The Research results section of a research paper is a crucial part of any academic study. It provides a structured and clear presentation of the findings, enabling readers to understand the outcomes of the research.
This section focuses strictly on presenting the data, leaving analysis and interpretation for the discussion section. Writing this section effectively requires precision, clarity, and adherence to the research questions or hypotheses.
Research Results
The results section is where researchers present the findings of their study. It showcases the data collected during the research process, organized systematically for clarity. This section may include both qualitative and quantitative data, often supported by visual aids like tables, charts, and graphs. Importantly, this section avoids subjective interpretations and focuses solely on the objective presentation of data.
Key Characteristics
- Objectivity: Ensures that findings are reported without bias.
- Clarity: Structures information logically to help readers easily comprehend the results.
- Relevance: Includes only data that directly addresses the research questions or hypotheses.
- Conciseness with Detail: Summarizes key findings comprehensively without overloading with excessive information.
Purpose of the Results Section
The results section serves several important functions in a research paper. Its primary goals are to:
- Report the findings of the study systematically and without interpretation.
- Address the research questions or hypotheses explicitly, showing whether they were supported or rejected.
- Provide enough detail for other researchers to replicate the study if needed.
- Lay the groundwork for the discussion section, where implications and significance are explored.
Elements in Structuring the Results Section:
When writing the results section of a dissertation or research paper, it is essential to structure it in a way that highlights your findings clearly and logically. Here’s a breakdown of how to organise this section:
1. Present the Main Findings
The first step in writing the results section is to present the core findings related to your research questions or hypotheses. For quantitative studies, this will likely involve statistical data. For qualitative research, you might present themes or patterns that emerged from your data analysis. Be sure to group similar findings together for clarity.
For example, if you conducted an experiment testing a new treatment method, you might start by presenting the most important data related to your hypothesis, such as statistical significance or comparative analysis.
2. Use Visuals
Including tables, graphs, and charts can greatly improve the clarity of your results section. Visuals can make it easier for your audience to understand complex data at a glance. Make sure each figure is clearly labelled and referenced in the text.
For example, if you’re presenting survey data, a bar chart showing the percentage of respondents for each option can convey the information more effectively than words alone.
3. Describe Secondary Findings
Once you’ve outlined your primary findings, you can move on to secondary findings that are less directly related to your main research questions but still important. These findings should be presented logically and cohesively. Ensure that any secondary findings do not distract from the overall narrative of your results section.
4. Address Inconsistencies or Unexpected Results
It’s essential to acknowledge any unexpected or contradictory findings. Present these in the same objective manner, without trying to explain or justify them – the interpretation will come later in your discussion section. Doing so adds credibility to your work and shows thoroughness in your research.
For example, “Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant difference was found between [variables]. This finding will be explored further in the discussion section.”
5. Statistical Significance and Data Interpretation
In some research papers, statistical significance is a critical part of the results section. If your research involves statistical analysis, ensure that you clearly state which findings are statistically significant and how this supports or rejects your hypotheses.
For example, “The results showed a statistically significant increase in [variable], with a p-value of 0.03, indicating that the treatment had a measurable effect.”
Steps to Write an Effective Results Section
When conducting research, it’s important to report the results of your study prior to discussing your interpretations of it. This gives your reader a clear idea of exactly what you found and keeps the data itself separate from your subjective analysis.
1.Provide an Overview
Begin with a brief summary of the research goals and the methods used to analyze the data. This introductory context helps readers understand the framework within which the results are presented.
Example:
“This section presents the outcomes of the study, which investigated the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being using a quantitative research design.”
2.Organize Findings Clearly
Organize the results in a logical sequence that aligns with your research questions, hypotheses, or the flow of data collection. Consider structuring the section by:
- Research Question or Hypothesis: Address each systematically.
- Themes or Categories: Group similar findings together, particularly in qualitative studies.
- Chronological Order: Present data as it was collected or analyzed.
3.Incorporate Visual Aids
Use tables, figures, and graphs to present numerical data, trends, and relationships clearly. Visual aids should complement the text and provide readers with an at-a-glance understanding of complex information.
- Label all visuals appropriately (e.g., “Figure 1: Trends in Weekly Exercise Habits”).
- Include explanatory captions to clarify what each visual represents.
- Reference visuals within the text to ensure readers understand their relevance.
Example:
“As shown in Table 2, there was a significant increase in mental well-being scores among participants engaging in daily exercise routines.”
4.Report Quantitative Findings
For quantitative studies, ensure that numerical data is reported accurately and with appropriate statistical detail. Include:
- Descriptive statistics like means, medians, and standard deviations.
- Inferential statistics, including tests performed (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA) and outcomes (e.g., p-values, effect sizes).
Example:
“The analysis revealed that participants who exercised for at least 30 minutes daily reported significantly higher well-being scores (M = 85.3, SD = 7.2) than those who did not (M = 68.4, SD = 8.9), t(78) = 5.67, p < .001.”
5.Summarize Qualitative Findings
For qualitative data, use themes or categories to organize your results. Include illustrative quotes or excerpts from participants to support your findings. Ensure these excerpts highlight the themes you identified during analysis.
