What is the Purpose of a Results Section?
The results section is a core part of writing a research paper. It’s where you clearly present your findings from the research without adding any interpretation or analysis—that comes later in the discussion section.
Here’s why it’s so important:
- Presents Research Findings Clearly
The results section is where you put all your research data into an organized format. This helps readers understand exactly what you found. - Supports Your Research Goals
By presenting your findings here, you’re directly addressing the research questions or hypotheses you set out to explore. - Separates Data from Analysis
This section focuses purely on presenting your findings, leaving interpretation and analysis for the discussion section. - Creates Transparency
A well-written results section shows readers exactly what you discovered, making your research clear and transparent. - Builds the Foundation for Your Discussion
It lays out the data that will be further analyzed, compared, and discussed in later sections, giving context to your final conclusions.
The results section typically follows the methods section, and it comes before the discussion section, where you interpret and analyze your findings.
Difference Between Data, Results, And Discussion Sections
To better understand the structure of your research paper, it’s important to recognize the differences between the data, results, and discussion. Here’s how they differ:
The results section presents the data you collected in a clear, objective way. It focuses on what you found, using raw data, statistics, and visuals like tables and graphs, without any interpretation.
The discussion section of a research paper is where you interpret those findings. You analyze what the results mean, how they fit with existing research, and their broader significance. While the results show the data, the discussion explains its meaning.
Data refers to the raw information collected during the research. It can be either qualitative or quantitative and is presented in the results section.
- Qualitative data is descriptive and focuses on qualities, such as feelings or behaviors. It’s subjective and analyzed through patterns or themes, like interview transcripts or survey responses.
- Quantitative data is numerical and can be measured statistically. It’s objective and often presented in charts or graphs, such as test scores or survey ratings.
9 Steps To Write Result Section of a Research Paper
Each study is unique, so the results section's structure depends on the research, study design, methodology, and journal guidelines.
However, the following steps are useful for most scientific studies. They can help researchers, especially those new to manuscript preparation, structure the results part of a research paper.
Step 1. Prepare Your Data
Before you start writing, make sure all your data is neatly organized and ready to present. For quantitative data, arrange numbers, averages, or percentages and prepare charts or graphs to visualize them clearly.
For qualitative data, categorize responses into themes or key topics and highlight relevant quotes or examples.
Example: If you conducted a survey to measure stress levels before and after an exercise program, organize the responses into categories like the level of stress (high, medium, low) or by participant. Make sure your data is well-organized before you start describing it. |
Step 2. Consult Journal Guidelines and Previous Papers
It’s always a good idea to check the specific guidelines for the journal you’re submitting to. Journals often have rules about formatting, length, and content. Reading other papers from the same journal, especially ones on similar topics, can give you a good sense of how to present your results.
In some fields, the results and discussion sections are not separate. For example, in qualitative research like ethnographies, the results are often combined with the discussion. Make sure to check your department’s guidelines for any specific formatting requirements.
Step 3. Introduce the Results Section
To begin writing the results section, briefly remind the reader of your research problem or study aim. This sets the context for your findings and helps the reader understand the relevance of the results you present.
Keep it clear and concise, and avoid too much background information.
Example: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of regular exercise on mental health. We collected data from 50 participants who completed a 6-week workout program, measuring their stress levels before and after the program using a standardized stress questionnaire. The results are presented below. |
Step 4. Present the Data-Clearly
Now, it’s time to present your data! Use tables, graphs, or charts to show the results in a way that’s easy for readers to follow. Make sure all visual elements are labeled correctly and consistently, including titles, axis labels, and captions. Always focus on presenting the facts clearly and objectively.
In quantitative research, you might use tables to show numerical data like averages, percentages, or statistical tests. Graphs and charts (like bar graphs or pie charts) are useful for comparing data points visually.
Example:
In qualitative research, you might present data in the form of categorized themes, word clouds, or excerpts from interviews to illustrate patterns or key findings. Both types of data should be organized and easy to interpret, helping your reader quickly grasp the results without needing to dig through long paragraphs.
Figure 1: Distribution of Stress Levels Before and After Exercise Program by Gender.
Remember, while visuals like tables and figures are powerful tools, they should complement the text, not replace it.
