F1 Explanation of findings
Relate to the aim/hypotheses without referring to the statistics. So explain whether the aim has been supported or not, whether the hypotheses have been retained or rejected and state these in full. Now consider the statistics. Explain whether the results were as expected and why this was so OR state any findings you did not anticipate. Explain any additional findings that may have been noted in the gathering of the data with reference to the original aim.
F2 Background theory
The results must be related back to the background theory. Do the results support or contradict? If they support are there any further explanations/new theories that can be cited to explain further the results (do not repeat research already given in the introduction)? If they contradict, consider why. Give criticisms of the background theory that might explain the contradiction, and include any alternative explanations that challenge the background research.
F3 Limitations and modifications
All research has methodological weaknesses, e.g. sample-bias, disadvantages of the research method (design if appropriate), researcher and participant effects, confounding variables, reliability and validity, quantitative/qualitative approach, measurement scales, lack of standardisation or pilot test, statistical treatments, type errors, ethics. If the study is correlational you must remember lack of causation as the key limitation. Do not forget the modifications, i.e. suggest how these weaknesses could be addressed.
F4 Implications and suggestions for further research
Discuss the wider implications of the findings e.g. do the findings have social significance? Real-life validity? Applications? Or are there any ethical implications? For example, if your results support a correlation between stress and physical illness, the implication would be the negative effects of stress and how these could be best reduced. Give ideas for follow up research; these should be a logical outcome of your research investigation, i.e. something that expands upon it by changing a key variable. For example, a further research based on stress and physical illness could be a correlational investigation into stress and psychological illness. Only a couple of ideas are needed but do elaborate. That is, explain what this would involve, e.g. the research method etc. and refer to background research that supports the relevance of the suggestions. Do not just do one or the other—you must include implications AND suggestions.
