THE DISCUSSION

The Discussion uses study results to test and create scientific models.

Why do papers have a Discussion section?

The purpose of the Results section is to present data and logical conclusions that do not require interpretation or subjective judgment. In contrast, the Discussion section provides an opportunity to interpret data and answer the question: "What do the findings mean?" (Bolt and Bruins, 2012). 

The Discussion is the section that reveals the actual discoveries of the research study. The Discussion is where the real science happens, so to speak. The Discussion is where the authors use the results of a study to improve our scientific understanding (our scientific models) of the world.

Finding meaning and improving general models is at the heart of the scientific enterprise. Therefore, writing a Discussion section can be a daunting prospect. 

A reasonable way to start thinking about the Discussion section is by clearly, simply, and plainly identifying the main discoveries of the study. The purpose of the Discussion is to explain and defend each main discovery. Defending as few (i.e. one, or at most three) main discoveries as possible can help focus and strengthen the Discussion.

For hypothesis-based studies, we can think about the Discussion as answering the specific question:

WHY do the results (i.e. the conclusions about the Measurable Hypotheses) either support existing General Hypotheses or lead us to propose new General Hypotheses?