Unit 9 – Discussion/Conclusion Section

Part A

According to Plano Clark & Creswell (2015), the discussion/conclusion section of a research paper is where the researcher reflects on their findings and comments on their interpretations of the results (how the study answered the original research question(s) and the strengths and weaknesses of the results).  The interpretations shared are not a summary of what the study revealed, but rather a deeper look at the “meaning, importance, and implications of the specific results that were found” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p.466).  This reflective discussion allows for researchers to share areas of improvement for future research studies, to examine how the results can affect current and future practice as well as compare the results to existing literature.

In Qualitative research studies, researchers focus on discussing limitations surrounding data collection procedures (questions, participants etc.,) as “rich sampling data sources” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p.469) are crucial to a quality qualitative paper.  In Quantitative research studies, researchers share limitations that also focus on data sampling however it is more likely due to smaller number of participants than desired and difficulties with measuring of variables as well as analysis of the data.

In Quantitative research, the focus is on interpreting results as they relate to “relationships among variables” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p. 472) and are connected directly to the hypotheses examined and existing literature. The goal of the interpretation is to apply the results to as large and broad a population as possible.

In Qualitative research, the interpretation of results focuses on “themes” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p. 472) that the research has revealed. The goal is to be able to share a “credible, full description” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015) of the results.

Some of the similarities and differences in the discussion/conclusion section between qualitative and quantitative research reports are laid out in table format by Plano Clark & Creswell (2015, p.472).

Plano Clark & Creswell (2015, p. 472)

Part B

Link to Servant Leadership Article: Achieving High Organization Performance Through Servant Leadership

Plano Clark & Creswell (2015)

Part C

As a consumer of research reports, the most important aspects that I need to look for in the discussion/conclusion section of a high quality research report are:

• The major results are identified and summarized without introducing new results.
• The results are organized clearly on either themes (qualitative) or hypotheses (quantitative).
• The discussion/conclusion section should take into consider how the results relate to existing literature.
• The researcher reflected upon how the results can impact current and future practice and addresses whom they might benefit.
• The researcher acknowledges the limitations of the study in detail including how data was collected, how participants were selected, how data was analyzed etc.,)
• The researcher indicates suggestions for what future research is required to improve upon limitations identified.
• The interpretations are consistent with the study.
• The information included in the list of references etc., is relevant to the study

An area that I still find a little confusing is just how personal the discussion section can be in a qualitative report when a researcher is sharing their reflections and interpretations. Is being personally reflective opening up the results to being considered biased?

I can apply this knowledge to my work context because as part of my job, I need to collect, provide and interpret the results each year of student surveys for my Department’s yearly Action Plan summary.  Being able to follow the format of identifying the results, examining them as they compare to current literature, applying the results to our teaching practices in our Department, critiquing the limitations of the survey questions or sampling methods for future research and making sure the interpretation of the results is consistent with the study will be very helpful for both myself, our Department, my school Administrator and the School District’s Leadership Team. I have never included any formal back matter in my Action Plan summary before but will do so this year due to what I have discovered and learned in this course.

Question:

In your line of work, how often do you conduct research on your area of expertise in order to be a better practitioner and be better informed about the latest literature’s findings?

References

Melchar, D. E., & Bosco S. M. (2010). Achieving high organization performance through servant leadership. Journal of Business Inquiry: Research, Education & Application, 9(1), 74–88.

Plano-Clark, V. & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide. (2nd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.