Discussion & Conclusions: How to Sell It Without Overselling It

Rockwood Medical Writing Agency
Jul 23
5 min read

The discussion and conclusion sections of a scientific paper are often where researchers try to make their case. This is the moment to interpret results, explain their relevance, and highlight the contribution your work makes to the broader field. However, there is a fine line between confident interpretation and exaggerated claims. Learning how to present your findings convincingly, without overstatement, is essential for building credibility and encouraging further inquiry.

The discussion is not simply a recap of results. It is your opportunity to make sense of the data, reflect on their meaning, and place them in context. The conclusion then provides a focused summary of the take-home message. Together, these sections should offer insight, demonstrate significance, and guide future work, all while staying rooted in the evidence you have presented.

The Purpose of the Discussion

The discussion serves several important purposes. It allows you to:

Interpret the meaning of your results
Relate findings to previous studies
Address the implications of your work
Discuss limitations and strengths
Suggest future directions

This is where your voice as a researcher becomes most visible. A good discussion does not simply rephrase the results section. It explores what the findings mean in relation to the research question, what new knowledge has been generated, and how this fits with what is already known.

Begin With a Summary of Main Findings

Start the discussion by clearly stating the principal findings of your study. This sets the direction for the rest of the section and reminds the reader of what has been discovered.

Example:

“This study found that daily administration of Drug X resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure compared with placebo over eight weeks.”

Do not repeat every detail from the results section. Focus on the most important outcomes that support your conclusions.

Interpret the Results

After summarising the main findings, explain what they mean. Ask yourself what your data suggest about the problem you set out to investigate. Provide a thoughtful, balanced interpretation that connects the findings to your original hypothesis or research question.

Use the present tense to describe interpretations and the past tense for specific findings.

Example:

“These findings suggest that Drug X may offer a viable alternative to existing antihypertensive therapies, particularly for patients who do not tolerate beta blockers.”

Be careful not to overinterpret the data. Do not claim causality if your study was observational. Avoid implying broader impact than the evidence supports. Remain grounded in what the study actually demonstrated.

Compare With Existing Literature

Contextualise your findings by comparing them with those of previous studies. This shows that you are aware of the current state of research and helps identify whether your results confirm, contradict, or extend existing knowledge.

Cite relevant literature and discuss consistencies or discrepancies. When findings differ, consider offering possible explanations based on differences in methodology, sample characteristics, or setting.

Example:

“Unlike previous studies that found no significant effect of Drug X, the present trial used a higher dosage and included participants with more severe baseline hypertension.”

Do not cherry-pick studies that only support your findings. A fair discussion includes contrasting evidence and addresses potential reasons for variation.

Highlight the Implications

Explain the practical or theoretical implications of your study. How might the findings influence clinical practice, policy, or future research? What contribution does your work make to the field?

Example:

“If confirmed in larger trials, these results could support the inclusion of Drug X in treatment guidelines for early-stage hypertension.”

Avoid generalisations that stretch beyond the population or context studied. Clarify that implications are contingent upon the strength and limitations of the evidence.

Address Limitations

All studies have limitations. Acknowledging them transparently demonstrates integrity and helps readers assess the reliability of your conclusions. Be specific, honest, and constructive.

Example:

“This study was limited by its short duration and single-centre design, which may reduce generalisability. Additionally, adherence was self-reported and may be subject to recall bias.”

Do not undermine your study with an overly negative tone. Present limitations in a way that highlights opportunities for improvement and guides future research.

Suggest Future Research

A good discussion points the way forward. Based on your findings and limitations, suggest specific areas where additional study is needed. Keep suggestions practical and tied to your data.

Example:

“Further research should explore the long-term effects of Drug X on cardiovascular outcomes in diverse populations.”

Avoid vague statements such as “more research is needed.” Provide a clear rationale for each suggestion.

Tone and Balance

Maintain a confident yet modest tone throughout. Present your conclusions clearly, but avoid hyperbole. The discussion should build a reasoned argument without appearing promotional or biased.

Words like “promising,” “encouraging,” or “novel” should be used sparingly and only when justified by the evidence. Let the data speak through measured interpretation.

Avoid definitive language unless your study design supports it. For example, randomised controlled trials may allow stronger conclusions than observational studies, but all interpretations should remain evidence-based.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion is often a final paragraph at the end of the discussion or a distinct section of its own. It should briefly restate the central findings, emphasise their relevance, and suggest what they mean for the field.

Example:

“In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Drug X significantly reduces blood pressure over eight weeks and may represent a valuable option for patients with early hypertension. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in broader populations and to evaluate long-term outcomes.”

Avoid repeating the entire discussion in miniature. Focus on the core message. Use concise, direct language that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your contribution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstating significance: Do not claim breakthroughs or definitive answers unless the evidence supports them.
Ignoring limitations: Failing to acknowledge weaknesses reduces trust and transparency.
Repeating results: The discussion is for interpretation, not for summarising tables or figures.
Wandering off-topic: Stay focused on the data and its implications. Avoid speculative digressions.
Vague language: Be precise about what was found and what it means.

Final Checks

Before finalising the discussion and conclusion:

Ensure that every claim is supported by data or citations.
Confirm that interpretations align with the study design.
Remove unsupported statements or exaggerated language.
Ask a colleague to read the section for clarity and tone.
Review similar papers in your target journal to check for structural norms.

Conclusion

Writing the discussion and conclusion is an exercise in scientific storytelling. This is your opportunity to guide readers through your findings and explain why they matter. The key is to do so with clarity, balance, and integrity. Your study deserves to be heard, but the case you make must rest on evidence, not enthusiasm alone.

When done well, the discussion leaves readers with insight, the conclusion leaves them with clarity, and the entire paper leaves them with confidence in your work. Sell the truth, no more and no less.