Move 1: Points to consolidate your research area (obligatory):
1. Start with two lines or so about what you have done in your study;
2. Present substantive conclusions following from the results plus interpretation;
3. Address alternative explanations of results;
4. Show the relationship with the literature mentioned in the introduction (you may have to search for more literature to link your results to);
5. State the relevance of the research and the results;
Move 2: Points to indicate the limitations of your study (optional but common):
1. Mention possible shortcomings of the research (do not overdo this);
Move 3:Points to identify useful areas of further research (optional and only common in some disciplines)
1. Suggestions for further research.
B) Read discussion sections of at least five articles from your field of science and add the typical sentences to the table:
| Options in opening a discussion section
|
| 1. General conclusion:
- Apparently, we are witness to the early phases of a classic population explosion.
- From this data it is clear that …… are not major consumers of …… in ……
2. Restatement of original purpose:
- The objective of the survey was to quantify the number of …… within ……
3. Summary:
- This report brings together all known records of …… since 1959.
4. Mention of theory:
-The results obtained from this experiment would appear to support the theory which states that ……
|
| Limitations of research scope
|
| -This experiment has tested ……
- The results of this experiment address only the question of ……
- This analysis has concentrated on ……
- The results of this experiment are restricted to ……
- It should be noted that this study has examined only ……
- The limitations of this study are clear: ……
|
| Limitations in conclusions drawn
|
| -However, the findings do not imply ……
- The results of this study cannot be taken as evidence for ……
- It cannot be determined from these data whether or not ……
- The lack of …… means that we cannot be certain ……
|
| Limitations in opening statements
|
| -Despite its preliminary character, the research reported here would seem to indicate ……
- However exploratory, this study may offer some insight into ……
|
C) Characterize each sentence in the discussion section below:
| Discussion
| Structure
|
| Load-Deformation Behavior
The load-deformation behavior of the two glass slides tested in 3-point bending remained linear up to the point of fracture. Thus no mechanism of deformation other than the elastic stretching of atomic bonds is evident. While the specimens were not unloaded, it would be expected that the induced strains (deflections) would be totally recovered on unloading.
The calculated value of Young’s modulus agreed well with published values. Thus it seems that the simple experiment performed in this laboratory provided an adequate method of determining that quantity. No difference in slope (and hence Young’s modulus) was observed between the untreated and etched slides. This observation was expected because Young’s modulus is a bulk property and not much affected by the presence of surface flaws.
Effect of Surface Treatment
The etched specimens had a substantially greater fracture strength and a greater variability in fracture strength. The average strength of the etched specimens was roughly double that of the untreated specimens. From this observation it must be concluded that the etching treatment greatly reduced the number and size of surface flaws present. This phenomenon was first described by Joffee, and indeed the increase of the fracture stress of specimens tested in solution as a consequence of the dissolution of their outer surface is known as the Joffee effect.
| 1.Restatement of significant results in a more general format
2. Citing agreement or disagreement with theory
3. Citing agreement or disagreement with previous studies
4. Admitting difficulties in interpretation
5. Pointing out discrepancies
6. Conclusions that might be drawn about the phenomenon studied
7. Commentary on whether results are expected or unexpected
8. Commentary about the significance of the results
9. Other (specify)
|
D) Choose one of the discussion sections you have read. In pairs, characterize each sentence as in ex. C.
E) Write a discussion section for your own research. The website www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk can help you.
