collected during your research. We may be dazzled and impressed at first, but none of that matters if you deliver an anti-climactic conclusion in the Discussion section!

Are you feeling pressured? Don’t worry. To be honest, you will edit the Discussion section of your manuscript numerous times. After all, in as little as one to two paragraphs ( Nature ‘s suggestion based on their 3,000-word main body text limit), you have to explain how your research moves us from point A (issues you raise in the Introduction) to point B (our new understanding of these matters). You must also recommend how we might get to point C (i.e., identify what you think is the next direction for research in this field). That’s a lot to say in two paragraphs!

So, how do you do that? Let’s take a closer look.

What should I include in the Discussion section?

As we stated above, the goal of your Discussion section is to answer the questions you raise in your Introduction by using the results you collected during your research . The content you include in the Discussions segment should include the following information:

Remind us why we should be interested in this research project.
Describe the nature of the knowledge gap you were trying to fill using the results of your study.
Don’t repeat your Introduction. Instead, focus on why this particular study was needed to fill the gap you noticed and why that gap needed filling in the first place.
Mainly, you want to remind us of how your research will increase our knowledge base and inspire others to conduct further research.
Clearly tell us what that piece of missing knowledge was.
Answer each of the questions you asked in your Introduction and explain how your results support those conclusions.
Make sure to factor in all results relevant to the questions (even if those results were not statistically significant).
Focus on the significance of the most noteworthy results.
If conflicting inferences can be drawn from your results, evaluate the merits of all of them.
Don’t rehash what you said earlier in the Results section. Rather, discuss your findings in the context of answering your hypothesis. Instead of making statements like “[The first result] was this…,” say, “[The first result] suggests [conclusion].”
Do your conclusions line up with existing literature?
Discuss whether your findings agree with current knowledge and expectations.
Keep in mind good persuasive argument skills, such as explaining the strengths of your arguments and highlighting the weaknesses of contrary opinions.
If you discovered something unexpected, offer reasons. If your conclusions aren’t aligned with current literature, explain.
Address any limitations of your study and how relevant they are to interpreting your results and validating your findings.
Make sure to acknowledge any weaknesses in your conclusions and suggest room for further research concerning that aspect of your analysis.
Make sure your suggestions aren’t ones that should have been conducted during your research! Doing so might raise questions about your initial research design and protocols.
Similarly, maintain a critical but unapologetic tone. You want to instill confidence in your readers that you have thoroughly examined your results and have objectively assessed them in a way that would benefit the scientific community’s desire to expand our knowledge base.
Recommend next steps.
Your suggestions should inspire other researchers to conduct follow-up studies to build upon the knowledge you have shared with them.
Keep the list short (no more than two).

How to Write the Discussion Section

The above list of what to include in the Discussion section gives an overall idea of what you need to focus on throughout the section. Below are some tips and general suggestions about the technical aspects of writing and organization that you might find useful as you draft or revise the contents we’ve outlined above.

Technical writing elements

Embrace active voice because it eliminates the awkward phrasing and wordiness that accompanies passive voice.
Use the present tense, which should also be employed in the Introduction.
Sprinkle with first person pronouns if needed, but generally, avoid it. We want to focus on your findings.
Maintain an objective and analytical tone.

Discussion section organization

Keep the same flow across the Results, Methods, and Discussion sections.
We develop a rhythm as we read and parallel structures facilitate our comprehension. When you organize information the same way in each of these related parts of your journal manuscript, we can quickly see how a certain result was interpreted and quickly verify the particular methods used to produce that result.
Notice how using parallel structure will eliminate extra narration in the Discussion part since we can anticipate the flow of your ideas based on what we read in the Results segment. Reducing wordiness is important when you only have a few paragraphs to devote to the Discussion section!
Within each subpart of a Discussion, the information should flow as follows: (A) conclusion first, (B) relevant results and how they relate to that conclusion and (C) relevant literature.
End with a concise summary explaining the big-picture impact of your study on our understanding of the subject matter. At the beginning of your Discussion section, you stated why this particular study was needed to fill the gap you noticed and why that gap needed filling in the first place. Now, it is time to end with “how your research filled that gap.”

