The authors usually begin by restating the hypothesis and the results that either support it or not support it. Data can be interpreted in more than one way. A well written discussion section will always consider reasonable alternative explanations for their results. Sometimes the alternative explanations are successfully eliminated, but many times they are not. If you use your critical thinking skills you may find that your conclusion differ from the author's. 5.
Many authors conclude with suggestions for further research.
That You May Find Helpful 1.Read the title and abstract carefully. 2.Skim the entire article rapidly for an overview of the questions asked and results obtained. 3.Read the Introduction and then Skip to the Discussion section to understand the starting and ending points of the author's reasoning as well as the conclusions. 4.Read the Methods and Result Section. Underline and make marginal notes on the major points of the article.