What is a Research Paper Discussion?
A research paper discussion informs the reader about the learning outcomes of the research study. Here, the author provides context for the results by explaining how they relate to existing literature, theories, and the overall body of knowledge in the field.
The discussion answers the questions you raised in the introduction by utilizing the results and findings gathered in the study.
Where to Place the Discussion Section?
The optimal place for the discussion is to write it after the research paper introduction and before the conclusion for a research paper. It is not a hard and fast rule to sum up your discussion in a single paragraph. You can utilize 2 or at max 3 paragraphs or a convincing discussion.
Understanding the Importance of a Good Discussion Section
Here’s why the discussion is one of the most significant sections of your research paper.
- Connects the Dots: The discussion links back to the questions raised in the introduction, showing how your study answers them.
- Engages with Experts: It places your study in a conversation with what smart people have said about the research paper topic, creating a connection to existing research.
- Guides the Reader: Think of it as a roadmap, pointing the way to the next stop in research and leaving readers at the start of new possibilities.
- Adds Meaning: It's not just a conclusion; it's the key to unlocking the meaning behind your findings, helping readers understand why your study is important.
- Highlights Significance: Demonstrates the significance of your study by explaining its impact on the reader's understanding of the research paper problem statement.
- Encourages Thinking: The discussion makes readers speculate more about why your study matters, helping them see the bigger picture.
- Keeps the Conversation Going: It suggests new questions or areas to explore, so the study isn't just an endpoint but a starting point for more research.
Read on to see what key elements make up a great discussion.
Key Components of a Research Paper Discussion
There are multiple ways to write the discussion section, but usually, it revolves around the following key elements.
- Interpretation of Results
Explains the meaning of your findings and how they address the research questions or the research paper hypotheses.
- Comparison With Previous Studies
Discusses how your study and research findings align with or differ from previous studies in the field.
- Theoretical Implications
Explores the theoretical significance of your findings and their contribution to existing theories.
- Practical implications
Discusses the real-world applications or implications of your research.
- Limitations
Acknowledges any limitations in your study that may affect the interpretation of results.
- Suggestions for Future Research
Proposes directions for future research and highlights areas that need further exploration.
- Integration of Your Research Findings
Summarizes the key points discussed in the discussion section and restate the main conclusions drawn from the study.
After understanding the essential elements that make up the discussion section, you need to know how to combine them for a stellar discussion.
So, let’s move on to the writing steps.
How to Write a Discussion for a Research Paper in 6 Easy Steps
Follow these steps for writing a good research paper discussion section.
- Summarize Findings: Begin with a concise summary of your main results.
- Interpret Results: Interpret and explain the meaning of your findings.
- Compare with Literature: Compare your results to existing literature.
- Discuss Implications: Explore theoretical and practical implications.
- Acknowledge Limitations: Clearly state and discuss the limitations of your study.
- Propose Future Research: Suggest directions for future research.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each writing step.
Step 1. Summarize Your Findings
Begin this section by summarizing the key discoveries in your study. In a nutshell, tell your readers what you found, avoiding a repetition of raw data. Aim for clarity, condensing the main results into a brief paragraph.
You can start your summary with the following sentences:
- In this study, the key findings indicate...
- To distill the results, it is evident that...
- Summarizing our main discoveries, we observe...
Example:
In this study, our findings reveal a clear correlation between X and Y, shedding light on the relationship we set out to investigate. The data point to significant trends that address our primary research question. |
Step 2. Interpret Results and Your Findings
Move on to interpreting what your findings truly mean. Don't assume your readers will automatically understand the significance. Provide your insights and explanations, considering how the results align with your research question or research paper hypothesis.
You can start interpreting your results with the following sentences:
- Interpreting these results, it becomes clear that...
- These findings imply that...
- Exploring the meaning behind the data, we can infer that...
Example:
Digging into the interpretation, our study suggests that the observed correlation between X and Y implies a direct influence, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of this relationship. This interpretation is crucial in understanding the implications of our research. |
Step 3. Compare With Existing Literature
Connect your results to existing knowledge and previous research by comparing them with what other researchers have discovered. Show where your study fits into the broader context of the literature, and highlight any differences or similarities.
You can compare your research with existing literature by incorporating the following sentences:
- Aligning our results with existing literature, we find...
- Comparing our study to prior research, a parallel emerges...
- In relation to the broader scholarly conversation, our results resonate with...
Example:
Aligning our results with existing literature, we find resonance with the work of Smith (2022), supporting the idea that X and Y are indeed linked. However, our study introduces nuances not previously explored, contributing a fresh perspective to the ongoing scholarly conversation. |
Step 4. Discuss Implications of Your Research
Explore both the theoretical and practical implications of your research. Explain how your findings contribute to existing theories and discuss any real-world applications. Clarify why your study matters in a larger context.