Discussion Part 1: Summarizing Key Findings

Begin the Discussion section by restating your statement of the problem and briefly summarizing the major results. Do not simply repeat your findings. Rather, try to create a concise statement of the main results that directly answer the central research question that you stated in the Introduction section . This content should not be longer than one paragraph in length.

Many researchers struggle with understanding the precise differences between a Discussion section and a Results section . The most important thing to remember here is that your Discussion section should subjectively evaluate the findings presented in the Results section, and in relatively the same order. Keep these sections distinct by making sure that you do not repeat the findings without providing an interpretation.

Phrase examples: Summarizing the results

The findings indicate that …
These results suggest a correlation between A and B …
The data present here suggest that …
An interpretation of the findings reveals a connection between…

Discussion Part 2: Interpreting the Findings

What do the results mean? It may seem obvious to you, but simply looking at the figures in the Results section will not necessarily convey to readers the importance of the findings in answering your research questions.

The exact structure of interpretations depends on the type of research being conducted. Here are some common approaches to interpreting data:

Identifying correlations and relationships in the findings
Explaining whether the results confirm or undermine your research hypothesis
Giving the findings context within the history of similar research studies
Discussing unexpected results and analyzing their significance to your study or general research
Offering alternative explanations and arguing for your position

Organize the Discussion section around key arguments, themes, hypotheses, or research questions or problems. Again, make sure to follow the same order as you did in the Results section.

Discussion Part 3: Discussing the Implications

In addition to providing your own interpretations, show how your results fit into the wider scholarly literature you surveyed in the literature review section. This section is called the implications of the study . Show where and how these results fit into existing knowledge, what additional insights they contribute, and any possible consequences that might arise from this knowledge, both in the specific research topic and in the wider scientific domain.

Questions to ask yourself when dealing with potential implications:

Do your findings fall in line with existing theories, or do they challenge these theories or findings? What new information do they contribute to the literature, if any? How exactly do these findings impact or conflict with existing theories or models?
What are the practical implications on actual subjects or demographics?
What are the methodological implications for similar studies conducted either in the past or future?

Your purpose in giving the implications is to spell out exactly what your study has contributed and why researchers and other readers should be interested.

Phrase examples: Discussing the implications of the research

These results confirm the existing evidence in X studies…
The results are not in line with the foregoing theory that…
This experiment provides new insights into the connection between…
These findings present a more nuanced understanding of…
While previous studies have focused on X, these results demonstrate that Y.

Step 4: Acknowledging the limitations

All research has study limitations of one sort or another. Acknowledging limitations in methodology or approach helps strengthen your credibility as a researcher. Study limitations are not simply a list of mistakes made in the study. Rather, limitations help provide a more detailed picture of what can or cannot be concluded from your findings. In essence, they help temper and qualify the study implications you listed previously.

Study limitations can relate to research design, specific methodological or material choices, or unexpected issues that emerged while you conducted the research. Mention only those limitations directly relate to your research questions, and explain what impact these limitations had on how your study was conducted and the validity of any interpretations.

Possible types of study limitations:

Insufficient sample size for statistical measurements
Lack of previous research studies on the topic
Methods/instruments/techniques used to collect the data
Limited access to data
Time constraints in properly preparing and executing the study

After discussing the study limitations, you can also stress that your results are still valid. Give some specific reasons why the limitations do not necessarily handicap your study or narrow its scope.

Phrase examples: Limitations sentence beginners

“There may be some possible limitations in this study.”
“The findings of this study have to be seen in light of some limitations.”
“The first limitation is the…The second limitation concerns the…”
“The empirical results reported herein should be considered in the light of some limitations.”
“This research, however, is subject to several limitations.”
“The primary limitation to the generalization of these results is…”
“Nonetheless, these results must be interpreted with caution and a number of limitations should be borne in mind.”

Discussion Part 5: Giving Recommendations for Further Research

Based on your interpretation and discussion of the findings, your recommendations can include practical changes to the study or specific further research to be conducted to clarify the research questions. Recommendations are often listed in a separate Conclusion section , but often this is just the final paragraph of the Discussion section.

Suggestions for further research often stem directly from the limitations outlined. Rather than simply stating that “further research should be conducted,” provide concrete specifics for how future can help answer questions that your research could not.

Phrase examples: Recommendation sentence beginners

Further research is needed to establish …
There is abundant space for further progress in analyzing…
A further study with more focus on X should be done to investigate…
Further studies of X that account for these variables must be undertaken.

