Where should authors list the limitations of their research?

The limitations of research are best discussed in the Discussion section. This section is dedicated to interpreting the results, placing them in context, and critically evaluating their implications. Discussing limitations here allows authors to transparently address potential weaknesses in their study design, methodology, or data interpretation. By acknowledging these limitations, authors enhance the credibility of their research and provide a more nuanced understanding of how their findings should be interpreted.

Including limitations in the Discussion also gives authors the opportunity to suggest how future research might address these issues or build upon their work. This helps readers assess the robustness of the findings and understand the potential impacts on the overall conclusions drawn from the study.

In contrast, the Results section primarily focuses on presenting the findings without delving into interpretations or critiques, the Methods section describes how the research was conducted without providing insights into its weaknesses, and References are strictly for citing previous literature and sources used in the study. Hence, the Discussion is the appropriate and effective place for authors to list the limitations of their research.