Psychology

Begin Writing Chapter 5: Discussion of Findings, Recommendations, and Conclusions from your Dissertation. For both theoretical and qualitative studies, this is where the interpretation of the results and discuss their significance. The discussion should first situate the significance of the results in light of the theories and framework that were defined in Chapter One. For example, did the results support the research questions, or did they fail to do so? The Learner should then connect the findings to the major studies identified in the literature review, indicating how the results add to this literature. Provide alternative explanations for the findings. Additionally, discuss strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the study. Finally, discuss how the results contribute to the field of psychology. It is in Chapter Five that the Learner has the opportunity to develop and to express the creative contribution of the research. Although much of this creative emphasis will be revealed in how the results are correlated with the existing literature, the significance of the findings beyond the literature should be speculated. In addition, the discussion chapter should also include the following sections. Implications and Recommendations Discuss implications of the study for professional practice and scholarly work in the field of psychology. All implications are to be linked explicitly to findings. Include here recommendations for future research. Assert clearly each recommendation and link to a finding in the study. Additionally, discuss recommendations for changes in psychological concepts and knowledge, along with recommended changes as applied to clinical practice. When the investigation is complete and the significance of the work to the field is complete, the Learner will have gained an expertise on the topic of the study. The Learner has a special obligation, therefore, to suggest future inquiries that could expand this field of knowledge. These recommendations grow out of the research conducted and should be more than a list of topics to be researched. Rather the recommendations are to direct scholars to new areas for further exploration. Conclusions Summarize in a clear and simple fashion the principal themes and insights and findings of the study. Present any final thoughts.