Your Discussion Section (sometimes called the Conclusions or Results) describes the implications of your findings and widens the manuscript’s scope beyond the immediate results.

A successful Discussion Section puts your findings in context. It should include:

1. The key findings of your research

2. A discussion of related research

3. A comparison between your results and initial hypothesis

“A conclusion is the place where you got tired thinking.”
- Lytton Strachey

Give yourself 2-3 paragraphs to provide a comprehensive look at your study and its significance, each with specific and simple goals. Avoid the stress of concluding hours and hours of research into a single paragraph!

First Paragraph

• Provide the essential interpretation based on key findings

• Include a main piece of supporting evidence

Second paragraph

• Compare and contrast to previous studies

• Highlight the strengths and limitations of the study

• Discuss any unexpected findings

Third paragraph

• Summarize the hypothesis and purpose of the study

• Highlight the significance of the study

• Discuss unanswered questions and potential future research

The answers to these questions will help you to plan your Discussion Section. Consider:

1. Was my hypothesis correct?

2. What can be learned from the results?

3. How do the results reshape or add onto existing knowledge?

4. What does previous research say about the topic?

5. How can future research build on these observations?

6. What is the “take-home” message you want your reader to leave with?

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