The discussion of findings is a crucial section of any dissertation. It is where you analyse and interpret the results of your research, providing a deeper understanding of the implications and significance of your findings. Writing an effective discussion requires careful planning and consideration. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips to help you how to write discussion in dissertation of findings.
Recapitulate the Research Questions and Objectives:
Begin your discussion by restating the research questions and objectives of your study. This serves as a reminder to the reader and sets the stage for the subsequent analysis. Restating the questions ensures that your discussion is focused and directly addresses the research goals.
Present the Findings:
Present your findings clearly and concisely. Organise the presentation of your results in a logical sequence, highlighting the most important findings first. Use tables, graphs, or figures to present complex data visually appealingly. Remember to refer to the results section of your dissertation for the detailed data.
Interpret the Findings:
After presenting the findings, it is essential to interpret them in the context of your research questions and objectives. Discuss the meaning and implications of your results. Analyse the patterns, trends, and relationships that emerge from the data. Consider the expected and unexpected findings, and explain any discrepancies or outliers. Use theoretical frameworks or existing literature to support your interpretations.
Relate to Existing Literature:
Situate your findings within the existing body of literature. Compare and contrast your results with previous studies or theories. Identify areas of agreement or disagreement. If your findings align with existing research, discuss how they contribute to the current knowledge base. If they challenge or contradict previous findings, explain the potential reasons and offer alternative explanations.
Address Limitations:
Every research study has limitations, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address them in the discussion section. Discuss the constraints and potential sources of bias that may have influenced your results. This demonstrates your awareness of the study’s limitations and helps maintain the integrity of your research. Suggest future research avenues to overcome these limitations and build upon your findings.
Discuss Implications:
Explain the broader implications of your findings. Discuss the practical, theoretical, or methodological implications of your research. How do your results contribute to the field? What are the potential applications or recommendations? Consider the significance of your findings within the context of the research area and its potential impact on practice, policy, or further academic inquiry.
Answer Research Questions:
Revisit the research questions posed at the beginning of your study and provide direct answers based on your findings. Be concise and explicit in linking each research question to its corresponding answer. This demonstrates your ability to fulfil the objectives of your study and provides closure to the discussion section.
Provide a Synthesis:
In the final part of your discussion, synthesise the main findings and key points. Summarise the implications and contributions of your research. Emphasise the significance of your findings and highlight their relevance to the research field. Avoid introducing new information or raising questions in this section; focus on summarising and reinforcing the main arguments.
Maintain Objectivity:
While interpreting and discussing your findings, it is important to maintain objectivity and avoid speculation. Stick to the facts and evidence presented by your research. Do not overstate the significance of your results or make unsupported claims. A balanced and evidence-based discussion enhances the credibility and validity of your dissertation.
Seek Feedback:
Before finalising your discussion section, seek feedback from your advisor or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Incorporate their feedback, revise your discussion accordingly, and ensure it aligns with your dissertation’s overall structure and flow.
Writing the discussion of findings in a dissertation is a challenging task. Still, with careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a compelling and well-supported analysis of your research results. By following these tips, you can ensure that your discussion effectively communicates the significance and implications of your findings, contributing to advancing knowledge in your field.