1. Discussions and Conclusions
Chapter 13
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Discussion Topics
Purpose and structure of these sections of a report
Interpretation of the results
Conclusions
Criteria for evaluating discussion and conclusions sections of a report
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Purpose and Structure
The purpose of the discussion section is to present an interpretation of the results, the conclusions, and recommendations for further study
An evaluation of the methodology and results to help readers understand what the results mean and how they can be used
Integrates the research problem, review of the literature, and results
Speculates about the implications of the results through a synthesis of the study reflecting the professional judgment of the researcher
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Purpose and Structure
Loosely structured into two sections
Interpretation of the results
Conclusions
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5. Interpretation of the Results
An analysis of the results focusing on factors that might help explain them
Interpretations related to the problem and/or hypothesis
Restatement of the research question
Interpretation of how well the data answers the question
Importance of the reader’s critical analysis of these interpretations
Interpretations based on theory
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6. Interpretation of the Results
Interpretations related to methodology
Selection of participants
Measurement of variables
Experimental interventions
Statistical procedures
Errors in reporting statistical results
Violation of assumptions of the statistical procedures
Use of appropriate statistical procedures, particularly in multivariate studies
Statistical and practical significance
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Conclusions
Summary statements of the results as they pertain to the research problem
Can be found in various locations in the discussion section
Should include indications of why the conclusions are supported
See Trochim’s discussion of conclusion validity
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Conclusions
Limitations
Seven factors or variables that need to be considered in using the conclusions
Subject characteristics
Population validity - generalizability to other individuals
Comparison of the sample, sampling frame, and target population
Comparisons across subjects within the sample
Situational characteristics
Ecological validity - generalization to other settings, times, treatments, or measures
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Conclusions
Seven factors (continued)
Methodology
Non-experimental designs drawing causal conclusions
Experimental studies drawing causal conclusions when internal validity is weak
Time
Interventions
Explication of the intervention
Hawthorne Effect - the effects of individual’s realizing they are participating in a study
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Conclusions
Seven factors (continued)
Measures
Validity
Reliability
Concerns related to overly strict analysis of limitations
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Conclusions
Recommendations and implications
Statements suggesting future action as a result of the study
Focus on methodological issues
Focus on practice
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Evaluation Criteria
The results should be adequately interpreted
The conclusions should answer the research questions
The conclusions should be limited by subject characteristics and selection, the nature of the interventions, and measures
Statistical and practical significance are discussed separately
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Evaluation Criteria
Failure to show statistical significance does not mean there is not relationship or difference
Limitations should be reasonable
Recommendations and implications should be specific
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