Discussion Forum on Differences between presenting and discussing research

results/findings

Discussing the results/findings of a research project

The purpose of the discussion section is to interpret and describe the significance of the study

findings in relation to what was already known about the research problem being investigated

and to explain any new understanding or insights that emerged as a result of the study. The

discussion will always connect to the introduction by way of the research questions or

hypotheses that were posed and the literature that was reviewed (“A complete dissertation - The

big picture. Available at: https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries - Google

Search,” 2023).

The content of the discussion section of the research paper most often includes;

1) Explanation of results: Comment on whether or not the results were expected for each set

of findings; go into greater depth to explain findings that were unexpected or especially

profound. If appropriate, any unusual or unanticipated patterns or trends that emerged

from the results are noted and their meaning explained in relation to the research

problem.

2) References to previous research: study results are either compared with the findings from

other studies or used to support a claim by using the studies. This can include re-visiting

key sources already cited in the literature review section, or, save them to cite later in the

discussion section if they are more important to compare with the study results instead of

being a part of the general literature review of prior research used to provide context and

background information.
 3) Deduction: An assertion about how the findings may be applied more broadly. For

example, describing lessons learned, proposing recommendations that can help improve a

situation, or highlighting best practices.

4) Hypothesis: A more general claim or possible conclusion arising from the results [which

may be proved or disproved in subsequent research]. This can be framed as new research

questions that emerged as a consequence of your analysis.

Presenting the results/findings of a research project

The results section is where the researcher reports the findings of the study based upon the

methodology applied to gather information. The results section should state the findings of the

research arranged in a logical sequence without bias or interpretation (“A complete dissertation -

The big picture. Available at: https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries - Google

Search,” 2023).

The content of the results section of a research paper most often include:

1) Introductory context for understanding the results by restating the research problem

underpinning the study. This is useful in re-orientating the reader's focus back to the

research problem after having read a review of the literature and your explanation of the

methods used for gathering and analyzing information.

2) Inclusion of non-textual elements, such as, figures, charts, photos, maps, tables, etc. to

further illustrate key findings, if appropriate. Rather than relying entirely on descriptive

text, research findings can also be presented visually. The researcher can consider

referring to appendices if there is a lot of non-textual elements.

 3) A systematic description of the results, highlighting for the reader observations that are

most relevant to the topic under investigation. Not all results that emerge from the

methodology used to gather information may be related to answering the research

question.

Additionally, the page length of the results section is guided by the amount and types of data to

be reported. Therefore, the researcher should only focus on findings that are important and

related to addressing the research problem.

Lastly, a short paragraph that concludes the results section by synthesizing the key findings of

the study should be included.

References

Sage Publications (n.d.) A complete dissertation - The big picture. Available at:

https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/47686_ch_1.pdf [accessed:

10/12/2021].