A Brilliant Discussion Chapter Distinguishes a PhD Thesis

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Writing the discussion chapter of your PhD thesis is key for demonstrating the depth of your understanding and the significance of your research findings. This section should effectively tie together your results and provide insightful interpretations that contribute to the broader field of study.

Here's 5 key questions to help you craft a strong discussion chapter.

1. What are the key results?

Highlight the most significant findings of your research. Discuss how these key results address your research questions or hypotheses and their relevance to your study's objectives.

• Focus on top findings: Identify the top 3-5 findings that are most important to your research questions.
• Clear connection to research aims: Clearly explain how each key result directly addresses your research questions or hypotheses.

2. What are the strengths and limitations of my study?

Evaluate the strengths of your research, such as robust methodologies or unique data. Also, honestly address the limitations, including any biases, constraints, or areas where the data may be less robust.

• Highlight strengths: Discuss methodological rigour, innovative approaches, and any unique aspects of your study that strengthen your findings.
• Acknowledge limitations: Be upfront about any limitations, such as sample size, potential biases, or methodological constraints. Explain how these limitations might affect the interpretation of your results.

3. How does my research sit with the wider literature?

Situate your findings within the broader context of existing research. Compare and contrast your results with previous studies, highlighting how your work supports, extends, or challenges existing theories and findings.

• Literature integration: Discuss how your findings align with, contradict, or extend previous research in your field.
• Theoretical implications: Highlight the impact of your results on existing theories, and discuss whether your findings support or challenge current theoretical frameworks.

4. What is the significance of my results?

Explain how your research contributes to advancing knowledge, theory, or practice. Highlight the practical applications, policy implications, or theoretical advancements stemming from your work.

• Academic significance: Explain how your findings contribute to academic discourse.
• Practical applications: Discuss any practical implications of your research, such as applications in industry, policy, or practice.

5. What are the future directions?

Propose future research directions based on your findings. Identify unanswered questions and suggest how future studies can build on your work.

• Identify gaps: Point out any gaps or unanswered questions that arose from your study.
• Suggestions for future research: Offer specific suggestions for future studies, including potential methodologies or areas of focus.

Take home message

The discussion chapter is where you tie your results to the bigger picture. Don't let this chapter fall flat—make sure to highlight the importance of your research and demonstrate your critical thinking and contributions to your field.