Discussion vs. Conclusion — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A discussion analyzes and interprets information or findings, while a conclusion summarizes key points and provides closure to the topic.
Difference Between Discussion and Conclusion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A discussion explores data, findings, or ideas in detail, providing interpretation and insight. It often identifies patterns, implications, limitations, and possible future research directions. A conclusion, on the other hand, succinctly restates the main arguments or findings and ties everything together, offering a final perspective.
In academic writing, a discussion elaborates on the significance of the results, placing them in a broader context and comparing them to existing knowledge. Conclusions reiterate the essential findings, highlighting their importance and suggesting practical applications or implications.
A discussion is typically longer and contains more detailed analysis. Conclusions are shorter, reiterating key points while ensuring that the reader understands the main message and takeaway.
Discussions often end by acknowledging limitations or uncertainties that could affect interpretation. Conclusions, however, focus on emphasizing what the reader should remember most clearly.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Analyze and interpret information
Summarize and provide closure
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Length
Longer, detailed
Shorter, succinct
Structure
Analysis, comparison, context
Restate key findings, emphasize main points
Focus
Interpretation and significance
Reiteration and closure
Limitations
Identifies and acknowledges
Minimally addresses, if at all
Compare with Definitions
Discussion
A detailed exploration or examination of a topic.
The discussion delved into the implications of the new research findings.
Conclusion
The final section summarizing the main points of a piece of writing.
In the conclusion, the author highlighted the study’s primary recommendations.
Discussion
A section that interprets and analyzes research results.
The academic discussion compared the new results to previous studies.
Conclusion
The final section that summarizes the results of a study.
The research conclusion emphasized the importance of addressing climate change.
Discussion
A structured conversation among experts on a particular topic.
The panel discussion covered the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
A result that logically follows from given premises.
Based on the data presented, the logical conclusion was clear.
Discussion
An organized conversation among multiple participants.
The group discussion encouraged students to share their perspectives.
Conclusion
The last paragraph that summarizes the arguments presented.
In the conclusion paragraph, she reiterated her stance on the topic.
Discussion
An exchange of ideas or opinions in an online forum.
The forum discussion provided valuable insights from various contributors.
Conclusion
A final judgment or decision in a legal context.
The court reached its legal conclusion after reviewing all evidence.
Discussion
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas
The EC directive is currently under discussion
The committee acts as a forum for discussion
Conclusion
The close or last part; the end or finish
The conclusion of the festivities.
Discussion
Consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation.
Conclusion
The result or outcome of an act or process
What was the conclusion of all these efforts?.
Discussion
A formal discourse on a topic; an exposition.
Conclusion
A judgment or decision reached after deliberation.
Discussion
Conversation or debate concerning a particular topic.
There was then a long discussion of whether to capitalize words like "east".
This topic is not open to discussion.
My discussion with the professor was very enlightening.
Conclusion
A final arrangement or settlement, as of a treaty.
Discussion
Text giving further detail on a subject.
Under each heading, you will find a discussion.
Conclusion
(Law) The formal closing of a legal complaint or pleading.
Discussion
The dispersion of a tumour.
Conclusion
A proposition that follows from the premises of a formal proof, for instance from the major and minor premises of a syllogism.
Discussion
The act or process of discussing by breaking up, or dispersing, as a tumor, or the like.
Conclusion
The proposition concluded from one or more premises; a deduction.
Discussion
The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.
The liberty of discussion is the great safeguard of all other liberties.
Conclusion
The end, finish, close or last part of something.
Discussion
An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic;
The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
His treatment of the race question is badly biased
Conclusion
The outcome or result of a process or act.
Discussion
An exchange of views on some topic;
We had a good discussion
We had a word or two about it
Conclusion
A decision reached after careful thought.
The board has come to the conclusion that the proposed takeover would not be in the interest of our shareholders.
Conclusion
(logic) In an argument or syllogism, the proposition that follows as a necessary consequence of the premises.
Conclusion
(obsolete) An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
Conclusion
(law) The end or close of a pleading, for example, the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace", etc.
Conclusion
(law) An estoppel or bar by which a person is held to a particular position.
Conclusion
The last part of anything; close; termination; end.
A fluorish of trumpets announced the conclusion of the contest.
Conclusion
Final decision; determination; result.
And the conclusion is, she shall be thine.
Conclusion
Any inference or result of reasoning.
Conclusion
The inferred proposition of a syllogism; the necessary consequence of the conditions asserted in two related propositions called premises. See Syllogism.
He granted him both the major and minor, but denied him the conclusion.
Conclusion
Drawing of inferences.
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyesAnd still conclusion.
Conclusion
An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
We practice likewise all conclusions of grafting and inoculating.
Conclusion
The end or close of a pleading, e.g., the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace," etc.
Like the famous ape,To try conclusions, in the basket creep.
Conclusion
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
Conclusion
An intuitive assumption;
Jump to a conclusion
Conclusion
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Conclusion
Event whose occurrence ends something;
His death marked the ending of an era
When these final episodes are broadcast it will be the finish of the show
Conclusion
The proposition arrived at by logical reasoning (such as the proposition that must follow from the major and minor premises of a syllogism)
Conclusion
The act of ending something;
The termination of the agreement
Conclusion
A final settlement;
The conclusion of a business deal
The conclusion of the peace treaty
Conclusion
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Conclusion
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Common Curiosities
What should be included in a discussion section?
A discussion should include interpretations of findings, comparisons with previous research, and suggestions for future work.
What is a discussion section in academic writing?
The discussion section interprets and analyzes research findings, placing them in a broader context.
What is a conclusion section in academic writing?
The conclusion section summarizes key findings and provides closure by reinforcing the main message.
Can limitations be discussed in the conclusion?
Limitations can be briefly mentioned, but they are primarily addressed in the discussion.
Is it important to include recommendations in the conclusion?
Yes, recommendations can enhance the conclusion by offering practical steps or future research directions.
Can the discussion and conclusion be combined in a paper?
In shorter papers, the discussion and conclusion might be combined to streamline content.
How long should a discussion be compared to a conclusion?
A discussion is typically longer due to its detailed analysis, while conclusions are shorter and concise.
What should be included in a conclusion section?
A conclusion should restate the main points, highlight significance, and offer final recommendations.
Do discussions include statistical analyses?
Discussions interpret statistical analyses, explaining their implications and significance.
Can the conclusion include personal opinions?
Opinions should be based on the evidence presented, offering logical inferences or recommendations.
How does a discussion differ from a conclusion in focus?
A discussion focuses on analysis and interpretation, while a conclusion emphasizes summarizing and closure.
Should new data be introduced in the conclusion?
No, the conclusion should summarize existing findings rather than introduce new data.
Should a discussion always acknowledge limitations?
Yes, acknowledging limitations adds credibility and context to the interpretation.
How does a discussion relate to a hypothesis?
A discussion examines how the findings support or refute the original hypothesis.
Can a conclusion refer back to the introduction?
Yes, a conclusion can link back to the introduction to show how initial questions or hypotheses were addressed.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
