Chapter 13 – Evaluating Discussion Sections

The Discussion section usually concludes a research article. One of the most important parts of the Discussion section is to outline the main limitations of the study design, sampling, or measures. The researchers review the results of their study in light of its limitations, situate the findings within the body of the relevant research literature, and interpret what the findings mean for the theory (if the study is closely tied to a theory). In addition, the researchers describe the implications of their study results for policy and practice and outline specific directions for future research, which can help answer the type of research questions that were not answered in the study and compensate for any possible study design weaknesses. The chapter includes evaluation questions accompanied by examples (excerpts from Discussion sections of research reports) to help students assess how complete and effective the Discussion section of an article is. The end-of-chapter exercises help reinforce the knowledge gained.