Role of a Discussant: Discussants serve as commentators on the papers presented and provide substantive points pertaining to them.

Responsibilities of a Discussant: Discussants are responsible for providing professional and constructive criticism and raising issues for broader consideration during the session as a way to connect the papers presented. A discussant may draw upon his or her expertise or views in commenting on papers or presentations.

Before the session, discussants are expected to:

• Read the papers submitted for the session.
• Prepare analytical and/or critical commentaries on the significance and contribution of the papers.

During the session, discussants are expected to:

• Serve as commentators on the papers or substantive points pertaining to them.
• Provide comments on papers that will assist authors in moving their research forward.
• The discussant is expected to synthesize and summarize the studies presented focusing on the session topic, methodologies, and/or the impact of the research.
• The discussant is expected to raise questions and provide comments relevant to the presenters’ research.