Cómo escribir y publicar artículos científicos (II). Seguimos el viaje: resultados, discusión, y algo más

“Results” and “Discussion” are two major sections in the structure of any original article. In the “Results” section, the main results obtained with the data analysis are presented in an orderly manner, from the most general and descriptive analyses to the most specific and complex, seeking to characterize the study and to give answers to its objectives. Results are presented in neutral and objective language, using a combination of text, tables and/or figures, choosing the most appropriate and efficient format in each case and avoiding repeating the information provided. The “Discussion” is possibly the most difficult part of writing because it is also the most creative section in the paper. It begins by summarizing the main findings of the study. These results are then interpreted seeking their possible explanations based on the characteristics of the study, on previous available evidence and/or on new hypotheses proposed by the authors. It is also necessary to include in the Discussion a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the study methodology. And it should end by highlighting the main conclusions and consequences of the work, for professional practice and for future research. Other sections to consider when writing a scientific paper are the bibliography, acknowledgments, the presentation of the funding sources for the study or the description of the authorship contributions and the authors’ statement about their conflicts of interest.