Discussion

In LabWriteUp the discussion section is divided into ten parts or subsections to organise your write-up of the discussion.

The approach encouraged here is to take the following 10 steps:

1. State the results in words Begin the discussion section by saying what the results mean in words rather than in numbers. You should refer directly to your experimental hypothesis and say whether it is supported or not.
2. Consistency of the results Discuss the results in terms of how they measure up to previous findings.
3. Theory support/refute Mention which studies or theories the results support, or are consistent with, and which studies or theories the results do not support, or are inconsistent with.
4. Theory needs revising? State whether the findings suggest a revision of a particular theory. If they do, then say in what way the theory should be revised.
5. Generalisation of the results Discuss whether the findings of this study can be generalised in any way or are they confined to this type of sample and under these particular circumstances.
6. Weaknesses of the method Discuss any element of the method (e.g., lack of counterbalancing, poor selection of the material, and so on) that may force us to question the validity of the results.
7. Strengths of the study Discuss the strengths of the study, in reference to the method, that might allow us to think that the findings are valid for the theory under scrutiny.
8. Suggested improvements Given the previous discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of the study, say how these could be developed in a subsequent study (i.e., by describing the modifactions or improvements in some detail).
9. Possible future studies Include a brief outline of at least one future study that could be done using a different methods (e.g., a different dependent variable).
10. Conclusions A good conclusion acts like a solid full-stop to the report. Be brief but say precisely what you have found in the study.
    
    You can either work through these sections sequentially or you can skip to any subsection by clicking the corresponding button.

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