Structure your PhD discussion chapter in 3 steps
The discussion, aka the “So, what?” chapter
Every PhD student dreads the discussion chapter. It’s where you finally have to make sense of your results, link them to literature and theory, and answer the question your examiner will ask: So what?
This is the chapter that transforms your findings from raw data into contribution. It’s not about summarising; it’s about showing why your work matters - and that starts with structure.
Let’s get your discussion chapter organised!
Step One: Reconnect with your foundations
Before you start typing, go back to your aims and research questions. These are the anchors of your discussion.
Ask yourself:
Have my findings answered my research questions?
How do my results fit into what I said I’d explore?
Your discussion should constantly loop back to those goals. It’s how you keep the chapter focused, not rambling.
Step Two: Build around key themes
The main body of your discussion should be built around three to five key themes.
Start by brainstorming your findings - messy notes are fine. Then, group them into clusters that make sense together.
Each theme should:
State the main point.
Link it to your findings.
Compare it to what others have found.
End with a mini “So what?” that explains why it matters.
For example: Maybe you studied humour in online activism. One theme might be “Humour as Resistance.” You’d describe how your participants used memes to criticise politics, then connect it to theories of digital activism. Finally, you’d explain how humour builds community -that’s your “So what?” moment.
Step Three: End with limitations (not apologies!)
The final part of your discussion is where you acknowledge limitations and look to the future. Don’t panic - this isn’t about self-blame.
Discuss the practical boundaries of your study (time, sample, scope) and how future researchers could build on your work.
This shows you understand your research critically and professionally - a key part of examiner approval.
Final word
If your discussion feels like chaos at first, that’s a good sign. It means you’re thinking critically.
Need more help with your discussion chapter? Check out my PhD Survival Guide on the Discussion and Conclusions Chapters, more info here.