discussion

name: discussion description: Draft or revise discussion sections for empirical or theoretical papers.

Skill: discussion

Structure

Empirical Papers

1. Recap patterns – most important findings in plain language
2. Interpretation – theoretical and practical implications
3. Limitations – honest but framed as tradeoffs when appropriate
4. Future work – specific, grounded suggestions Propose concrete follow-up studies, not generic directions. See writing-craft, "Contribution Framing," and mcguire-heuristics.
5. Take-home message – concise, memorable conclusion

Theoretical Papers

1. Synthesize arguments – how the perspective changes research
2. Implications – what researchers should do differently
3. Limitations – scope and boundary conditions
4. Future directions – concrete next steps Propose concrete follow-up studies, not generic directions. See writing-craft, "Contribution Framing," and mcguire-heuristics.

For perspectivism and follow-up heuristics, load writing-craft alongside this skill.

Rules

• Don't repeat results verbatim; synthesize across studies
• Don't introduce new literature not covered in lit review
• Don't overstate conclusions beyond data support
• Don't end with vague future directions; end with concrete take-home

Workflow

1. Outline key messages first
2. Draft interpretation paragraphs
3. Add limitations and future work
4. Craft punchy conclusion

#examples-disclaimer