How to Write the Discussion Section of a Research Paper

Introduction

• Writing the discussion section is complex and challenging.
• Aim: Interpret findings in the context of the research field.
• Key Areas: Application and implication of research results.
• Importance: Readers may not see results as the author does; must clearly convey information.

Structure of a Discussion Section

1. Paragraph 1: Summary of all results and Main Answer to the research question.
2. Middle Paragraphs: Discuss findings in sequence or importance.
3. Final Paragraphs: Limitations, strengths, applications, and future directions.

Key Elements in Discussion

1. Unexpected Findings

• Do not ignore them; reviewers will notice and question.
• Example: Ignoring unexpected results can result in reviewer backlash demanding explanations.

2. Concordant (Similar) Findings

• Explain why findings are similar to other studies.
• Include how your study adds more value to the existing literature.

3. Discordant (Different) Findings

• Identify reasons for differences (population, sample size, new theories).
• Discuss how your study contributes or presents a new perspective.

4. Implications and Applications

• Discuss the impact of study findings.
• Explain how results can be applied in different settings.
• Address potential objections and suggest future research directions.

Discussion Matrix and Planning

• Create a discussion matrix for efficient planning.
• Columns: Findings, Studies with Similar Findings, Studies with Discordant Findings, Application, and Implications.
• Share matrix with co-authors to ensure agreement before detailed writing.
• Avoid major revisions later by planning discussions thoroughly.

Weak vs. Strong Discussions

• Weak Discussions: Only state similarities or differences.
• Strong Discussions: State ‘why’ and ‘how’ studies are similar or different.
• Example Before Revision: Only summarized without much analytical thought.
• Example After Revision: Explaining why differences exist, supporting with evidence.
• Good practice: Starts with own findings, discusses supporting & contradicting studies, and explains differences and decisions.

Limitations

• Include various types of limitations:
  1. Inherent to study design (e.g., cross-sectional, cohort, qualitative studies, RCTs).
  2. Related to study instruments or data collection methods.
  3. Sample size or selection limitations.
  4. Administrative limitations (e.g., dropout rate, funding issues).
  5. Generalizability concerns.
• Do not just state limitations, but also explain how they impact the study and describe efforts to mitigate these limitations.

Practical Examples

• Elaborate on how limitations are mitigated.
• Example phrases to explain limitations and mitigating actions.

Conclusion

• Implementing these strategies can lead to more robust, clear, and impactful discussion sections in research papers.

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