Video: How to Write the Discussion and Conclusion Sections

Writing the discussion and conclusion sections of a research paper requires careful interpretation of your findings. In this video, Dr. Raffaella Gozzelino (NOVA Medical School, Lisbon) breaks it all down — clearly, simply, and with real examples!  

The Discussion section is where you answer the big question: So what? This section should explain what your results actually mean, why they matter, and how they fit within the existing body of research. A logically structured discussion starts from your main findings, broadening to their implications, and ending with clear, grounded conclusions.  

Here’s what you will learn in the video:  

• How to start your discussion: Begin with a clear statement of your main findings before connecting them to previous studies and existing theories.  
• How to interpret results: Explain why your findings matter and how they advance current scientific understanding. Compare your outcomes with prior research, highlight similarities or contradictions, and discuss possible reasons for unexpected trends.  
• Avoiding common mistakes: Don’t repeat your results, overstate your conclusions, or speculate beyond your data. Stay focused on what your research actually shows.  
• How to handle limitations: Every study has them. And acknowledging them strengthens your credibility. Present limitations constructively while also emphasizing the strengths of your research.  
• Writing a strong conclusion: End your paper on a clear and powerful note. Your conclusion should summarize the key takeaways, restate your research question, and suggest possible directions for future studies without repeating your discussion word-for-word.  

Do check your target journal’s guidelines because a few journals combine Results, Discussion, and Conclusion into one section, while others keep them separate. Either way, make sure your paper ends with a clear take-home message that readers will remember. 

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