RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How to Write an Effective Discussion JF Respiratory Care FD American Association for Respiratory Care SP 1238 OP 1241 VO 49 IS 10 A1 Hess, Dean R YR 2004 UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/49/10/1238.abstract AB Explaining the meaning of the results to the reader is the purpose of the discussion section of a research paper. There are elements of the discussion that should be included and other things that should be avoided. Always write the discussion for the reader; remember that the focus should be to help the reader understand the study and that the highlight should be on the study data.