Discussion

The discussion sections of research articles (not to mention related genres like final year projects and lab reports) provide writers with a particular challenge. It is in the discussion that the writer has to interpret the results that they have obtained in their own research and evaluate those results in terms of 1) the aims of their study/experiment; 2) the existing research on the topic. Writers usually make knowledge claims, considering the extent to which their own results support or challenge existing research and discussing any possible limitations that might affect the applicability of their study. When making such knowledge claims, writers tend to be very careful not to overstate their claims, using appropriate hedging devices to soften the claims that they are making.

Although discussion sections vary a lot ([|Peacock, 2002]), Swales and Feak (1994) point out the following three functions, which are generally found in discussion sections of research articles:


 * 1) Consolidating the research space (i.e. interpreting findings in light of aims and prior research)
 * 2) Discussing limitations
 * 3) Discussing further research


 * Examples**


 * 1) Consolidating the research space (i.e. interpreting findings in light of aims and prior research)
 * 2) Discussing limitations
 * 3) Discussing further research