How to Write the Discussion

The blog comprises points from How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 9th edition (2022). These points come from Chapter 13, “How to Write the Discussion”.

Three points from this chapter: 
 
(1) In a scientific paper, the discussion section tends to be hardest to write, as there is the most choice of what to say. However, good organization can help in writing a good discussion section. 
 
(2) In general, the discussion should be organized like an inverted funnel, moving from narrow to wide (the opposite of the introduction). For example, it may begin by summarizing the main findings, then relate the findings to those published previously, and then discuss implications and applications. The discussion also should identify and discuss limitations of the research. 
 
(3) In keeping with an earlier post in this series, the introduction should have indicated one or more questions that the research would address. In the discussion, be sure to say what the findings tell us about the answers. 

Looking forward to providing some points from other chapters next time!

Barbara Gastel, MD, is professor of integrative biosciences and medical humanities at Texas A&M University, College Station, USA, where she coordinates the graduate program in science communication.

This series of posts originally appeared on Professor Barbara Gastel's LinkedIn page.

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, by Barbara Gastel and Robert A Day, is available in paperback, hardback, and Kindle formats.