What is often included in the discussion section of a research paper?

The discussion section of a research paper is primarily focused on interpreting the results obtained from the study. It provides an opportunity for the authors to analyze their findings in relation to existing literature, evaluate the significance of the results, and discuss their implications for future research, practice, or policy. This section allows for a deeper exploration of what the results mean, how they fit into the broader field of study, and any potential limitations or considerations that should be noted. The insights gained from this interpretation are critical for advancing knowledge in the discipline.

In contrast, the introduction typically sets the stage for the research by outlining the background and context of the topic; the abstract serves as a concise summary of the entire study, encompassing the introduction, methods, results, and conclusions; while the list of references provides the sources cited throughout the paper but does not contribute to the interpretation or discussion of the findings.