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

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Place your topic in the context of the social sciences by presenting findings from research. You can describe related studies that answer the given question in a different way or address similar questions in a similar manner.

If you intend to close research gaps with your academic work – which is rarely the case in term papers – discuss the current topics that are in demand.

Furthermore, you should provide the foundational knowledge that enables readers to understand your paper.

The current state of research is an optional part of the structure of an academic paper.

Frequently asked questions

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Empirical work with a qualitative approach

If your research has a qualitative focus, you do not examine representative samples but rather individual cases or small case numbers. For this, you work in great detail with your data material. The aim is not to test a hypothesis quantitatively. Instead, you try to gain deeper insights into social structures. The main focus is on the subjective background of your topic – this includes, for example, opinions, motives, expectations, behaviors, or reasons for decisions. Learn more in the article: Qualitative studies

Empirical work with a quantitative approach

An empirical paper with a quantitative approach tests hypotheses derived from theory. You review existing scientific theses, derive your own research questions from them, and develop your own hypothesis. Then you select an appropriate data collection method to examine your theory. Findings are generated through the statistical analysis of measurement data, which is then evaluated, discussed, and interpreted. Refer to the article: Quantitative studies

Literature review

A literature-based or theoretical paper is also an academic work. While other – empirical – papers, develop and test questionnaires, observe and interview people, or develop and evaluate interventions, here – from an outside perspective – you “only” read, think, and write. However, a lot happens in a paper which is based on literature: It provides an overview of the research status in a narrowly defined research area and evaluates it to answer the research question. Learn more in the article: Literature-based work

Developing a concept

A concept, for example for a social institution, is also an academic work. It describes resources and goals and how they will be achieved. The implementation of your project must be well thought out, planned, and later evaluated. Find out more in the article: Developing concepts

Frequently asked questions

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