What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a discussion section?

In the discussion section, avoid the common mistake of merely restating results without providing interpretation. This section is not meant for duplicating facts from the results; instead, emphasize the analysis of results, highlighting key findings and linking them to the research question and hypothesis. Address the strengths and limitations of your methods and data, discussing their impact on result validity and reliability.

Use the discussion section to further elaborate on what you mentioned in the results section. You want to tie your work and findings together here. Emphasize and highlight your top findings and how they strengthen (of not) your research hypothesis. Do not forget to include talk about the limitations of your study.

Repeating the results in the discussion without providing meaningful analysis or interpretation. Focus on interpreting the results, discussing their significance, and relating them to your research questions or hypotheses.

One of the things that I learned from my mentor @Omaima_Elgibaly is to write a literature review before collecting the data. Writing the review gives an idea first about what other researchers found in the same topic, and set up the stage for the missing data and research points. In addition, it helps a lot in writing the discussion. I used to design an excel matrix of the main methodology, findings, and recommendations of other scholars before going through my research. Actually I tried to train my postgraduate students to follow the same approach. Yes, this takes more time and effort but eventually the matrix summaries the main ideas that would be missed in the discussion and might open the door for a whole new world you never expected.

In the discussion section, steer clear of the error of neglecting the literature. Avoid the mistake of not linking your findings to existing knowledge and theories in your field. Utilize this section to showcase how your research contributes to the field's advancement, addressing gaps or solving problems. Compare and contrast your findings with other studies, elucidate how they align with or challenge existing literature, and highlight any similarities or differences. Cite relevant sources to bolster your arguments, demonstrating a comprehensive and critical literature review.

Avoid using dated studies in your literature unless absolutely necessary & make it very clear why you are using it. Anything older than 5-10 years is old to be citing & there usually is more recent literature out there regarding the topic. Having lots of citations within the literature does not make your paper look better but more cluttered. Pick choice, quality, and related citations.

Failing to connect your findings to existing literature or theoretical frameworks. Discuss how your results align with or deviate from previous research. Emphasize the contribution your study makes to the broader body of knowledge.

In the discussion section, refrain from the common mistake of veering off-topic by introducing new or irrelevant information that doesn't align with the research question and objectives. Maintain focus and coherence, adhering to a clear structure that guides readers through your main points and conclusions. Avoid introducing new data or concepts not discussed in previous sections and refrain from making unsupported claims. Steer clear of digressing into personal opinions or anecdotes that do not contribute to the overall value of your discussion.

One of my biggest annoyances as an editor is authors who ramble and go off topic without bringing to a closure what they were trying to discuss. Do not pad your work! Do not take paragraphs to say what could be clearly stated within 1-2 sentences. Make your writing clear, coherent, and that it flows.

Another one of my editorial annoyances is people who write a conclusion that is less than a paragraph long OR include information in the conclusion that should have been in the discussion section. The conclusions is where you state the implications for your findings for those in the field, recommendations of action, policy change, or future research that needs to be done to address gaps or replication.

Discussion section is about your Novel Findings, its Significance, Implications, and Future Direction. It is not about summaries and recapitulation. So avoid over emphasis on summarising. What makes interesting discussions is a DISCUSSION! That is to discuss the findings, what impact it has and on whom, why is that impact relevant. Given the relevance what should research in this area look like in the future.

Make sure the information you put in your discussion section is actually linked to the topic of your work and your findings. I have reviewed many submission that contained irrelevant information in the discussion or information that was never mentioned again or linked to in the rest of the paper.