Research is ultimately about making progress in human knowledge, so it is important to see whether the knowledge you just created aligns with what others have done. During your literature review, you likely found other experiments that accomplish goals similar to yours. Now, review their data & conclusions again. Are the trends you found similar to theirs? Statistical tests like percent difference calculations, t-tests, and ANOVA tests, are also helpful to quantify this difference. If not, why? Were there factors that they accounted for and you did not, or vice versa?Â
Also, consider what your research has contributed to the field. What about your work stands out, compared to the other papers you have read? Are you validating an existing experiment/hypothesis, bringing a new "twist" to an existing idea, or creating something entirely new?
Doing this analysis does more than look good to teachers, judges, editors, etc. It makes you a more informed, well-rounded, and perceptive researcher!