How to write a discussion chapter in a Masters dissertation?
Tagged: Dissertation Writing
In a Masters dissertation, the discussion chapter usually comes after the results chapter. It gives the author a chance to consider the significance of their research and reflect on their findings. The goal of the discussion chapter is to interpret and synthesise the earlier chapters' findings and place them contextually to the research's goals and central premise, which were laid out in the introduction chapter.
For guidance on writing an introduction, Check our study guide on "How to Write an Introduction for a master dissertation."
Here are some key elements that are typically included in a discussion chapter:
Recapitulation of the research questions or hypotheses & Summarising the findings:The discussion chapter commences by restating the research questions and hypotheses mentioned earlier in the study. The key research findings are summarised, and the main results are highlighted. The findings' significance related to the research question is explained.
Interpretation of the study results:The meaning of the results and the implications for the research questions or hypothesis are explained in this chapter. The research questions or the hypothesis are used to guide interpreting the research findings, and their significance is explained.
A comparison of the study results with previous research findings:The study results are compared with previous research in the same field. Any similarities, differences and inconsistencies between the present study findings and the previous ones are identified.
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Implications and significance of the findings:The practical implications of the study findings are explained. The results' significance and impact on future research, practice and policy are discussed with an emphasis on how they contribute to understanding the dissertation topic.
Identification of the limitations:Any limitations of the study are identified with a discussion on how they may have affected the study results. The implications of these limitations are considered for future research in this field.
Recommendations:Based on the study's findings, reccomendations are made for future research. Areas that require further investigation are identified, and future research prospects based on the findings are suggested.
Conclusion:The conclusion summarises the key points made in the study, with the implications of the research findings for the field of study. Finally, a final statement is provided that brings everything together.
The discussion chapter demonstrates the researcher's critical thinking skills and how the research has contributed to the field. The researcher must ensure their writing is clear, concise, and follows appropriate academic language while using an annotated bibliography.
Headings and subheadings are used to make reading and navigation more manageable, and it is advisable to support the claims with evidence from the research.
