The results section in a research paper is where researchers present the findings of their study in a clear, logical, and concise manner. This section allows readers to see what was discovered through the research process without interpretation or personal opinion. It serves as the factual foundation upon which the discussion and conclusion sections are built.
The purpose of the results section is to report the data collected during the study and show how it aligns with the research objectives or hypotheses. It ensures transparency, and further allows readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of the findings.
What Is The Results Section In A Research Paper
The results section is a core component of any academic or scientific paper, where researchers summarise their findings. It aims to answer the research questions or test hypotheses through evidence gathered during the study.
This section should include relevant data such as statistical tests, tables, charts, and figures that make the results easy to understand. It should not include detailed explanations, interpretations, or references to past research. Those belong in the discussion section.
Example Of A Results Section Of A Research Paper
Our research aims to comprehensively examine the impact of urban green spaces on the psychological well-being of residents residing in metropolitan areas. Data and information are collected from mental health surveys, psychological measures, and different spaces, such as parks, gardens, and street trees.
Data is collected from 400 participants. 150 claim to visit parks, 120 strolled in gardens, and 130 claimed to encounter trees in their daily routines. Psychological measures showed that the larger the green space is, the more it significantly helps with stress reduction.
A one-way ANOVA was conducted to study the comparison among the given three urban green spaces. This comparison showed that people who visit parks experience higher well-being than people who stroll in gardens. The level of well-being experienced by people who encounter trees is far less than the latter.
After the quantitative analysis, qualitative insights also provide with sufficient benefits related to these green urban spaces. The people who visit parks experience relaxation and restoration. The people who stroll in gardens enhance their interaction not just with nature but also with other strollers. The people who encountered trees on their way reported a lower level of relaxation and mental well-being.
How To Write A Research Paper Results Section?
After you have thoroughly understood what the results section of a research paper is and its importance, it’s time to comprehensively elaborate on the essential steps required to write a research paper results section.
These steps are prepared and finalised by top-notch researchers. They provide newbie researchers with significant help through their research processes.
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Step 1: Repeat Your Research Question and Objectives
The first step in writing a research paper results section is to repeat your research question and objectives. Explain the research problem that you’re dealing with using this particular research. Also, provide the expected key benefits resulting from the research study.
Step 2: Present Research Findings in a Logical Order
Research involves various data collection and analysis processes. It is crucial to maintain the order of every key step in the research process. You should present the research findings in a logical order as you did in the methodology section.
Step 3: Incorporate Tables, Graphs, and Figures for Visual Representation
Visual representation of visual data is very important in presenting numerical data and information. It helps in enhancing the readability and engagement of prospective readers. So, that’s why you should incorporate different tables, graphs, and figures for visual representation.
Step 4: Provide Statistical Analysis for Quantitative Data
As you know, quantitative research is associated with objective and numerical data. It involves numbers and their analysis. Provide an extensive report on statistical analysis of quantitative data using p-values, confidence intervals, effect sizes, and regression coefficients.
Step 5: Provide Subjective Findings for Qualitative Data
In the case of qualitative research, subjective data and findings must be provided efficiently. You should use different representative quotes and themes to provide subjective data and its analysis. You should also summarise subjective data generally without interpreting it in a personal voice.
Step 6: Avoid Subjectivity and Personal Touch
Another step involved in writing the research paper results section is to avoid subjectivity and a personal touch in it. Don’t interpret findings in your voice. Avoid discussions and providing arguments. Also, avoid using informal words that might challenge the objectivity of research findings.
Step 7: Provide Negative or Unexpected Findings
Flaws and inconsistencies in a research paper efficiently indicate human uniqueness and limitations. You should provide all the available negative data resulting from mistakes and unexpected findings. It helps to understand the transparency and integrity of the research findings.
Step 8: Ensure Precision & Clarity
It is also essential for readers to effortlessly read and understand the findings in a research section. Confusing and vague data representation can lead to miscommunications. You should avoid using jargon. Keep the language in the results section clear and simple.
How To Present Quantitative Results
The quantitative results presentation involves showcasing numerical findings derived from experiments, surveys, or statistical analyses. This section should communicate data clearly and precisely to help readers understand key trends and relationships.
