The results section of your research paper is where you present the findings of your study. This section should be clear, concise, and easy to follow, allowing readers to understand the outcome of your research. This guide will cover how to effectively write a results section that captivates your audience and strengthens your research paper.
Organizing Your Findings
Before diving into writing, organize your results logically. Determine the most effective way to present your findings, whether chronologically, by variable importance, or grouped by data type. Consider what findings will be most impactful to the reader and structure your results section accordingly.
Presenting Your Data
Using Text, Tables, and Figures
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Text: Describe the key findings verbally. Highlight trends, significant differences, and unexpected results. Avoid simply listing data points without interpretation.
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Tables: Employ tables to present large data sets in an organized manner. Ensure each table is numbered and has a clear and concise title.
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Figures: Utilize graphs, charts, and images to visualize your data and make it easier to understand. Label figures clearly and refer to them in your text.
Maintaining Clarity and Objectivity
- Report your findings objectively. Avoid drawing conclusions or interpretations in the results section.
- Use clear and concise language. Avoid technical jargon and define any specialized terms.
- Maintain a consistent tense. Generally, the past tense is used to describe the results.
- Focus on the research question. Ensure all presented data directly relates to your research question or hypothesis.
What to Include in Your Results Section
While the specific content might vary, consider including:
- Participant demographics (if applicable): Briefly describe your sample.
- Key findings: Clearly present the most important results.
- Supporting data: Include secondary findings that support your main points.
- Statistical significance: Report p-values and other relevant statistical measures.
- Unexpected results: Acknowledge and briefly discuss any unforeseen outcomes.
Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
Properly cite all sources and avoid plagiarism. Even when paraphrasing your own work from previous sections, ensure you are not simply copying and pasting.
Connecting to the Discussion Section
The results section should flow smoothly into the discussion section, where you will interpret your findings. Briefly summarize the key results at the end of the results section to prepare the reader for the upcoming discussion.
Example of a Results Section
“The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Participants in the experimental group showed a 20% increase in performance compared to the control group, as illustrated in Figure 1.” 
Comparison of Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-interpreting data: Save in-depth interpretations for the discussion section.
- Presenting irrelevant data: Ensure all data presented connects to your research question.
- Ignoring negative or unexpected results: Address all findings, even those that contradict your hypothesis.
- Neglecting proper formatting: Use consistent formatting for tables, figures, and citations.
By following these guidelines, you can craft a results section that effectively communicates your research findings and strengthens the overall impact of your paper. Remember to be clear, concise, and objective in your presentation, allowing your data to speak for itself.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between results and discussion sections?
The results section objectively presents the findings, while the discussion section interprets their meaning and implications.
2. Can I include raw data in the results section?
Generally, raw data is not included but can be added as an appendix if necessary.
3. How do I handle unexpected results?
Acknowledge and report unexpected results objectively, offering potential explanations in the discussion section.
Need help summarizing your research findings for other sections of your research paper? Check out our guide on how to summarize a research paper.
Have questions or need assistance with crafting your research paper? Contact us at 0904826292 or [email protected]. Our team is available 24/7 to support you. We’re also located at No. 31, Alley 142/7, P. Phú Viên, Bồ Đề, Long Biên, Hà Nội, Việt Nam.