Consider Receiving Professional Language Editing

As you edit or draft your research manuscript, we hope that you implement these guidelines to produce a more effective Discussion section. And after completing your draft, don’t forget to submit your work to a professional proofreading and English editing service like Wordvice, including our manuscript editing service for paper editing , cover letter editing , SOP editing , and personal statement proofreading services. Language editors not only proofread and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and formatting but also improve terms and revise phrases so they read more naturally. Wordvice is an industry leader in providing high-quality revision for all types of academic documents.

For additional information about how to write a strong research paper, make sure to check out our full research writing series !

Wordvice Writing Resources

How to Write a Research Paper Introduction
Which Verb Tenses to Use in a Research Paper
How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper
How to Write a Research Paper Title
Useful Phrases for Academic Writing
Common Transition Terms in Academic Papers
Active and Passive Voice in Research Papers
100+ Verbs That Will Make Your Research Writing Amazing
Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers

Additional Academic Resources

Guide for Authors. (Elsevier)
How to Write the Results Section of a Research Paper. (Bates College)
Structure of a Research Paper. (University of Minnesota Biomedical Library)
How to Choose a Target Journal (Springer)
How to Write Figures and Tables (UNC Writing Center)

College Essay
Argumentative Essay
Expository Essay
Narrative Essay
Descriptive Essay
Scholarship Essay
Admission Essay
Reflective Essay
Nursing Essay
Economics Essay

Assignments

Term Papers
Research Papers
Case Studies
Dissertation
Presentation
Write My Assignment
Editing Help
Cheap Essay Writing
How to Order

Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Discussion Section

How To Write A Discussion For A Research Paper | Examples & Tips

What Exactly is a Discussion Section in the Research Paper?

In a research paper, the discussion section is where you explain what your results really mean. It's like answering the questions, "So what?" and "What's the big picture?"

The discussion section is your chance to help your readers understand why your findings are important and how they fit into the larger context. It's more than just summarizing; it's about making your research understandable and meaningful to others.

Importance of the Discussion Section

The discussion section isn't just a formality; it's the heart of your research paper. This is where your findings transform from data into knowledge.

Let's break down why it's so crucial:

Interpretation of Results : The discussion is where you get to tell readers what your results really mean. You go into the details, helping them understand the story behind the numbers or findings.
Connecting the Dots : You connect different parts of your research, showing how they relate. This helps your readers see the bigger picture.
Relevance to the Big Picture : You get to highlight why your research matters. How does it contribute to the broader understanding of the topic? This is your time to make your research significant.
Addressing Limitations : In the discussion, you can acknowledge any limitations in your study and discuss how they might impact your results.
Suggestions for Further Research : The discussion is where you suggest areas for future exploration. It's like passing the baton to the next researcher, indicating where more work could be done.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write the Discussion Section of a Research Paper?

The Discussion section in a research paper plays a vital role in interpreting findings and formulating a conclusion . Given below are the main components of the discussion section:

Quick Summary: A brief recap of your main findings.
Interpretation: Significance and meaning of your results in relation to your research question.
Literature Review : Connecting your findings with previous research or similar studies.
Limitations: Discussing any study limitations, addressing potential concerns.
Implications: Broader implications of your findings, considering practical and theoretical aspects.
Alternative Explanations: Evaluating alternative interpretations, demonstrating a comprehensive analysis.
Connecting to Hypotheses : Summarizing how your result section aligns or diverges from your initial hypotheses.

Now let’s explore the steps to write an effective discussion section that will effectively communicate the significance of your research:

Step 1: Get Started with a Quick Summary

Start by quickly telling your readers the main things you found in your research. Don't explain them in detail just yet; just give a simple overview.

This helps your readers get the big picture before diving into the details.

Step 2: Interpret Your Results

In the next step, talk about what your findings really mean. Share why the information you gathered is important. Connect each result to the questions you were trying to answer and the goals you set for your research.

Step 3: Relate to Existing Literature

In this step, link up your discoveries with what other researchers have already figured out.

Share if your results are similar to or different from what's been found before. This helps give more background to your study and shows you know what other scientists have been up to.

Step 4: Address Limitations Honestly

Every study has its limitations. Acknowledge them openly in your discussion. This not only shows transparency but also helps readers interpret your results more accurately.

