Discussion

How it is used

The D in IMRaD. Many writers find it the hardest section: it moves from the main findings to explanations, links with the literature, implications and limitations. It is sometimes combined with the results as 'Results and Discussion'.

Example sentences

1. In the discussion, compare your results with the studies you reviewed in Chapter 2.

2. The reviewer felt that the discussion simply repeated the results.

Common collocations

• discussion section
• results and discussion
• in the discussion
• general discussion

Related terms

• IMRaDIntroduction, Methods, Results and Discussion: the standard four-part structure of empirical research articles, especially in the sciences.
• findingsThe results or information that a study discovers after its data have been collected and analyzed.
• conclusionThe final section of a thesis or article that sums up the main findings, their meaning and limitations; also a judgment reached after considering evidence.
• implicationA possible effect or consequence of research findings for theory, practice or policy; also something suggested without being said directly.
• limitationA weakness or restriction in a study's design, sample or methods that affects how far its findings can be generalized or trusted.

More terms: Thesis and Article Structure

• abstract
• thesis
• dissertation
• paper
• draft
• proofread
• introduction
• methods section
• keyword
• appendix
• thesis statement
• topic sentence