Where should authors discuss the significance of their key findings?

The discussion section of a manuscript is specifically designated for authors to interpret their findings, place them in the context of existing research, and highlight their significance. This is where the authors can elaborate on what the results mean in a broader sense, address implications for practice, suggest potential applications, and consider how their findings relate to other studies within the field. By positioning their key findings within the existing body of literature, authors can clearly establish their contribution to knowledge and underscore the importance of their work.

While the methods section focuses on the study design and procedures, and the results section presents the findings, neither of these allows for interpretation or contextualization. The conclusion section, although important, typically summarizes the main findings without the detailed discussion of significance that the discussion section provides. Thus, the discussion is the most appropriate place for authors to elaborate on the significance of their key findings.