A scientific discussion in a write-up serves several crucial purposes. It’s a section where you interpret your results, relate them to your research question or hypothesis, and provide context within the broader scientific field. Here are key elements a scientific discussion should include:
Interpretation of Results:
- Summarise your key findings objectively and concisely. Explain the significance of each result in the context of your research question or hypothesis.
Comparison to Previous Studies:
- Relate your results to existing literature. How do your findings compare or contrast with previous research? Highlight any novel aspects or deviations from the expected outcomes.
Identification of Patterns or Trends:
- Identify and discuss any patterns or trends in your data. Explain whether these trends align with your initial expectations or if they were unexpected.
Potential Sources of Error:
- Address any limitations or sources of error in your study. Discuss how these limitations might have influenced your results and how they could be addressed in future research.
Implications and Applications:
- Discuss the broader implications of your findings. What impact could they have on the field or real-world applications?
- Consider any practical applications or recommendations based on your results.
Hypothesis Confirmation or Rejection:
- State whether your results confirm or reject your initial hypothesis. Provide insights into why the hypothesis was supported or refuted.
Open Questions and Future Research:
- Identify any unanswered questions or areas for future research and suggest how future studies could build upon your work to further advance the understanding of the topic.
Synthesis of Overall Study:
- Summarise the key points of your study and the contributions it makes to the scientific field and provide closure by reiterating the main takeaways from your research.
