· The discussion is the meat of the lab report.
· Tries to answer the question "Why?" Explains what was expected and what was found.
· Do the data support the original hypothesis? Why or why not?
· This section presents reasons for the results obtained in the experiment and references related studies.
· What trends were noticed; why did they occur?
· What is the theory or model behind the experiment and is it substantiated by your results?
· This section also includes potential sources of error. What recommendations might improve the procedure and results?
Consideration is given to:
· What is the connection between the experimental measurements taken and the final results and conclusions? How do your results relate to the real world?
· What were the results of observations and calculations?
· What trends were noticed?
· What is the theory or model behind the experiment?
· Do the experimental results substantiate or refute the theory? Why? Be sure to refer specifically to the results you obtained.
· Were the results consistent with your original predictions of outcomes or were you forced to revise your thinking?
· Did errors occur (for example, environmental changes or unplanned interference in the procedure)? If so, how did these errors affect the experiment?
· Did any errors occur due to the equipment used (for example, contamination due to a lack of aseptic technique)?
· What recommendations might improve the procedures and results?
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