When reporting statistics in research, include essential values such as means, standard deviations, p-values, confidence intervals, and correlation coefficients. Ensure that the numbers directly address your research questions or hypotheses.
Use tables and graphs effectively to present data visually. Tables are ideal for summarising numerical results, while graphs and charts (like bar graphs, scatter plots, or histograms) help highlight patterns, comparisons, and differences. Always label visuals correctly and refer to them in the text to maintain clarity and coherence.
Here’s a brief example of quantitative data results formatting:
The average test score of participants increased from 65.4 (SD = 7.2) before training to 82.1 (SD = 6.5) after training, t(48) = 5.72, p < .001, indicating a statistically significant improvement.
How To Present Qualitative Results
When it comes to presenting qualitative results, the focus is on themes, patterns, and meanings derived from interviews, observations, or open-ended survey responses. Unlike quantitative data, qualitative findings are descriptive and interpretive rather than numerical.
Start by identifying major themes and patterns that emerged from your analysis. Organise these themes logically, usually in alignment with your research objectives or questions.
To support each theme, incorporate direct quotes or excerpts from participants (if applicable). These examples give authenticity to your findings and help readers understand the depth and context of the data.
Finally, structure qualitative data coherently by presenting one theme at a time, followed by supporting evidence and a short summary.
Results, Discussion, & Conclusion – Main Differences
Here is the key difference among results, discussion, and conclusion:
| Results | Discussion | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To present research findings | To interpret findings | To summarise and conclude the main points |
| Content | Graphs, tables, and figures | Explanations, limitations, and comparison | Recap, implications, and future research |
| Tone | Objective | Interpretive | Conclusive |
Dos And Don’ts Of The Results Section In A Research Paper
These are the preventive measures that you must take to write the results section in a research paper. Check out the dos and don’ts of a research section.
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
|
Write in an academic, objective, and unbiased tone. |
Don’t present irrelevant data and information. |
|
Inclusion of statistical significance tests. |
Avoid using vague and confusing terminology. |
|
Add negative findings of the research. |
Don’t repeat similar data. |
|
Establish an appropriate connection between the findings and the research question. |
Avoid presenting raw data. It can be summarised. |
|
Provide proper topic sentences |
Don’t analyse and interpret findings in the results section. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The results section in a research paper presents the findings of your study based on the data collected. It summarises key outcomes using tables, figures, and statistical analyses without offering interpretations or explanations.
The results section should include relevant data, visuals (tables, charts, and graphs), statistical test results, and brief descriptions of patterns or trends. Avoid personal opinions or comparisons with other studies, those belong in the discussion section.
- Organise data logically (by hypothesis or research question).
- Present quantitative and qualitative findings clearly.
- Use visuals effectively.
- Keep language concise and objective.
- Avoid interpretation
The results section reports the data and findings, while the discussion section interprets those results and explains their significance. In short, results show what you found, and the discussion explains what it means.
Quantitative results are presented using statistics such as means, standard deviations, p-values, and correlations. Tables and graphs should be used to summarise and visualise data, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Qualitative results are presented through themes, categories, and direct quotes from participants. Each theme should be supported by relevant excerpts, and data should be organised logically without interpretation.
Yes, visuals like tables, graphs, and figures make data easier to understand and help readers quickly identify patterns and trends. Always include clear titles, labels, and references for each visual element.
The length of the results section depends on your research scope and data complexity. It should be long enough to present all relevant findings but concise enough to maintain focus and readability.
- Use clear headings and subheadings.
- Present data in a logical sequence.
- Include well-labelled visuals.
- Use consistent formatting and units.
- Keep the tone objective and factual.
You can use tools like SPSS, Excel, R, GraphPad Prism, or NVivo for data analysis and presentation. These tools help in generating accurate tables, graphs, and visual representations of data.
Include all relevant results, even if they are unexpected or don’t support your hypothesis. Reporting them adds transparency and strengthens the credibility of your research.
Yes, always provide a brief explanation of what each figure or table represents. This helps readers interpret the visuals correctly without ambiguity.
Yes, if your research uses a mixed-methods approach, you can present both types of results in the same section. Clearly distinguish between the two to maintain structure and clarity.
