Comparison to previous results

 

A major function of the discussion section in research articles is to compare the writer's own results with those of other researchers. Similar results can help support the writer's claims, whereas different (unexpected) findings require explanation. The following adjectives and verbs are typically used to present these two types of results:

(A) Similar results

One way to show the validity of one's results or claims is to gain support from similar results found by other researchers.

ADJECTIVES:
 
The results areconsistent with thosereportedpreviously for [SAMPLE] by [RESEARCHER]
 similar to described 
 in agreement with documented 
 in accord with recorded 
 in line with   
 comparable to   
 compatible with   
 equivalent to    
 identical to   
 lower than   
VERBS:
 
This valueagrees withthatobservedin [SAMPLE] by [RESEARCHER]
 coincides with found for [AREA] by [RESEARCHER]
 conforms with noted  
 corresponds to seen  
 accords with    
 concurs with   
 compares favourably with   
 
These datacorroboratethe findings of [RESEARCHER]
 supportthose of  
 match   
 parallel   
 confirm   
 substantiate   
 strengthen   
 validate   
 verify   
Many researchers have reported similar...(Virtanen, 1989).
Similar results have been reported by Virtanen (1989) who...
Support for this view have come from studies of.... (Virtanen, 1989).


(B) Different results

The work of other researchers can also be cited in order to contrast it with one's own results. In this case, it is usually considered necessary to give a reason for this discrepancy (ero).

ADJECTIVES:
 
This value is     dissimilar to       that    reported              earlier for    [SAMPLE]   by   [RESEARCHER]    
 contrary to   
 in contrast to   
VERBS:
 
This value     differs from       that    presented              earlier for    [SAMPLE]   by   [RESEARCHER]    
 contrasts with     established          
 conflicts with   
 contradicts   
 
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