Qualitative Research: Findings and Discussion Tips

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association – 7th Edition – 9781433832178

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Understanding the Nuances of Qualitative Research Findings and Discussion

Qualitative research papers, unlike their quantitative counterparts, often feature a more extensive “Findings” section. This stems from the “demonstrative rhetoric needed to permit the evaluation of the analytic procedure.” In essence, qualitative research requires a more detailed explanation to justify the analytical process and the resulting interpretations.

The Interplay of Findings and Discussion

The structure of qualitative research papers allows for flexibility in how findings are presented and discussed. “Depending on the approach to inquiry, findings and discussion may be combined or a personalized discursive style might be used to portray the researchers’ involvement in the analysis.” This highlights the potential for a more integrated and subjective presentation compared to the rigid separation often found in quantitative studies.

The Role of Quantified Information

While qualitative research emphasizes descriptive narratives and interpretations, the inclusion of quantified information is not entirely excluded. “Findings may or may not include quantified information, depending upon the study’s goals, approach to inquiry, and study characteristics.” The decision to incorporate quantitative data depends on the specific research question and the nature of the data collected.

Delving Deeper into the Discussion Section

The “Discussion” section is crucial for interpreting the findings and placing them within the broader context of existing knowledge. It typically involves several key subsections, each serving a distinct purpose.

Highlighting Central Contributions and Significance

A primary goal of the discussion is to articulate the main contributions of the study and their importance. This involves describing “the central contributions and their significance in advancing disciplinary understandings.” Researchers must clearly explain how their findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and what impact they have on the field.

Characterizing the Types of Contributions

The discussion should also characterize the nature of the contributions made by the findings. This entails describing “the types of contributions made by findings (e.g., challenging, elaborating on, and supporting prior research or theory in the literature describing the relevance) and how findings can be best utilized.” The discussion should clarify whether the findings support, challenge, or expand upon existing theories and research, and how these findings can be applied in practice.

Comparing and Contrasting with Prior Work

Another important aspect of the discussion is comparing the findings with those of previous studies. This involves identifying “similarities and differences from prior theories and research findings.” By highlighting these comparisons, researchers can demonstrate the novelty and significance of their work in relation to the existing literature.

Reflecting on Alternative Explanations

The discussion should also acknowledge and explore alternative explanations for the findings. Researchers should “reflect on any alternative explanations of the findings.” This demonstrates critical thinking and a willingness to consider different interpretations of the data.

Acknowledging Strengths and Limitations

Finally, a well-rounded discussion includes a thorough assessment of the study’s strengths and limitations. Researchers should “identify the study’s strengths and limitations (e.g., consider how the quality, source, or types of the” data may have influenced the results). This honesty and self-awareness enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the research.

In conclusion, the “Findings” and “Discussion” sections of a qualitative research paper are interconnected and require careful consideration. The “Findings” section presents the evidence, while the “Discussion” section interprets and contextualizes that evidence within the broader scholarly landscape. A strong “Discussion” section will demonstrate a deep understanding of the research topic, a critical evaluation of the findings, and a clear articulation of the study’s contributions to the field.

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