When writing a research paper, where should a statement like "this is probably due to..." be included?

Including a statement like "this is probably due to..." in the discussion section of a research paper is appropriate because this section is designed for interpretation and analysis of the results. The discussion allows the author to explore the meanings behind the data, propose explanations for the findings, and consider limitations. Such language suggests an interpretation of the results based on theoretical frameworks or prior research, reflecting a nuanced understanding that is characteristic of this part of the paper.

In contrast, the results section is meant to present the data collected without delving into interpretations or hypotheses. The implications section, while it may speculate on future impacts or applications of the findings, does not focus on interpreting current results. Likewise, the methodology section describes how the research was conducted, including design, participants, and procedures, without making any interpretive statements. Therefore, placing the phrase in the discussion section aligns with the conventions of academic writing, promoting a deeper engagement with the research findings.