What is typically highlighted in the discussion section of a manuscript?

The discussion section of a manuscript is primarily focused on presenting the key findings of the study and interpreting their significance in the context of existing literature. Here, authors summarize the most important results and connect them to the hypotheses or objectives outlined previously in the manuscript. The goals are to establish the relevance of the findings, explain how they contribute to the current body of knowledge, and discuss any implications for practice or future research. This section often includes comparisons with previous studies, potential limitations, and suggestions for future research directions.

While introductory theorization, demographic data, and ethical considerations are important components of scientific writing, they are not the main focus of the discussion section. The introduction typically presents new theories or frameworks, the methods section includes demographic data pertinent to the study population, and ethical considerations are usually addressed in the methods or dedicated ethics discussions. Therefore, the highlight of the discussion section revolves around articulating the significance of the findings.