Many students lose valuable marks because of avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common ones:
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Repeating Chapter Four
Some students copy tables, percentages, and statistical results into Chapter Five. This is incorrect. Chapter Five is for interpretation, not presentation of results.
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Introducing New Findings
Never introduce new data or findings that were not presented in Chapter Four.
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Failing to Compare with Previous Studies
One major purpose of the discussion section is to compare your findings with earlier research. Ignoring this weakens your work.
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Criticizing Previous Researchers
If your findings disagree with earlier studies, do not write that the previous researcher was wrong. Simply explain possible reasons for the difference.
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Writing Personal Opinions
Statements such as:
“I believe…”
“In my opinion…”
have no place in academic writing. Your discussion should be based on evidence, not personal feelings.
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Recommendations Not Linked to Findings
Every recommendation must come directly from one or more findings.
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Writing a Long Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your study, not rewrite the entire project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I introduce new references in Chapter Five?
Generally, the discussion of findings may refer to previous studies already reviewed in Chapter Two. However, the conclusion and recommendations should not introduce new references or ideas.
Can my findings disagree with previous studies?
Yes. Research findings can differ because of differences in location, sample size, time, research design, population, or methodology. What matters is that you explain the reason for the difference.
Should I repeat my statistical tables?
No. The tables belong in Chapter Four. In Chapter Five, explain what the results mean rather than repeating them.
How long should Chapter Five be?
There is no fixed length. Most undergraduate projects have between 5 and 12 pages, depending on the institution, department, and scope of the study.
Can I make recommendations that were not part of my findings?
No. Recommendations should flow naturally from the findings of your research.
