How to write the results (findings) and Discussion (Analysis) sections of your dissertation

Summary

In this video, Dr. Ryan Arthur explains how to write the results and discussion sections of a dissertation or research paper, highlighting their interdependent nature. The results section focuses on presenting findings descriptively, while the discussion section delves into analysis, generalization, and connecting specific data to broader trends. Dr. Arthur outlines the differences between being descriptive and analytical and provides examples of how to approach both sections. He also compares the macro and micro approaches for structuring these sections, offering guidance on when to separate or combine them.

Takeaways

• 😀 The results and discussion sections are interdependent and should be written together as they complement each other.
• 😀 The results section is descriptive, focusing on presenting the findings without analyzing them.
• 😀 The discussion section is analytical, where you interpret and explore the deeper meaning of the findings.
• 😀 In the results section, focus on what happened, while in the discussion section, focus on why it happened.
• 😀 The results section specifies the findings, while the discussion section generalizes the findings and connects them to the wider world.
• 😀 The results section is about presenting specific data from interviews, surveys, or questionnaires, while the discussion section relates these findings to broader societal trends.
• 😀 Analytical writing in the discussion section requires cautious language, acknowledging that your interpretations could be right or wrong.
• 😀 To strengthen generalizations in the discussion section, always cite relevant literature and avoid making exaggerated claims.
• 😀 The 'micro approach' combines the results and discussion sections into one, while the 'macro approach' separates them into distinct sections.
• 😀 A common format for the results section is 3-4 pages, and for the discussion section is 5-6 pages, though both approaches are valid depending on the style chosen.
• 😀 When writing the discussion section, make sure to analyze and connect specific interview or survey data to broader societal occurrences and patterns.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Results and Discussion sections in academic writing?

The Results section is descriptive, presenting the findings without interpretation. In contrast, the Discussion section is analytical, where you connect the findings to broader contexts, theories, and potential causes.

What does the Results section focus on in terms of research data?

The Results section focuses on specifying and describing the research data. It presents facts and raw findings, such as responses from interviews, surveys, or observations, without offering analysis or interpretation.

How does the Discussion section differ in its approach to the data compared to the Results section?

The Discussion section goes beyond describing the data. It analyzes and interprets the findings, suggesting reasons for observed patterns and connecting the results to wider societal trends, theories, or existing literature.

Why is it important to use cautious language in the Discussion section?

Cautious language is important because analytical writing in the Discussion section is not an exact science. The writer may be right or wrong, so it’s essential to acknowledge the uncertainty and present arguments carefully, using terms like 'possibly' or 'arguably.'

What role does generalization play in the Discussion section?

The Discussion section requires generalizing the findings, connecting specific data points from the Results section to broader societal contexts or trends. The focus shifts from individual observations to how these findings relate to wider occurrences or theories.

Can you provide an example of how the Results section presents data?

In the Results section, you might present a specific interviewee's comment, such as 'The interviewee felt that the care staff had a negative attitude towards her because of her age,' without interpreting or analyzing this statement.

How should the Results section be structured in terms of the data presented?

The Results section should present data in a clear and organized manner, specifying the details of the data (such as interview comments or survey results) without offering analysis. It should focus purely on what was found.

What is the purpose of the Discussion section in relation to the Results section?

The purpose of the Discussion section is to provide analysis and interpretation of the data presented in the Results section. It explains the 'why' behind the findings and connects them to larger theories or trends.

What is the macro approach for structuring the Results and Discussion sections?

In the macro approach, the Results and Discussion sections are treated as separate entities. The Results section presents the findings, followed by the Discussion section where the analysis and broader connections are made.

How does the micro approach differ from the macro approach in organizing the Results and Discussion sections?

In the micro approach, the Results and Discussion are combined into one section. After presenting a piece of data (e.g., an interview comment), an analysis of that data follows immediately, with this pattern repeated throughout the section.