You can start discussing your implication with the following sentences:
- Considering the implications of our study, it becomes apparent that...
- Beyond the theoretical implications, our findings hold practical significance by...
- Exploring the broader impact, our research suggests...
Example:
The implications of our study stretch beyond the academic realm. By solidifying the link between X and Y, we not only advance existing theories but also present practical insights for [industry/field], suggesting potential avenues for improvement or optimization. |
Step 5. Acknowledge the Limitations
Be transparent about the shortcomings of your study. Discuss any constraints in your research design, research paper methods, or unexpected challenges. This not only showcases your honesty but also helps readers understand the scope of your study.
Here are some limitation sentence starters:
- While our study contributes valuable insights, it's essential to acknowledge...
- Recognizing the constraints of our research, one limitation is...
- Despite the valuable findings, it's important to note the limitations, including...
Example:
While our study offers valuable insights, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations. The small sample size limits the generalizability of our findings and [mention any other limitations]. Despite these constraints, our results remain pertinent within the defined scope. |
Step 6. Propose Future Research
Wrap up by proposing directions for future research. Point out areas that need further exploration or refinement based on the gaps identified in your study. Provide a launchpad for future researchers to build upon your work.
Here are some future research sentence starters:
- This study sets the stage for future research by...
- To build upon this groundwork, future studies could...
- Exploring uncharted territory, future research might investigate...
Example:
This study opens the door for future investigations. Exploring [specific aspect], researchers could delve deeper into understanding [related phenomenon], expanding on the groundwork laid here. Additionally, examining [another area] could offer valuable insights into [broader topic]. |
In only 6 steps, you can craft research paper discussions that can convince readers that your study stands out from the rest and that it contributes to the specific field of research effectively.
Having said that, it is important to keep note of some common mistakes that you might make in the writing process. Let’s see what you should avoid in your research paper discussion.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Research Discussion Writing
For a balanced research paper discussion, read the following guidelines:
Don't Introduce Alternate Explanations Without Support:
Avoid presenting alternate explanations in the discussion without solid evidence from the results section or relevant literature. Speculation without a clear basis can weaken the effectiveness of your discussion.
Don't Overextend Into Similar Studies Without Context:
Refrain from discussing similar studies without providing proper context. While it's essential to relate your findings to existing literature, discussing similar studies should be done thoughtfully within the boundaries of your research scope.
Don't Replicate the Results Section:
Don't repeat your results over and over again during the discussion. The discussion should focus on interpretation and analysis rather than duplicating information from the results section.
Avoid Overemphasizing Conclusions:
Avoid placing too much emphasis on conclusions in the discussion section. Save comprehensive conclusions for the dedicated conclusion section of research paper. Keep the focus on interpreting your results and engaging in an effective discussion.
Don't Ignore Suggestions for Further Research:
Don't neglect to include suggestions for further research in your discussion. If you have ideas for what to do next, acknowledge them and include them in your discussion. However, avoid overloading the discussion with excessive recommendations.
Don't Disregard the Literature Review:
Avoid disregarding the research paper literature review in the discussion. Connect your findings back to the existing literature, ensuring a coherent narrative that contextualizes your results within the broader scholarly conversation.
Avoid Apologizing or Undermining:
Don't apologize or make statements that make your research seem less credible. Instead of doubting your methodology or execution, focus on addressing limitations transparently without reducing the overall impact of your study.
Don't Overstate Importance Without Support:
Refrain from overstating the importance of your findings without sufficient support. Make sure that your discussion maintains a realistic and measured tone. Always avoid grand statements that may lead readers to question the validity of your research.
Don't Neglect Transition Sentences:
Don't overlook the use of bridge sentences when reminding readers of your findings in the discussion. These sentences help smoothly transition between the results section and the interpretation, contributing to an effective and cohesive discussion.
Get Help From Some Practical Tips
Here are some tips for you to polish your discussion section to perfection.
- Keep your discussion concise and directly related to your main findings
- Address potential counterarguments to strengthen your discussion
- Try to engage readers with thought-provoking questions
- It is always a good idea to get input from peers to enhance the credibility of your discussion
- Share brief personal insights or reflections on the research process
- Always stick to the specific journal guidelines for the discussion section
- Maintain an objective and analytical tone throughout the discussion
Discussion for a Research Paper - Examples
Looking at examples is a great idea if you want to know how to write a research paper discussion.
To conclude, understanding the significance of crafting a powerful research paper discussion is vital. This guide has provided valuable insights and steps for creating an impactful discussion section.
By following our steps, we’re sure that you’ll be able to write the perfect discussion section for your research paper. However, it is still easier said than done.
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