Example:
“Participants frequently mentioned the stress-reducing benefits of exercise, with one respondent stating, ‘My morning walk helps me clear my mind and focus better throughout the day.’”
6.Avoid Interpretation
The results section must present data without any subjective analysis. Interpretation and implications should be saved for the discussion section.
Thesis Results Section Example
Here’s a brief thesis results section example to illustrate how you might present your findings clearly and concisely:
“Results from the quantitative survey indicate that 68% of respondents preferred the new teaching method, compared to 32% who favoured traditional methods (see Table 1). Among the key findings, the adoption rate of the new method was significantly higher in urban schools (85%) compared to rural schools (45%). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in preference between these two groups (p < 0.05).
In addition to this, qualitative data analysis revealed three key themes: enhanced student engagement, teacher adaptability, and challenges in implementation. Each of these themes will be explored further in the discussion section.”
Results Section of Dissertation Example
In a dissertation, the results section can be more extensive due to the volume of data collected. Here’s an example of the results section in a dissertation:
“Quantitative data from the survey were analysed using SPSS software. The results showed that 75% of participants believed that the intervention had a positive impact on student motivation (see Figure 2). Further analysis indicated that student motivation scores increased by an average of 12 points post-intervention (p < 0.01), demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme.
Qualitative feedback from interviews with teachers corroborated these findings. Teachers reported higher levels of engagement in the classroom, with one participant stating, ‘Students are much more interested in the subject matter now.’ These qualitative findings are summarised in Table 3 and will be discussed in greater detail in the following section.”
Example of Results Section in Research Paper
In journal articles or shorter research papers, the results section is typically more condensed. Here’s a brief example of a results section in a research paper:
“The analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between exercise frequency and reduced stress levels (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Participants who engaged in regular physical activity reported a mean stress score of 12, compared to 20 for those who exercised less frequently. This suggests a strong inverse relationship between exercise and stress levels
Tips to Write Results Section in Research
Writing the results section is essential for your research paper’s clarity. Follow these tips to ensure you effectively present your data:
- Be Concise and Objective: Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary elaboration. Your goal is to present the findings without bias or interpretation.
- Organise Your Data: Use subheadings to organise your results by research question, hypothesis, or data type. This makes the section easier to follow.
- Use Visual Aids: Charts, graphs, and tables can make your data more digestible and should be used to highlight key findings.
- Check Formatting Guidelines: Ensure that the format of your results section aligns with the requirements of your academic institution or journal.
- Avoid Discussion: Remember that the results section is not the place to explain or interpret your data—that comes in the discussion section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1.Including Too Much Raw Data
Excessive raw data can overwhelm readers. Instead, present summarized findings, and use appendices for detailed datasets if necessary.
2.Mixing Results and Discussion
Avoid combining interpretation with results. This can confuse readers and detract from the objective reporting of findings.
3.Lack of Organization
Disorganized findings can make it challenging for readers to follow your research outcomes. Use headings, subheadings, and logical flow to enhance readability.
4.Neglecting Negative Results
Report all findings, including those that do not support your hypotheses. Negative or unexpected results are equally important for a comprehensive understanding of your study.
5.Insufficient Detail
Provide enough context and detail for readers to evaluate your findings. Vague reporting can reduce the credibility of your research.
Examples of Results Section
Quantitative Study Example
The survey findings showed that 65% of respondents preferred hybrid work models (n = 520), compared to 20% favoring in-office setups and 15% preferring fully remote work. A chi-square test revealed a significant association between preference and age group, χ²(2, N = 520) = 12.89, p < .001, with younger participants showing the strongest preference for hybrid models.
Qualitative Study Example
The thematic analysis identified three major themes: flexibility, productivity, and work-life balance. Flexibility was the most frequently cited benefit, with one participant noting, “Hybrid work allows me to be productive while still having time for my family.”
Mixed-Methods Study Example
Quantitative data revealed a 25% increase in productivity scores among employees using hybrid models (M = 80.2, SD = 10.5), compared to in-office setups (M = 64.8, SD = 9.3), t(150) = 4.21, p < .001. Qualitative interviews supported these findings, with participants describing hybrid models as “efficient” and “motivating.”
Checklist for the Results Section
- Are all findings relevant to the research questions or hypotheses?
- Is the section logically organized and easy to follow?
- Are visual aids used appropriately to enhance understanding?
- Are statistical details (if applicable) reported accurately and comprehensively?
- Are qualitative findings clearly summarized with evidence?
- Is the distinction between results and discussion maintained?
REFERENCES
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage publications.
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2019). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Sage.
- Snyder N, Foltz C, Lendner M, Vaccaro AR. How to Write an Effective Results Section. Clin Spine Surg. 2019 Aug;32(7):295-296. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000845. PMID: 31145152.
- How to Write a Results Section: Tips & Examples – Oxbridge Editing Retrieved from https://www.oxbridgeediting.co.uk/blog/how-to-write-a-results-section-tips-examples/
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