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What is the Results Section in a Research Paper? | Parts & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at October 28th, 2024 , Revised On October 29, 2024

Imagine a final-year psychology student writing a research paper. He approaches the research methodology section step by step, where he explains all the data collection and analysis methods. These methods significantly help readers understand how to undertake research efficiently. After completing the methodology section efficiently, what is he more likely to do? He will surely add the results section in a research paper.

As in methodology sections, researchers tend to explain all the tips, techniques, and methods to undertake particular research and the reasons for choosing them, the results section of a research paper allows researchers to add the findings of the research in a logical sequence without any bias or interpretation from the author.

This blog briefly discusses what the research section in the research paper is, its importance, the difference among results, discussion, and conclusion, and the essential steps required to write a research paper results section efficiently.

What is the Results Section in a Research Paper?

The main goal of undertaking research is to provide solutions to the ongoing gaps in the existing data and information. By filling those gaps efficiently, researchers provide the world with various solutions in fields, such as psychology, medicine, social sciences, and other particular fields. Data and information collected in research are analysed efficiently, and afterwards, various findings and results are derived from it. They are added to the results section.

Results Section Definition

The results section is one of the most important parts of a research paper that refers to an extensive report of findings derived from different data and information collection and analysis methods. All the findings in the results section are required to be presented in a logical order without any research bias and personal interpretations of the researchers.

Results Section Example

A team of researchers study the leading causes of usual road accidents. The goal of this research study is to provide citizens with the best solutions to mitigate road accident accidents. Researchers collect data and information from various sources and analyse them efficiently.

As a result, the findings show them that the leading cause of road accidents is inappropriate speed. 11% of these accidents result in minor injuries, and 24% of these accidents lead to fatal injuries.

Importance of Results Section in a Research Paper

Whether researchers do qualitative or quantitative research, they collect a wide array of data and information required to analyse it efficiently. It significantly helps researchers achieve their research goals and provides well-researched answers to their research questions .

All the sections of a research paper hold separate importance, but the results section is of core importance. It provides researchers sufficient help to provide insights to their research study and grab the reader’s attention efficiently. Deriving accurate and well-researched results also significantly enhances the interest of a research paper.

What Does the Results Section of a Research Paper Include?

Here are the parts of a results section of a research paper should include:

• Pre-analysis of data and information
• Presentation of main findings
• Using statistics for data summarising
• Incorporating tables and graphs to demonstrate results
• Identifying and explaining different trends and patterns

Results Section for Quantitative Research

Quantitative research refers to the understanding of an event or circumstance by using numerical data and information. It is an objective approach. These are the components of the results section of quantitative research: Comprehensive descriptions, appropriate visual elements, key statistical measures, and concise interpretation.

Results Section for Qualitative Research

Quantitative research refers to the understanding of an event or circumstance by using non-numerical data and information. It is a subjective approach. Here are the components of the results section of qualitative research: Participant’s voice, negotiation of bias, negative instances, comparison and contract, and transition to discussion.

Difference Among Results, Discussion, and Conclusion

Here is the key difference among results, discussion, and conclusion:

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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 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.

So, if you also want to know how to write a research paper results section, what are you waiting for? Check out the steps below.

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 like you presented 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 out of 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 clear and simple language in the results section.

Dos and Don’ts of Result 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.

Example of a Results Section of a Research Paper

Browse through the example of a results section of a research paper. This will help you understand the structure of a results section efficiently.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the result section in a research paper.

The results section refers to an extensive report of findings derived from different data and information collection and analysis methods. All the findings in the results section must be presented logically without any research bias and personal interpretations of the researchers.

What are the parts of the results section in a research paper?

Here are the parts of the results section in a research paper:

How long is the results section of a research paper?

The length of the results section of a research paper ranges from 500-1500 words. 

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How to Write the Results/Findings Section in Research

What is the research paper Results section and what does it do?

The Results section of a scientific research paper represents the core findings of a study derived from the methods applied to gather and analyze information. It presents these findings in a logical sequence without bias or interpretation from the author, setting up the reader for later interpretation and evaluation in the Discussion section. A major purpose of the Results section is to break down the data into sentences that show its significance to the research question(s).

The Results section appears third in the section sequence in most scientific papers. It follows the presentation of the Methods and Materials and is presented before the Discussion section —although the Results and Discussion are presented together in many journals. This section answers the basic question “What did you find in your research?”

What is included in the Results section?