Expert tip:
The way you present statistics depends on both the type of analysis you performed and the style guide you’re using. For instance, if you’re following APA Style, there are specific guidelines for writing a results section.
Step 5. Describe the Data
After showing your tables or graphs, give a brief description of what the data shows. This section is purely for reporting what the data shows, allowing the reader to see the raw information before moving on to analysis in the discussion section.
Additionally, you should:
- Be concise: Keep descriptions brief and to the point.
- Highlight key trends: Point out any notable patterns, such as overall increases or decreases, without making inferences.
- Refer directly to visual aids: Always reference the tables, graphs, or figures you’ve used for presentation to guide the reader.
Here’s what you can do in this step:
- Point out trends: If data is grouped in a way that shows patterns (e.g., decreasing values), briefly highlight this.
- Be clear and specific: Avoid generalizations and stick to specific facts shown in the visual elements.
Example: As shown in Figure 1, the clustered column chart illustrates the distribution of stress levels before and after the exercise program for male and female participants. For males, 50% reported low-stress levels, 37.5% reported moderate stress levels, and 12.5% reported high-stress levels. For females, 50% reported low-stress levels, 25% reported moderate stress levels, and 25% reported high-stress levels." |
Step 6. Organize Data into Subsections
If your study has different types of data, like both numbers and written responses, break them down into subsections. This helps the reader follow along more easily.
Example:
Quantitative Data: You could present averages or statistical tests, like "The average decrease in stress levels was 35%." Qualitative Data: If you asked open-ended questions, summarize the key themes from responses, like "Most participants mentioned feeling more relaxed and focused after the program." |
Step 7. Summarize Key Findings
Conclude your research paper findings section with a quick recap of the main findings. This will set up your discussion, where you’ll dive into analyzing what the results mean.
If relevant, you could also briefly mention any unexpected trends or notable differences (e.g., gender differences or shifts in stress levels that stand out). These might be important for your analysis in the discussion section.
Here is a summary of the results in the research example:
In summary, the data indicates that both male and female participants showed a shift in stress levels after the exercise program. For males, 50% reported low stress post-exercise, while 37.5% reported moderate stress, and 12.5% reported high stress. For females, 50% experienced low stress, 25% moderate stress, and 25% high stress. Additionally, qualitative feedback suggested that participants felt more relaxed and focused after the program, with many noting that regular exercise helped in managing stress more effectively. |
Step 8. Prepare for the Transition to the Discussion Section
Wrap up the results section with a brief summary, and make sure you don’t dig into analysis. The goal here is to present the facts, leaving the interpretation for the discussion.
Example:
Overall, the results demonstrate shifts in stress levels before and after the exercise program, with both male and female participants reporting changes in stress distributions. While 50% of males and females reported low stress after the program, moderate and high stress levels varied between genders. Furthermore, qualitative responses indicated that participants felt more relaxed, focused, and better able to manage stress after the program. |
Step 9. Review and Revise Your Draft
Once your findings section is drafted, take some time to review and revise it. Ensure the data is accurate and clearly presented. Double-check your visual elements (tables, graphs, etc.) for consistency with the text. Reading your results aloud can help catch awkward phrasing or small mistakes.
Go over your tables and check if the numbers match the descriptions. Make sure everything is easy to understand. If you’re unsure, ask a colleague or peer to review it—another set of eyes can make a big difference.
Note: Make sure that any specialized terminology or abbreviations used in this section have been defined in the research paper introduction section.
Results Section Examples
To better understand how to structure and present your research findings, let’s take a look at some practical examples. Below, we’ll walk through research findings examples, including both in-text examples and downloadable PDFs.
Sample of Qualitative Results Section
Here’s an example of the Results Section from a qualitative research paper.
