FAQ About Academic Paper

The discussion section of an academic paper allows you to interpret and explain the significance of your findings in relation to the research objectives, theoretical frameworks, and existing literature. Here are some steps to help you write an effective discussion section:

• Recapitulate the Findings: Begin by summarizing the main findings of your study. Provide a concise overview of the key results, highlighting the most important or interesting outcomes. Use clear and straightforward language to present the findings.
• Relate Findings to Research Objectives: Connect the findings back to your research objectives or questions. Discuss how the results address the specific aims of your study. Identify which aspects of your research objectives are supported, contradicted, or warrant further investigation based on the findings.
• Compare with Existing Literature: Situate your findings within the context of the existing literature. Compare and contrast your results with previous studies or theories in your field. Identify similarities, differences, or contradictions between your findings and the findings of others. Discuss how your results contribute to the current knowledge base.
• Interpret the Findings: Provide a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. Explain the meaning and significance of the results in relation to your research objectives. Consider the underlying mechanisms or processes that may explain the observed patterns. Use evidence from the data, relevant theories, or established concepts to support your interpretations.
• Discuss Unexpected or Contradictory Findings: Address any unexpected or contradictory findings that emerged during the analysis. Offer possible explanations for these unexpected outcomes based on your data and the existing literature. Consider alternative interpretations or factors that may have influenced these findings.
• Explore Implications and Applications: Discuss the broader implications of your findings. Consider the practical applications or theoretical implications of the results. Discuss how your research contributes to the understanding of the topic, advances the field, or informs future research or interventions.
• Address Limitations: Acknowledge and discuss the limitations of your study. Reflect on the potential biases, methodological constraints, or sample limitations that may affect the interpretation of the findings. Discuss the impact of these limitations on the generalizability, validity, or reliability of the results.
• Propose Future Research Directions: Identify areas for future research based on the gaps or unanswered questions revealed by your study. Suggest potential avenues for further investigation or ways to address the limitations of your research. Discuss how future studies can build upon your findings to deepen the understanding of the topic.
• Present Conclusions: Summarize the main conclusions drawn from your study. Restate the significance of your findings in relation to the research objectives and the broader research context. Clearly state the contributions your study makes to the field and any recommendations that arise from your findings.
• Maintain Objectivity: Maintain an objective and unbiased tone throughout the discussion section. Support your interpretations and conclusions with evidence from the data and the literature. Acknowledge any uncertainties or limitations that may affect the interpretation of the findings.