The Results section should include the findings of your study and ONLY the findings of your study. The findings include:

• Data presented in tables, charts, graphs, and other figures (may be placed into the text or on separate pages at the end of the manuscript)
• A contextual analysis of this data explaining its meaning in sentence form
• All data that corresponds to the central research question(s)
• All secondary findings (secondary outcomes, subgroup analyses, etc.)

If the scope of the study is broad, or if you studied a variety of variables, or if the methodology used yields a wide range of different results, the author should present only those results that are most relevant to the research question stated in the Introduction section .

As a general rule, any information that does not present the direct findings or outcome of the study should be left out of this section. Unless the journal requests that authors combine the Results and Discussion sections, explanations and interpretations should be omitted from the Results.

How are the results organized?

The best way to organize your Results section is “logically.” One logical and clear method of organizing research results is to provide them alongside the research questions—within each research question, present the type of data that addresses that research question.

Let’s look at an example. Your research question is based on a survey among patients who were treated at a hospital and received postoperative care. Let’s say your first research question is:

“What do hospital patients over age 55 think about postoperative care?”

This can actually be represented as a heading within your Results section, though it might be presented as a statement rather than a question:

Attitudes towards postoperative care in patients over the age of 55

Now present the results that address this specific research question first. In this case, perhaps a table illustrating data from a survey. Likert items can be included in this example. Tables can also present standard deviations, probabilities, correlation matrices, etc.

Following this, present a content analysis, in words, of one end of the spectrum of the survey or data table. In our example case, start with the POSITIVE survey responses regarding postoperative care, using descriptive phrases. For example:

“Sixty-five percent of patients over 55 responded positively to the question “ Are you satisfied with your hospital’s postoperative care ?” (Fig. 2)

Include other results such as subcategory analyses. The amount of textual description used will depend on how much interpretation of tables and figures is necessary and how many examples the reader needs in order to understand the significance of your research findings.

Next, present a content analysis of another part of the spectrum of the same research question, perhaps the NEGATIVE or NEUTRAL responses to the survey. For instance:

  “As Figure 1 shows, 15 out of 60 patients in Group A responded negatively to Question 2.”

After you have assessed the data in one figure and explained it sufficiently, move on to your next research question. For example:

  “How does patient satisfaction correspond to in-hospital improvements made to postoperative care?”

This kind of data may be presented through a figure or set of figures (for instance, a paired T-test table).

Explain the data you present, here in a table, with a concise content analysis:

“The p-value for the comparison between the before and after groups of patients was .03% (Fig. 2), indicating that the greater the dissatisfaction among patients, the more frequent the improvements that were made to postoperative care.”

Let’s examine another example of a Results section from a study on plant tolerance to heavy metal stress . In the Introduction section, the aims of the study are presented as “determining the physiological and morphological responses of Allium cepa L. towards increased cadmium toxicity” and “evaluating its potential to accumulate the metal and its associated environmental consequences.” The Results section presents data showing how these aims are achieved in tables alongside a content analysis, beginning with an overview of the findings:

“Cadmium caused inhibition of root and leave elongation, with increasing effects at higher exposure doses (Fig. 1a-c).”

The figure containing this data is cited in parentheses. Note that this author has combined three graphs into one single figure. Separating the data into separate graphs focusing on specific aspects makes it easier for the reader to assess the findings, and consolidating this information into one figure saves space and makes it easy to locate the most relevant results.

Following this overall summary, the relevant data in the tables is broken down into greater detail in text form in the Results section.

• “Results on the bio-accumulation of cadmium were found to be the highest (17.5 mg kgG1) in the bulb, when the concentration of cadmium in the solution was 1×10G2 M and lowest (0.11 mg kgG1) in the leaves when the concentration was 1×10G3 M.”

Captioning and Referencing Tables and Figures

Tables and figures are central components of your Results section and you need to carefully think about the most effective way to use graphs and tables to present your findings . Therefore, it is crucial to know how to write strong figure captions and to refer to them within the text of the Results section.

The most important advice one can give here as well as throughout the paper is to check the requirements and standards of the journal to which you are submitting your work. Every journal has its own design and layout standards, which you can find in the author instructions on the target journal’s website. Perusing a journal’s published articles will also give you an idea of the proper number, size, and complexity of your figures.

Regardless of which format you use, the figures should be placed in the order they are referenced in the Results section and be as clear and easy to understand as possible. If there are multiple variables being considered (within one or more research questions), it can be a good idea to split these up into separate figures. Subsequently, these can be referenced and analyzed under separate headings and paragraphs in the text.