Step 5: Discuss the Implications

Explore the implications of your findings. How do they contribute to the field? What real-world applications or changes might they suggest?

Dig into why your discoveries are important. How do they help the subject you studied?

This step is like looking at the bigger picture and asking, "So, what can we do with this information?"

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Step 6: Consider Alternative Explanations

After discussing the implications, challenge yourself by exploring alternative explanations for your results.

Discuss different perspectives and show that you've considered multiple angles.

Step 7: Connect to Your Hypotheses or Research Questions

For the last step, revisit your initial hypotheses or research questions. Explain whether your results support what you thought might happen or if they surprised you.

Examples of Good Discussion for a Research Paper

Learning from well-crafted discussions can significantly enhance your own writing. Given below are some examples to help you understand how to write your own.

Discussion for a Research Paper Example Pdf

Discussion for a Medical Research Paper

Discussion Section for a Qualitative Research Paper

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Research Paper's Discussion

Writing the discussion section of your research paper can be tricky. To make sure you're on the right track, be mindful of these common mistakes:

Overstating or Overinterpreting Results

Avoid making your findings sound more groundbreaking than they are. Stick to what your data actually shows, and don't exaggerate.

Neglecting Alternative Explanations

Failing to consider other possible explanations for your results can weaken your discussion. Always explore alternative perspectives to present a well-rounded view.

Ignoring Limitations

Don't sweep limitations under the rug. Acknowledge them openly and discuss how they might affect the validity or generalizability of your results.

Being Overly Technical or Jargon-laden

Remember that your audience may not be experts in your specific field. Avoid using overly technical language or excessive jargon that could alienate your readers.

Disregarding the 'So What' Factor

Always explain the significance of your findings. Don't leave your readers wondering why your research matters or how it contributes to the broader understanding of the subject.

Rushing the Conclusion

The conclusion section of your discussion is critical. Don't rush it. Summarize the key points and leave your readers with a strong understanding of the significance of your research.

So, there you have it —writing a discussion and conclusion section isn't easy, but avoiding some common mistakes can make it much smoother.

Remember to keep it real with your results, think about what else could explain things, and don't forget about any limits in your study.

But if you're feeling stuck, MyPerfectWords.com is here for you.

Buy research paper now and let our team of experts handle your paper. Whether you need some guidance or want someone to handle the writing for you, we've got your back.

So, don't let discussion writing stress you out. Let our paper writing service make your academic life easier.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Struggling With Your Paper?

Get a custom paper written at

With a FREE Turnitin report, and a 100% money-back guarantee

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Keep reading

OFFER EXPIRES SOON!

IMAGES

apa paper discussion section
Discussion Section Of Research Paper
How to Write Discussions and Conclusions
How to Write a Discussion Section
(PDF) DISCUSSION PAPER "KNOWLEDGE BASED PRACTICE": SOME MODELS OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
[PDF] Writing the Discussion Section: Describing the Significance of the Study Findings

COMMENTS

How to Write a Discussion Section | Tips & Examples - Scribbr
Aug 21, 2022 · The discussion section is where you delve into the meaning, importance, and relevance of your results.. It should focus on explaining and evaluating what you found, showing how it relates to your literature review and paper or dissertation topic, and making an argument in support of your overall conclusion.
Best Way to Write the Research Paper Discussion Section ...
Oct 25, 2024 · The research paper discussion section is the place to only discuss why or how this may have happened to present the favouring evidence in your research paper. Avoid Undermining Your Research; Try not to overemphasise the limitations or weaknesses present in your study because it weakens the credibility of your content.
Discussion Section of a Research Paper: Guide & Example
Sep 30, 2022 · Step 2. Answer the Questions in Your Discussion Section of a Research Paper. Writing the discussion section of a research paper also involves mentioning your questions. Remember that in your introduction, you have promised your readers to answer certain questions. Well, now it’s a perfect time to finally give the awaited answer.
Discussion Section Examples and Writing Tips - Ref-n-Write ...
Sep 12, 2023 · 3.6. An example of future work in discussion. It is important to remember not to end your paper with limitations. Finish your paper on a positive note by telling your readers about the benefits of your research and possible future directions.
How to Write an Effective Discussion in a Research Paper; a ...
Apr 23, 2022 · Discussion is mainly the section in a research paper that makes the readers understand the exact meaning of the results achieved in a study by exploring the significant points of the research, its ...
Discussion Section for Research Papers - San José State ...
The discussion reviews the findings and puts them into the context of the overall research. It brings together all the sections that came before it and allows a reader to see the connections between each part of the research paper. In a discussion section, the author engages in three necessary steps: interpretation, analysis, and explanation.
How to Write a Discussion For a Research Paper in 5 Steps
Mar 6, 2024 · 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.
Organizing Academic Research Papers: 8. The Discussion
Jul 18, 2023 · IV. Overall Objectives. The objectives of your discussion section should include the following: I. Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings Briefly reiterate for your readers the research problem or problems you are investigating and the methods you used to investigate them, then move quickly to describe the major findings of the study.
How to Write a Discussion Section for a Research Paper
Mar 8, 2024 · Learn how to write a Discussion for a research paper. Discuss study findings and include implications, limitations, and recommendations. 1-888-627-6631;
How To Write a Discussion for a Research Paper in 7 Steps
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Research Paper's Discussion . Writing the discussion section of your research paper can be tricky. To make sure you're on the right track, be mindful of these common mistakes: Overstating or Overinterpreting Results; Avoid making your findings sound more groundbreaking than they are.

