How to write discussion and implications of the study?

Discussion and Implications of the Study

The discussion and implications section of this chapter is the most important and significant part of the presentation. In short, this is the section in which you interpret and discuss your findings. In the better-written projects, this section is very extensive and may be up to ten pages or more in length,

In order to facilitate the presentation of the material, it recommended that this section of the chapter be divided into three subsections. The subsections are:

1) summary of findings, interpretation, and literature support;

2) discussion of the problems and limitations; and

3) discussion of the practical implications.

These three sections can be written independently.

Summary of findings, Interpretation and Literature Support

This subjection of the chapter should be no less than one page in length. The minimum of one page is divided into three minor sections of a minimum of 1/2 page each. To begin in the first 1/3 of a page simply complete the following sentence, or a variation of it: “The analysis of the data collected relative to the principal objectives of the study indicated...” When completing this sentence make sure you cover all of the significant findings. In retrospect, chapter four of the project presented the detailed analysis of the data, the summary of the hypothesis, in chapter five of the project presented a refined summary of the findings and this section should present an even more refined summary of the significant differences.

When you complete this minimum of 1/3 of a page you should have summarized in very abbreviated form all of the significant findings of the study. Note that non -significant findings can be included, but include these findings only if they are relevant to your research objectives.

The next 1/2 of a page, the discussion should present your interpretation of what the significant differences mean. It should be apparent at this point that if you have numerous significant differences and various possible interpretations then this minimum of 1/2 of a page may become quite long. As a point of departure, begin by completing the following sentence: “In the author’s opinion the data indicated………”

This section of the project is perhaps the most crucial demonstration of research level sophistication. I recommend that you spend considerable time organizing your presentation and examining the support for your research data extrapolations.

The next minimum 1/2 of a page discussion should present support literature for your interpretations. In other words, what researchers or writers have presented data which tends to substantiate your interpretations. In the better projects, an analysis is presented of studies that tend to conflict with the interpretations with some discussion of the reasons which may account for the apparent conflict. The purpose of this section of the project is to tie your results to other studies.

Discussion of the Problems and Limitations of the Study

This subsection of the discussion and implication section of the fifth chapter should present a critical analysis of all of the problems and limitations that you encountered during the process of implementation. This discussion should point out how the findings of the study may be limited by problems that were encountered. Your task is straightforward. You must preempt significant criticisms of your study. The defining characteristic of a good project is meaningful self-criticism. Analysis of the problems of the study not only demonstrate rigorous analysis commonly associated with sophistication but help others that may replicate your research avoid the same problems you encountered.

For example, begin this 1-page subsection with a tie-in-sentence like this: “There were a number of problems and limitations that were encountered in the process of implementing, this research study which should be considered when interpreting these data.”

Each problem should be presented in a separate paragraph and you should present, as a rule of thumb, enough problems to fill one page. Each paragraph analysis of a problem should contain at least three, sentences. The first sentence should examine what effect the problem may have had on the results, and the last sentence should present a remedy for the problem.

Discussion of the partial Implications of the Study

The discussion of the practical implications subsection of the discussion and implications should be a minimum of one page in length. The purpose of this section of the dissertation is to present the implications that the research may have for the practitioner. In other words, how might the reader apply the findings? For example, how might a teacher, clinician, parent, administrator, or others apply the results?

For example, begin this section with a lead-in sentence like this: “There were a number of findings derived from the study which may have practical implications for others involved in research or applied practice in this area.”