Discussion

The Discussion evaluates and interprets the results in light of the original experimental questions or hypotheses.  In the Discussion you are free to examine, interpret, qualify and draw inferences from the results.

Usually, the Discussion opens with a clear statement of support or nonsupport for the experimental questions/hypotheses.  Similarities and differences between your results and the results of others should clarify and explain your results. Additionally, tightly reasoned explanations will enhance the implications of your results.  The Discussion also includes a section on the importance or relevance of your findings.  Lastly, the Discussion concludes with a paragraph stating the experimental conclusions and summarizing the experimental findings.

In the Discussion, be certain to:

• Emphasize the original and important features of the study, but avoid repeating all the data presented within the results section.
• Incorporate the significance of the findings and the relationship(s) and relevance of the findings to previously published observations.
• Provide only those conclusions that are supported by the study.