"Christmas Offer"

A Complete Guide to Forming a Research Paper Discussion

What is the Purpose of a Discussion Section?

Things to Avoid While Writing the Discussion Portion of a Research Paper

Rewriting the Results Section

Drawing Conclusions without References

Adding New Information

Selective Addition of Results

Avoid Undermining Your Research

How to Write a Discussion in a Research Paper?

Concisely Present Key Findings

Present Interpretations of Findings in Context

Discuss Future Implications of Research

Highlight Limitations

Highlight Areas of Potential Research (Recommendations)

Hire an Expert Researcher

What is the Difference Between Discussion and Conclusion Section in a Research Paper?

How Can the Main Points of the Discussion Section be Constructed?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a discussion template for a research paper?

Is there any difference between the discussion and results section?

You May Also Like

As Featured On

How to Write a Discussion Section: Writing Guide

What Is in the Discussion Section of a Research Paper

How to Write a Discussion Section in 5 Steps

Step 1. Start Strong: Discussion Section of a Research Paper

Step 2. Answer the Questions in Your Discussion Section of a Research Paper

Step 3. Relate Your Results in a Discussion Section

Step 4. Describe the Limitations in Your Discussion Section

Step 5. Conclude Your Discussion Section With Recommendations

Discussion Section of a Research Paper Example

How to Write a Discussion Section: Final Thoughts

Discussion Section of a Research Paper: Frequently Asked Questions

2. What's the difference between the discussion and the results?

3. What's the difference between a discussion and a conclusion?

4. What is the purpose of the discussion section?

You may also like

Discussion Section Examples and Writing Tips

1. What is the purpose of the discussion section?

2. How should I structure my discussion section?

3. Discussion Examples

3.1. An example of research summary in discussion

3.2. An example of result interpretation in discussion

3.3. An example of literature comparison in discussion

3.4. An example of research implications in discussion

3.5. An example of limitations in discussion

3.6. An example of future work in discussion

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Posts

Figures and Tables in Research Papers – Tips and Examples

Critical Literature Review : How to Critique a Research Article?

Introduction Paragraph Examples and Writing Tips

Materials and Methods Examples and Writing Tips

3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid in the Research Introduction

Technical Terms, Notations, and Scientific Jargon in Research Papers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to Write a Discussion For a Research Paper | Objectives, Steps & Examples

What is the Discussion Section in Research?

Elements of Discussion Section

Main Objectives of Discussion Section

How To Structure a Discussion

Step 1: Summarize your Results

Step 2: Provide Interpretations

Step 3: Unpack the Implications

Step 4: Discuss the Limitation

Common Sources of Limitations

How to Mention Limitations in the Discussion Section

Step 5: Offer Recommendations

How to Offer Recommendations

Discussion Writing Tips - DO'S & DONT'S

Discussion Section Examples

Keep reading

Organizing Academic Research Papers: 8. The Discussion

Importance of a Good Discussion

Structure and Writing Style

Writing Tip

Another Writing Tip

Yet Another Writing Tip

Research Support