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Questions and Tasks
(Price et al., 2017)
The discussion is the last major section of the research report. Discussions may include the following elements:
The discussion typically begins with a summary of the study and a clear answer to the research question:
You will also include four other sections in the discussion:
(Price et al., 2015)
The discussion is the last major section of the research report. Discussions usually consist of some combination of the following elements:
The discussion typically begins with a summary of the study that provides a clear answer to the research question. In a short report with a single study, this might require no more than a sentence. In a longer report with multiple studies, it might require a paragraph or even two. The summary is often followed by a discussion of the theoretical implications of the research. Do the results provide support for any existing theories? If not, how can they be explained? Although you do not have to provide a definitive explanation or detailed theory for your results, you at least need to outline one or more possible explanations. In applied research—and often in basic research—there is also some discussion of the practical implications of the research. How can the results be used, and by whom, to accomplish some real-world goal?
The theoretical and practical implications are often followed by a discussion of the study’s limitations. Perhaps there are problems with its internal or external validity. Perhaps the manipulation was not very effective or the measures not very reliable. Perhaps there is some evidence that participants did not fully understand their task or that they were suspicious of the intent of the researchers. Now is the time to discuss these issues and how they might have affected the results. But do not overdo it. All studies have limitations, and most readers will understand that a different sample or different measures might have produced different results. Unless there is good reason to think they would have, however, there is no reason to mention these routine issues. Instead, pick two or three limitations that seem like they could have influenced the results, explain how they could have influenced the results, and suggest ways to deal with them.
Most discussions end with some suggestions for future research. If the study did not satisfactorily answer the original research question, what will it take to do so? What new research questions has the study raised? This part of the discussion, however, is not just a list of new questions. It is a discussion of two or three of the most important unresolved issues. This means identifying and clarifying each question, suggesting some alternative answers, and even suggesting ways they could be studied.
Some researchers are quite good at ending their articles with a sweeping or thought-provoking conclusion. However, it is often best simply to end when you have made your final point (although you should avoid ending on a limitation).
(Brigham Young University-Idaho, ChatGPT 4, 2024)
The following are samples of phrases often used in discussion sections:
Interpreting Results
"These results suggest that..."
"It appears from the data that..."
Comparing Findings
"Compared to earlier studies, this research shows..."
"Unlike [previous work], this study indicates..."
Explaining Significance
"This finding is significant because..."
"The importance of this result lies in..."
Acknowledging Limitations
"A limitation of this study is..."
"Despite its strengths, this research does not address..."
Suggesting Future Research
"Further research could explore..."
"Future studies should consider..."
Drawing Conclusions
"In conclusion, this study demonstrates..."
"Overall, these findings indicate..."
Making Recommendations
"Based on the findings, it is recommended that..."
"The results suggest that policymakers should..."
Summarizing
"In summary, the study highlights..."
"Overall, the data points to..."
"To summarize, our research confirms..."
(The University of Arizona Global Campus, 2023)
In academic writing, it is important to avoid using language that can be seen as biased. Bias happens when writers choose language that is either not specific or not sensitive to labels. This overview can help academic writers understand how to avoid bias.
NOTE: All content is licensed CC-BY-NC unless otherwise noted. This courseware includes resources from multiple individuals and organizations. See the “References” section at the bottom of each page for copyright and licensing information specific to the material on that page. If you believe that this courseware violates your copyright, please contact us.
References
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (version 4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
License: CC-BY-NC
Price, P. C., Jhangiani, R., & Chiang, I.-C. A. (2015). Research Methods in Psychology—2nd Canadian Edition (2nd ed.). BC Campus. https://opentextbc.ca/researchmethods/chapter/writing-a-research-report-in-american-psychological-association-apa-style/
License: CC-BY-NC-SA
Price, P. C., Jhangiani, R., Chiang, I.-C. A., Leighton, D. C., & Cuttler, C. (2017). Research Methods in Psychology. Pressbooks. https://opentext.wsu.edu/carriecuttler/chapter/11-2-writing-a-research-report-in-american-psychological-association-apa-style/
The University of Arizona Global Campus. (2023). Avoiding Bias. The University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center. https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/avoiding-bias
License: CC-BY