Results and Discussion Content
Please answer the questions below as a nurse practitioner student.
- What must be included in the result and discussion section of the research assignment?
- Select a research result and state whether it includes the necessary elements. Why and why not?
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
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Results and Discussion Content
Key Elements of the Results Section
The results section presents the findings of the research without interpretation. It must include clear data representations such as tables, charts, or graphs when appropriate. The section should align with the research questions or hypotheses and report statistical outcomes like p-values, confidence intervals, or effect sizes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Data should be organized logically, often chronologically or thematically, and reported objectively.
Essential Components of the Discussion Section
The discussion section interprets the results and places them in the context of existing literature. It should explain whether the hypotheses were supported, compare findings with previous studies, and highlight the implications for clinical practice or future research. Additionally, this section must acknowledge study limitations and propose recommendations. For nurse practitioners, the discussion often connects evidence to improved patient outcomes or practice change (Polit & Beck, 2021).
Example Analysis of a Research Result
Consider a study on nurse-led hypertension management. The results showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean reduction of 12 mmHg, p < 0.05). The study included data tables, a control comparison, and confidence intervals. However, the discussion merely restated the results without linking them to existing literature or discussing clinical implications. Thus, the discussion lacked depth and did not meet expected academic standards.
Importance for Nurse Practitioner Students
As future nurse practitioners, understanding how to analyze and present research is essential. Well-constructed results and discussions inform evidence-based practice, support quality improvement, and guide decision-making. Clear interpretation and critical thinking in research prepare NPs to translate findings into meaningful patient care strategies, contributing to better health outcomes and informed policy decisions.
