Writing a discussion paper involves discussing a particular topic and giving various perspectives about it. When writing a discussion paper, you should analyze the topic provide evidence-based information about it, and also give your analysis and interpretation. This paper discusses how to write a discussion paper.

When writing a discussion research paper, you should come up with a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement shows your discussion paper’s main idea and the body paragraphs should have key points that support the thesis statement. You should always ensure your thesis statement is concise and well-defined.

Crafting a discussion paper

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to write a discussion paper:

1. Choose a good topic

When choosing a topic for your discussion paper, you should brainstorm various topics and choose the one you are interested in. The topic you choose should be fact-based and it should also be relevant to the given assignment. Always choose a topic you comprehend and can craft a discussion paper about it.

2. Conduct an in-depth research

After choosing the topic, you should conduct in-depth research about it. Use credible academic sources such as books, journals, theories, or online articles to conduct the research. Analyze the various perspectives on the topic and come up with adequate information for your discussion paper.

3. Write an outline

Similar to writing a college essay outline, you should write an outline to properly organize the ideas for the essay. You should note down the key points of the introduction, body, and conclusion in the outline. Once you start writing the discussion paper, use the outline as a guide.

4. Write the introduction

Write an interesting introduction that captures the attention of the reader. Start with a hook and give background information on the topic. Complete the introduction with a strong thesis statement that describes the essay’s main idea.

5. Write the body paragraphs

The body paragraphs should have key points that support the thesis statement. Properly structure the body paragraphs by starting each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the paragraph’s key point, then write the middle sentences that have evidence-based information and your analysis of the key point and finally complete the paragraph with a concluding sentence that wraps up the entire paragraph.

Each paragraph should have a unique key point. In the body paragraphs, you should also discuss the objections to your thesis. Describe opposing ideas and offer a convincing argument that is backed up by facts. Discussing the counterarguments shows you have a thorough understanding of the topic and strengthens the validity of your argument.

6. Write the conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the discussion thus you should not bring new information to it. You should restate the thesis statement and mention the essay’s key points. Complete the essay with a general statement or a call to action if necessary.

7. Proofread the discussion paper

After completing the discussion paper, you should proofread it severally to remove any grammar or punctuation errors. You can also run the draft on Grammarly to remove any wording or spelling errors you may have missed when proofreading.

Using the steps above, you will be able to compose a good discussion paper. A discussion paper can be a long essay or a short essay depending on the assignment’s instructions. For further understanding of how to write your discussion paper, check out various research paper discussion examples. You should always ensure your discussion paper has a consistent flow of information.

Discussion section of a research paper

In a research paper, the discussion part is where you analyze and discuss the implications of your findings. This is an important section of your article where you should examine your results, come up with conclusions, and compare them to previous research in addition to summarizing them.

a) Restate the research question and hypothesis for the study

Begin by briefly restating your study’s primary research question or hypothesis. This reminds readers of the main objective of your study.

b) Give a summary of the findings

Give a succinct overview of the results of your investigation. The most significant findings can be presented using text, tables, or graphics.

c) Comparison of your findings with existing literature

Describe how your findings compare and contrast with the various existing literature. Emphasize how your research advances, validates, or contradicts the information already known in the field.

d) Give an analysis of your results

Give an analysis of your results in the context of the hypothesis or research question. Describe the significance of the results and what they indicate. You should also describe any contradicting results and provide justifications. In addition, you should give an analysis and interpretation of the results rather than just restating them.

e) Analyze the limitations

Recognize the constraints of your research, including sample size, data-gathering techniques, and possible biases. Discuss the limitations of your study. You should also describe the potential impact of these limitations on the outcomes and the measures you took to address them.

f) Explain both practical and theoretical implications

Explain both the practical and theoretical implications of your findings. In what ways do they connect to policy, future research, or practical uses? Describe the research’s application in the field and its possible impact on the problem you studied.

g) Link the findings to the research question

Examine your research question or hypothesis again, and describe whether your findings confirm or refute it. Describe how this affects your area of study.

h) Give any recommendations

In this part, explicitly state any recommendations that your research suggests. These could be suggestions for more investigation, modifications to regulations, or real-world applications.

i) Write a good conclusion

Provide a concise synopsis of the main ideas discussed in the discussion section and restate the importance of your study within a larger framework.

j) Don’t bring new information

You should not bring new information or ideas in the discussion section that were not covered in the findings section. Adhere to the interpretation and analysis of the data that you already presented.

Discussion in a research paper

A hypothetical research paper that discusses the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents is an example of discussion in a research paper. As illustrated below:

a) Discussion: The impact of social media on mental health among adolescents

In this study, we investigated the connection between teenage social media use and mental health outcomes. The findings showed various significant trends that advance our knowledge of the intricate relationship between mental health and online social interactions.

b) Comparison with existing literature

Our findings are consistent with previous research indicating a strong link between extended usage of social media and elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents (Smith et al., 2018). Our research, however, goes deeper into comprehending the complex ways that various social media platforms and usage habits relate to disparate results in terms of mental health.

c) Limitations and implications of the study

It is important to recognize its limits even while our study offers insightful information. We are unable to demonstrate causation because of the cross-sectional nature of the research design, and response bias may be introduced by using self-report measures. It is recommended that future longitudinal research include objective measurements of social media use and mental health outcomes to strengthen the evidence.

Our findings have implications that go beyond the scholarly domain. Social media’s possible effects on teenage mental health are something that parents, teachers, and mental health specialists should be aware of. Creating plans to encourage safe online conduct and encouraging candid conversations about social media use might be crucial to reducing unfavorable effects.

d) Future research

Building on the highlighted limitations, future research should delve into the influence of particular categories of content, such as cyberbullying or encouraging virtual communities, on the formation of mental health consequences. Furthermore, looking at programs that encourage resilience and positive online habits in teenagers may yield useful information for mental health professionals and legislators.

e) Conclusion

In conclusion, our study adds to the expanding body of research on the connection between social media use and adolescent mental health. We highlight the necessity of a comprehensive comprehension of the influence of social media on mental health Through the identification of both anticipated and unforeseen trends. This study provides opportunities for more research and informs approaches to help teenagers’ mental health in a world that is becoming more digital.

The above is a brief illustration of the discussion section of a research paper.  A discussion section’s format and content will vary based on your research and findings as well as the requirements of your academic or professional setting.

In summation

Writing a discussion paper requires you to conduct in-depth research and analysis of the topic. When assigned a discussion paper assignment, use this article as a guide. For discussion paper writing help, use our assignment writing help. We write A-grade papers at an affordable price.