Results / Discussion pptx
Discussion is where you put your findings into context
Results - Academic projects (napier.ac.uk)
Moodle advice is somewhat didactic and many past apprentices have found applying principles/structure to their SPs problematical. However, a clear need is for you to present and discuss your findings in the context of previous research. This shows application of professional skills and known as synthesis. Your discussion should end with a conclusion
The structure of the academic discussion section can be crucial for effectively communicating your research findings and their implications. Again, each SP is unique and below is a guide to the principles of discussion structure. These are valid if you combine CH4 & 5 or have a stand alone chapter
Begin by briefly summarizing the main findings of your research. This helps to remind the reader of the most important results before delving into their implications. KISS principle applies. Avoid complex lanaguage and jargon, if possible.
Discuss what your results mean in the context of your research question. Explain how they support or contradict your initial hypothesis / expectations and how they fit into the broader field of study (or not!)
Highlight the significance of your findings. Discuss how they contribute to existing knowledge, their practical applications, and their potential impact on future research or practice
Compare / contrast your findings with those of previous studies. (this is a key KSB - academci synthesis addressed right column)This helps to situate your research within the existing body of literature and shows how your work advances the field. Further, it shows required degree of criticality
Acknowledge any limitations in your study. This could include methodological constraints, sample size, or other factors that might affect the generalizability of your results
End with a concise conclusion that summarizes the main points of your discussion. Reinforce the importance of your findings and their broader implications
Sythesis is what the reader is looking for and is evidence of good practice in any project / dissertation. Academic synthesis involves combining ideas from multiple sources (identified in LR) to create a new perspective or argument. It's a crucial skill in academic writing, allowing you to integrate research and present a cohesive analysis
Unlike summarizing, which restates information from a single source, synthesis involves merging ideas from various sources to highlight relationships and draw broader conclusions
There are two main types:
Explanatory Synthesis: Brings together sources to explain a perspective.
Argumentative Synthesis: Combines sources to support an argument
Critical Reading: Understand and evaluate your sources.
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Identify
Connections: Look for agreements, disagreements, and extensions of ideas among sources.
Organise Information: Use tools like a synthesis matrix to visually map out connections
When writing, ensure each paragraph includes multiple sources and your own analysis. This creates a dynamic conversation between the researchers' ideas
Discussion Checklist