Results Section: The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Well-Being At the end of the data collection, 40 employees participated in semi-structured interviews regarding the impact of remote work on their well-being. The participants were from a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and education. The respondents were predominantly aged between 30-45 years, with an equal distribution of genders. The majority of participants (70%) identified work-life balance as one of the most significant benefits of remote work. Many described how working from home allowed them to better manage family responsibilities and reduce commuting time. One participant noted, "Being at home gives me the flexibility to take care of my kids during the day without compromising my work tasks." This sentiment was echoed by other participants who highlighted the positive effects on their overall well-being. A smaller group of remote workers (25%) expressed concerns about isolation and stress. These individuals indicated that the lack of social interaction with colleagues led to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. As one participant shared, "While I love the flexibility, I do miss the camaraderie and informal chats with my coworkers." However, this issue was less prevalent among those who were more accustomed to working remotely and had strategies for staying connected with others through virtual meetings and social activities. A significant portion of participants (55%) reported that remote work enhanced their sense of autonomy, which in turn positively impacted their productivity. They noted that the ability to structure their workday allowed for a more focused and efficient approach to tasks. One participant said, "I can set my own schedule and work when I'm most productive, which makes a huge difference in my performance." This finding highlights the importance of flexibility in remote work arrangements for enhancing employee well-being. An interesting pattern emerged when analyzing responses by age group. Younger employees (ages 25-35) seemed to adapt to remote work more easily and reported higher levels of satisfaction compared to older employees (ages 46-55). Younger participants emphasized the convenience of technology and the ability to work from anywhere, while older employees expressed a preference for in-person interactions and the structure provided by a physical office. Overall, the results indicate that remote work can have a positive impact on employee well-being, particularly in terms of work-life balance and autonomy. However, issues such as social isolation and generational differences must also be considered when implementing remote work policies. Employers should aim to foster a supportive environment that balances flexibility with opportunities for social connection to ensure the overall well-being of remote workers. |
Sample of Quantitative Results Section
Here’s an example of the Results Section from a quantitative research paper.
Immunoglobulins and Their Impact on Immune Response in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases. Results Section A total of 150 patients participated in the study, with 75 patients in the immunoglobulin therapy group and 75 patients in the placebo group. The mean age of participants was 45.6 years (SD = 12.3). The gender distribution was 60% male (n = 90) and 40% female (n = 60). Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, and underlying conditions, were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Immunoglobulin therapy was associated with a significant improvement in immune function compared to the placebo group. The mean serum immunoglobulin levels increased from 500 mg/dL (SD = 100) to 850 mg/dL (SD = 120) in the treatment group (p < 0.01). In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal change in serum levels, from 510 mg/dL (SD = 105) to 520 mg/dL (SD = 110), with no significant difference (p = 0.57). The percentage of patients reporting improved immune system function (reduction in infections and better antibody response) was significantly higher in the immunoglobulin therapy group. Specifically, 82% of patients in the immunoglobulin group reported improvement in symptoms, compared to 45% in the placebo group (?² = 16.45, p < 0.001). Adverse effects were recorded in both groups, with a higher incidence in the immunoglobulin group. Of the 75 patients in the treatment group, 18 (24%) experienced mild to moderate side effects, including headaches and fatigue, compared to 7 (9%) in the placebo group (?² = 5.67, p = 0.02). A subgroup analysis by age revealed that patients under 40 years of age experienced a significantly higher improvement in immune function (mean increase in serum immunoglobulin levels = 450 mg/dL) compared to those over 40 years (mean increase = 250 mg/dL). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In summary, immunoglobulin therapy significantly improved immune function in patients compared to placebo, with a higher incidence of adverse effects observed in the treatment group. The therapy appeared to be more effective in younger patients, and future studies should explore the long-term outcomes of immunoglobulin treatment. |
Here are a few more captivating examples of research findings in PDF format for your reference!
Results/Findings Section Dos and Don’ts
When writing the results section of your research paper, it's important to follow some simple guidelines to present your findings clearly. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help:
Do | Don’t |
Follow a logical sequence to present your findings clearly. | Don’t analyze or interpret the data; save that for the discussion section. |
Write in an unbiased manner to maintain objectivity. | Don’t use vague terms; be specific in your findings. |
Provide clear topic sentences that connect findings to your research question. | Don’t present raw data without summarizing or visualizing it. |
Include negative results to enhance the credibility of your research. | Don’t repeat data unnecessarily; choose one format to present it. |
Use figures and tables to help present complex data visually. | Don’t include irrelevant data that doesn’t support your research question. |
Wrapping Up,
Writing the results section may feel challenging, but this guide makes it easier. Focus on presenting your findings clearly, without adding interpretations. Use tables and figures to highlight key data points. Whether the results meet your hypothesis or not, presenting them accurately builds your paper’s credibility.
By following these steps, you'll create a results section that communicates the core insights of your research.
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