DISCUSSION

Here, you interpret your results and relate them to the experiments reported in the literature. What do your findings mean? It is not necessary to discuss every possible factor influencing your results. Be selective in what you discuss. The following questions may help you focus your discussion.

What were the major trends in your data and how do they relate to the original question(s) stated in the Introduction? When relating trends to the original question(s) avoid detailed repetition of the results.

Are your results consistent with what has been reported in the literature?

• If your results are consistent with experiments reported in the literature, point out the similarities to reinforce your conclusions.
• If your results are not consistent with your predictions and/or results of similar experiments, try to explain the discrepancy.  For example, you might consider some of the following possibilities.
  • Were your methods or experimental conditions different from those reported in the literature?
  • Were your expectations based on incorrect assumptions?
  • Might the assumptions or interpretations reported in the literature be flawed?
  • Could your results have been affected by unforseen variables or procedural errors? 
  • Is more testing needed? 

What other approach or further experiments might you suggest?

What conclusions can be drawn from your data? Discuss the significance of the conclusions.