How to Write Discussion sections

Rules about doing research

Choose the right research question

Use the most appropriate study design

Apply sound statistics

Consider external validity

Writing papers Good writers are good artists!

Be creative

Express your personal style - be persuasive

No place for political views

Structure of a research paper

Title page Abstract Background (+objectives) Methods Results Discussion References Acknowledgment Figures and Tables Covering letter – sell your product!

Discussion Summarise main study findings

Interpret findings in light of research question

Point out strengths and weaknesses of study

Comparison with previous studies (be concise)

Implications for intended readers (be humble)

Make recommendations regarding future research

Principal findings State the main findings in one

sentence in words. “Our study shows that … .” “Drinking coke causes cancer”. “rates of pregnancy are falling”

Do not repeat data

Interpret study findings Make sense of results in light of

suggested hypothesis

Use references that support your interpretation

Strengths and weaknesses Blow your own trumpet

“The strengths of this study are …” The first, largest, best designed, only one

from your country….etc.

Be honest “But it has the following weaknesses...” Low follow up, not randomised, sample

size... etc

Literature search Comprehensive Learn what others have done before Boundary between knowledge and

ignorance Helps defining your research question Place your project within the context

of existing knowledge – more in line

Comparison with previous studies

Previous studies or systematic reviews

Discuss differences in relation to each study’s strengths and weaknesses

Justify your own results

Don’t be too critical

Implications for readers

Be realistic

Only direct implications

Be modest!

Do not over-sell your paper

Future research questions Unanswered questions

Only those directly related to the study

Future research Specific recommendations If you have none, say nothing DO NOT say “further research is

needed”

Figures and tables Do numbers add up?

Should stand alone: Descriptive legends Foot-notes if necessary Explain all abbreviation

Objectives

Some rules about doing research Some rules about writing up

research Submitting papers Editorial process Responding to editor’s decision

Submitting your paper Choose the right journal Read “Instructions for Authors” Write paper according to instructions Ask 2 colleagues to provide feedback Proof read the manuscript Submit the paper according to rules

Choosing the right journal Subject fits with orientation and scope of

journal

Journal readers are your target audience

Select journal of repute – Impact Factor

Seek advice from peers or seniors

Could write to the Editor-in-Chief

Submit by rules – quickly!

All articles need to be revised

Most need to be revised twice Some need extensive revising May be reviewed a second timeYou don’t have to do what reviewers ask But you have to make strong case why not

Reviewer ‘not getting it’ sign of unclear writing?

Can be rejected after all the requested revisions made

10 reasons for MS rejection1. Inappropriate or incomplete statistics2. Over-interpretation of results3. Inappropriate or suboptimal instrumentation4. Sample too small or biased5. Text difficult to follow6. Insufficient problem statement7. Inaccurate or inconsistent data reported8. Incomplete, inaccurate or outdated review of lit9. Insufficient data presented10. Defective tables and figures

Bordage G. Academic Medicine 2001;76(9)

Rejection hurtsBut it’s part of the game, especially when starting out Learn everything you can from it Rejection may point to some real

problems in how the MS was prepared If a reviewer makes constructive comments, use them Don’t just submit to another journal They may review for the other journal

too

Be optimisticQuality work will find quality journals

They need you more than you need themWriting is hard work but fun

always have a Plan BAnd a Plan C

THANK YOU