Video: Tips to Review the Discussion, Conclusions, and References in a Research Paper 

The Discussion and Conclusion sections are where your research paper truly comes together. If you want your paper to leave a strong, lasting impression, the checklists highlighted in this video will help you finalize your research manuscript with confidence. 

Our expert speaker Bonnie Dixon breaks down how to review the final few sections of a research paper to ensure a strong wrap-up that clearly explains what your study found and why it matters. 

For the Discussion Section 

• Is the research objective addressed? 
• Are the principal findings sufficiently summarized? 
• Are the results discussed and interpreted correctly? 
• Is the comparison made to similar published studies? 
• Have you mentioned the study limitations? 
• Is the importance of the research sufficiently highlighted? 
• Are the study implications clearly mentioned?  

For the Conclusions Section 

• Is there a succinct summary of the salient research findings? 
• Is the take-home message clearly explained? 
• Is the research novelty sufficiently highlighted? 
• Are the future lines of investigation clear? 

For References 

• Are all references cited in the main text and vice versa? 
• Are the majority of the references cited published in the last 10 years? 

We will also help you understand the importance of other key technical checks. Even supplementary materials must be reviewed thoroughly to ensure that they remain consistent with your main manuscript to display professionalism. If you are looking for professional support for preparing your research paper, you can opt for any of the packages under Editage’s English Editing and Proofreading Services to give your manuscript an effective, final polish.