What is the discussion?

Discussion 

The major task of the discussion chapter is to discuss how the findings integrate into the body of literature reviewed. The theories and studies reviewed in the literature review chapter give cause to expect certain findings. In the discussion chapter, the reader is reminded of the findings that turned out as predicted and how these findings extend the body of knowledge a bit further. The findings that lend support to one side of a controversy are discussed, as are those that lend support to a particular conceptualization or definition of a concept. Findings that challenge existing theory or are unexpected are also valuable and require explanation. 

Many students find discussion chapter difficult to write because the emphasis is different than the previous chapters. In the previous chapters, the emphasis is on reporting the thinking and the research of others. While one does engage in original thinking in these chapters, this original thought is channeled into framing the research questions and the logical argument. 

One’s original thoughts must be buttressed in the findings and opinions of others. In these earlier chapters, there is no place for the student’s own opinions.

However, in the discussion chapter, the rules change somewhat. The student is expected to form an opinion about the findings and speculate about the causes of unexpected results. As always, opinions are more credible if backed by the findings of others but there is more room for the student’s own opinions. 

Also in the discussion chapter, it is appropriate to discuss any limitations in the study, especially those that were not obvious at the time of design but became apparent during the execution of the study. Suggestions for improvements in design that could be made by future researchers also belong here. Issues raised by this study point to a new direction for future research should be highlighted.