Writing a discussion section is to explain the results of your study, clarify their significance, and place them in the background of current research. It links your findings to a wider field and suggests implications for future research directions.
Writing portion of the discussion may look intriguing, but it is an internal segment of any examination paper. This is where you get your discoveries, legitimize their significance, and put them in the setting of a bigger field.
In this blog, you will learn about writing an actual discussion section in a research paper. It includes detailed information about its structure, length, examples, and tips for making a more valuable and authentic research paper.
What is the Format of the Discussion Section?
There is no strict format for the research section, but it generally follows a common structure that helps present your results clearly and effectively. Here is a basic arrange to take after:
Restate the Research Problem:
Organize your research question or issue again, and summarize the important findings from your study. This helps the reader focus on your research and completes the explanation of the results.
Results Interpretation:
Discuss the assumptions of your research findings in relation to the research question. Describe the consequences of your results and how they influence the field. If your results were surprising, try to describe why that might be.
Compare with Previous Studies:
Compare your results with previous studies. Highlight agreements or contradictions and discuss possible reasons for these differences. This comparison shows how your study fits into the existing body of knowledge.
Limitations in Addressing:
No research is perfect, so it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of your research paper. Factors like sample size, methodology obstacles, or biases can impact results. Accepting these boundaries increases the credibility of your study.
Future Research Suggestion:
Based on your conclusions, suggest areas where further research is needed. This can help guide future studies and shows that your work has opened new avenues for exploration.
Conclusion:
End your conversation with a sound conclusion that sums up the main points and repeats the significance of your findings. This leaves a permanent impression on the reader.
Recommended Length for the Discussion Section in a Research Paper
The discussion section’s recommended length based on the common length of your paper and the difficulty level of your results. Usually, for a standard research paper of about ten pages, the discussion would usually be around 2-3 pages.
However, it is not about counting the number of words but rather about the quality and depth of your analysis. Make sure to fully understand every aspect of your results without relying solely on more words. If your results are straightforward, a brief discussion may suffice. If your results are complex or surprising, you’ll need more space to explore their implications fully.
How to Write a Discussion Example
Writing a paper can be confronting, but here is a step-by-step practice that will advantage you to establish an effective discussion sector.
Let’s use an instance from an imaginary study on the effects of online studying on student efficiency.
Restating the Research Challenges:
“It examined how online learning influences student participation. The results specified that students established similar levels of busyness in the online learning situation compared to traditional classroom schedules.”
Interpret the Results:
These results show that online learning can be just as effective as traditional learning in maintaining a student’s busy schedule. This supports previous research, which found no significant difference in engagement levels between online and face-to-face learning. It all differs on the studying environment.
Previous Studies Comparison:
“Contrary to other research, which reported lower engagement in online studies, this study suggests that when online courses are well structured and engaging. Their results match conventional classroom engagement levels. The difference can be attributed to the focus on the current study, which is a well-designed online learning environment. “
Address Limitations:
“In contrast to its results, this study has certain limitations, such as a limited pool of contributors and reliance on self-reported data. Future research could use a larger, more diverse sample and include objective measures, such as company records.”
Suggest Future Research:
“Support for research is essential to evaluate the long-term impacts of online learning on the economy and teaching practices. Furthermore, studying online courses can pinpoint specific features that most effectively enhance a student’s productivity.”
Research conclusion:
“This study suggests that online learning can be an effective option for students, particularly in enhancing engagement. These findings are vital for educational institutions as they align with the fostering demand for flexible learning options.”
Example of Discussion of Findings in Research
Let’s look at another short example of discussing findings, this time from a study on exercise and mental health.
Discussion Example:
In this research, it was found that there was a significant reduction in depression symptoms associated with regular aerobic exercise. These results are consistent with previous research, which highlighted the mental health benefits of consistent physical activity. The interventions provided additional effects in enhancing mood, possibly due to the suggested social support and accountability.
However, reliance on self-reported data can limit the accuracy of the results. For future research, it is important to consider long-term effects of exercise on mental health through thoughtful design. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into mental health interventions.
Importance of a Good Discussion
The central part of the discussion is important because it’s where you express your understanding of your research and its broader implications. A well written discussion:
Interprets Results: It delivers a clear understanding of the findings, explaining what they mean in the context of the research question.
Shows relevance: It connects your results to existing literature, showing how your work fits into the larger academic discussion.
Recognizes limitations: It displays that you recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your study, which increases your reliability as a researcher.
Guides Future Research: It suggests areas for further investigation, helping to advance knowledge in your field.
Strengthens Conclusions: An effective discussion highlights the significance of your findings and leaves a continuing impression on the reader.
Tips for Writing a Good Discussion
Be Clear and Concise: Avoid lingo and complex language. The discussion should be available and easy to understand.
Stay Attentive: Control your discussion, examine your research question, and prevent introducing new ideas or findings that were not examined in your study.
Be Honest About Limitations: Confessing the limits of your study doesn’t decline your research; it proves that you’re thorough and genuine.
Use Evidence: Support your interpretations with data from your study and references to previous research. This supports your disagreements and shows that your conclusions are well-understandable.
Be Balanced: Discuss both the strengths and the weaknesses of your study. Overemphasizing either can make your discussion seem biased.
Connect to the Bigger Picture: Relate your result back to the bigger context of the field. Describe how your research increases understanding or addresses a break in the literature.
Revise and Edit: Writing a good discussion takes time. Write a draft, then revise it to improve clarity, flow, and impact. Consider getting criticism from peers or mentors.
Conclusion
Writing a piece of a research paper can be difficult, but with clear structure and considerate analysis, it can be a helpful process. You can make an important addition to your field by answering the research question, focusing on your results, and comparing them with those of other studies.
Your discussion gains depth as you push boundaries, offer ideas for additional research, and successfully deliver outcomes. Besides showcasing your findings, a well-written explanation offers valuable insight into your field of research. Since the discussion is an essential and crucial component of the research study, keep an eye on how to write concisely and honestly.
