The discussion section is a comprehensive part of a lab report in which the experimental data is analyzed and the experiment’s outcome is interpreted. Like the lab report abstract and introduction sections, the discussion section offers additional information related to the study to help readers better understand the outcome of the experiment.
How to Write a Lab Report Discussion
The discussion section elaborates on the findings that are included in the results section of the lab report, which appears just before the discussion section. A good way to begin this section is by summarizing the hypothesis. Next comes the comparison—between the hypothesis and the outcome of the experiment—which explores whether or not the outcome supports the hypothesis.
Lab Report Discussion Example
Following is an excerpt of a lab report discussion section that analyzes osmosis and diffusion observed in plant and animal cells.
Carmine particles were observed under low and high magnification. The particles seemed to move about continuously, and randomly, with no particular direction. It also seemed as though the smaller particles moved faster than the larger particles. The movement was Brownian motion, not molecular movement, even though the two go hand in hand since molecular movement is what brings about diffusion by constantly moving down the concentration gradient.
Besides the above stated elements, there are a few more essentials that need to be included in a discussion section to ensure it’s exhaustive. These elements are detailed below.
Contents of a Discussion Section
Since the discussion section elaborates on the important aspects of the experiment, it can be about one paragraph, a page, or even longer depending on the type of study. Following are the elements that are a part of a standard discussion section in a lab report.
Experimental Data Analysis
The data gathered during the course of the experiment is compared with existing data obtained from other experiments on the same subject to check whether the result matches the expected outcome. Identifying deviations and carrying out error analysis are important because they’re necessary for course correction in case the result obtained is different from the desired result.
Interpretation of the Result
The result of the experiment is interpreted based on the evidence obtained from the experiment. Interpreting the results involves:
- Analyzing whether the assumptions made for the sake of the experiment were valid or not.
- Verifying whether the materials and methods used during the experiment were appropriate.
- Drawing conclusions based on the results obtained. A summary of this conclusion is written in the conclusion section of the lab report.
Note: In some cases, the discussion and conclusion sections are presented as a single section; in other cases, they are separated.
Implications of the Study
Scientific research makes it possible to establish a cause and effect relationship between dependent and independent variables. This, in turn, helps better understand the outcome of a study.
Uncertainties and Limitations
All scientific studies have their share of uncertainties and limitations, which affect the outcome to a certain extent. Such uncertainties and limitations should be accounted for in the lab report to provide clarity on deviations in the outcome.
A lab report, like any other writing assignment, gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking and writing skills. A neatly organized and well-presented lab report not only helps impress the instructor, but can also make it easier for students to earn better grades.
