What Goes In The Discussion Section Of An APA Paper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The goal of the discussion section is

to interpret your findings and place them in the broader context of the literature in the area

. A discussion section is like the reverse of the introduction, in that you begin with the specifics and work toward the more general (funnel out).

What goes in the discussion section of a research paper?

A good discussion section includes

analysis of any unexpected findings

. This paragraph should begin with a description of the unexpected finding, followed by a brief interpretation as to why you believe it appeared and, if necessary, its possible significance in relation to the overall study.

What goes in the discussion section in APA?

  1. DO: Provide context and explain why people should care. DON'T: Simply rehash your results. …
  2. DO: Emphasize the positive. DON'T: Exaggerate. …
  3. DO: Look toward the future. DON'T: End with it.

How do you write a discussion and results in APA?

  1. Use the past tense. The results section should be written in the past tense.
  2. Be concise and objective. You will have the opportunity to give your own interpretations of the results in the discussion section.
  3. Use APA format. …
  4. Visit your library. …
  5. Get a second opinion.

How do you structure a discussion section?

The discussion section can be written in 3 parts: an

introductory paragraph, intermediate and a conclusion paragraph

. For intermediate paragraphs, a “divide and conquer” approach, meaning a full paragraph describing each of the study endpoints, can be used.

What is the discussion section?

The discussion section contains

the results and outcomes of a study

. An effective discussion informs readers what can be learned from your experiment and provides context for the results.

How do you write a discussion and results section?

  1. Don't repeat results.
  2. Order simple to complex (building to conclusion); or may state conclusion first.
  3. Conclusion should be consistent with study objectives/research question. …
  4. Emphasize what is new, different, or important about your results.
  5. Consider alternative explanations for the results.
  6. Limit speculation.

What goes in the discussion section of a dissertation?

The discussion chapter is where you delve into the meaning, importance and relevance of your results. It should focus on

explaining and evaluating what you found

, showing how it relates to your literature review and research questions, and making an argument in support of your overall conclusion.

What is the discussion method?

Discussion methods are

a variety of forums for open-ended, collaborative exchange of ideas

among a teacher and students or among students for the purpose of furthering students thinking, learning, problem solving, understanding, or literary appreciation.

How do you start a discussion in a research paper?


Begin by briefly re-stating the research problem you were investigating and answer all of the research questions underpinning

the problem that you posed in the introduction. Describe the patterns, principles, and relationships shown by each major findings and place them in proper perspective.

How do you cite a discussion in APA?

When citing a discussion post in your reference list, include the author of the post, the date,

the name of the discussion thread, and the course URL

. Your in-text citation would follow the normal citation order: (Smattering, 2014).

How do you write a discussion guide?

  1. #1: Define goals, research questions and hypotheses with stakeholders.
  2. #2: Structure your guide into key sections, each serving a unique purpose.
  3. #3: Trial and error.
  4. #4: Ask for feedback, but carefully consider from whom and on what.

What's included in a methods section?

The methods section should

describe what was done to answer the research question, describe how it was done, justify the experimental design, and explain how the results were analyzed

. Scientific writing is direct and orderly.

What is an example of discussion?

An example of a discussion is

when two or more people disagree and decide to sit down and talk out their different opinions

. … Conversation or debate concerning a particular topic. There was then a long discussion of whether to capitalize words like “east”. This topic is not open to discussion.

How do you write a discussion chapter?

Discussion Chapter: Main Goals and Writing Approaches

To do this, follow three important suggestions: Answer those questions posed in the introduction (central research questions) Show how the answers are supported by the results. Explain how the answers fit relative to the existing body of knowledge about the subject.

How do you write a systematic review discussion?

  1. Summary of main findings.
  2. Interpretation of main findings (don't repeat results)
  3. Strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Comparison with previous review findings or general literature.
  5. The degree to which the review answers the research question.
  6. Whether the hypothesis was confirmed.
Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.