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Discussing Your Results

Faculties: SW

In the social sciences, the discussion of results is an important step towards gaining insights. In your scientific paper, you should therefore discuss your results transparently by critically questioning your own work.

Info: Here you can find an overview of the overall structure of a paper in the social sciences.

Present your results clearly. Either summarize them or categorize the most important results logically. In empirical works, results are usually presented in a separate chapter. In qualitative research, however, results and your interpretation (discussion) are often closely linked, so it may be useful to present them together.

Discussion of results

Ensure that the reader can follow your argument by critically reflecting on your own results, considering possible objections, and discussing them.

In empirical works, you should show how the results relate to each other and which principles can be identified. Address exceptions and consider how they should be interpreted. In all instances, you should show how your results differ from or confirm the findings of others.

The readers are first to notice whether texts “work”. Go to a writing consultation, ask your fellow students, or join a writing group to get feedback on your text. Discussing your results with others will make it easier to discuss them in your paper.
The discussion of your results is a mandatory part of the structure of a scientific paper.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I critically question myself – doesn’t that make my work less credible?

No, because critically questioning yourself shows how seriously you take your research and makes your work appear more credible.

What exactly should I include in my written discussion?

The discussion part of a scientific paper involves showing which relationships and generalizations you recognize in your results. You point out exceptions and unresolved aspects. You explain how your interpretation aligns with or contradicts previous research. If applicable, you may also include possible theoretical or practical implications of your results.

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This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in April 2025.

Faculties: SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Wolfgang Wahl, Deirdre Rieker

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