To create a caption, consider the research question being asked and change it into a phrase. For instance, if one question is “Which color did participants choose?”, the caption might be “Color choice by participant group.” Or in our last research paper example, where the question was “What is the concentration of cadmium in different parts of the onion after 14 days?” the caption reads:

 “Fig. 1(a-c): Mean concentration of Cd determined in (a) bulbs, (b) leaves, and (c) roots of onions after a 14-day period.”

Steps for Composing the Results Section

Because each study is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to designing a strategy for structuring and writing the section of a research paper where findings are presented. The content and layout of this section will be determined by the specific area of research, the design of the study and its particular methodologies, and the guidelines of the target journal and its editors. However, the following steps can be used to compose the results of most scientific research studies and are essential for researchers who are new to preparing a manuscript for publication or who need a reminder of how to construct the Results section.

Step 1 : Consult the guidelines or instructions that the target journal or publisher provides authors and read research papers it has published, especially those with similar topics, methods, or results to your study.

• The guidelines will generally outline specific requirements for the results or findings section, and the published articles will provide sound examples of successful approaches.
• Note length limitations on restrictions on content. For instance, while many journals require the Results and Discussion sections to be separate, others do not—qualitative research papers often include results and interpretations in the same section (“Results and Discussion”).
• Reading the aims and scope in the journal’s “ guide for authors ” section and understanding the interests of its readers will be invaluable in preparing to write the Results section.

Step 2 : Consider your research results in relation to the journal’s requirements and catalogue your results.

• Focus on experimental results and other findings that are especially relevant to your research questions and objectives and include them even if they are unexpected or do not support your ideas and hypotheses.
• Catalogue your findings—use subheadings to streamline and clarify your report. This will help you avoid excessive and peripheral details as you write and also help your reader understand and remember your findings. Create appendices that might interest specialists but prove too long or distracting for other readers.
• Decide how you will structure of your results. You might match the order of the research questions and hypotheses to your results, or you could arrange them according to the order presented in the Methods section. A chronological order or even a hierarchy of importance or meaningful grouping of main themes or categories might prove effective. Consider your audience, evidence, and most importantly, the objectives of your research when choosing a structure for presenting your findings.

Step 3 : Design figures and tables to present and illustrate your data.

• Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order in which they are mentioned in the main text of the paper.
• Information in figures should be relatively self-explanatory (with the aid of captions), and their design should include all definitions and other information necessary for readers to understand the findings without reading all of the text.
• Use tables and figures as a focal point to tell a clear and informative story about your research and avoid repeating information. But remember that while figures clarify and enhance the text, they cannot replace it.

Step 4 : Draft your Results section using the findings and figures you have organized.

• The goal is to communicate this complex information as clearly and precisely as possible; precise and compact phrases and sentences are most effective.
• In the opening paragraph of this section, restate your research questions or aims to focus the reader’s attention to what the results are trying to show. It is also a good idea to summarize key findings at the end of this section to create a logical transition to the interpretation and discussion that follows.
• Try to write in the past tense and the active voice to relay the findings since the research has already been done and the agent is usually clear. This will ensure that your explanations are also clear and logical.
• Make sure that any specialized terminology or abbreviation you have used here has been defined and clarified in the  Introduction section .

Step 5 : Review your draft; edit and revise until it reports results exactly as you would like to have them reported to your readers.

• Double-check the accuracy and consistency of all the data, as well as all of the visual elements included.
• Read your draft aloud to catch language errors (grammar, spelling, and mechanics), awkward phrases, and missing transitions.
• Ensure that your results are presented in the best order to focus on objectives and prepare readers for interpretations, valuations, and recommendations in the Discussion section . Look back over the paper’s Introduction and background while anticipating the Discussion and Conclusion sections to ensure that the presentation of your results is consistent and effective.
• Consider seeking additional guidance on your paper. Find additional readers to look over your Results section and see if it can be improved in any way. Peers, professors, or qualified experts can provide valuable insights.

One excellent option is to use a professional English proofreading and editing service  such as Wordvice, including our paper editing service . With hundreds of qualified editors from dozens of scientific fields, Wordvice has helped thousands of authors revise their manuscripts and get accepted into their target journals. Read more about the  proofreading and editing process  before proceeding with getting academic editing services and manuscript editing services for your manuscript.

As the representation of your study’s data output, the Results section presents the core information in your research paper. By writing with clarity and conciseness and by highlighting and explaining the crucial findings of their study, authors increase the impact and effectiveness of their research manuscripts.

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How to Write the Results Section: Guide to Structure and Key Points

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Table of Contents

The ‘ Results’ section of a research paper, like the ‘Introduction’ and other key parts, attracts significant attention from editors, reviewers, and readers. The reason lies in its critical role — that of revealing the key findings of a study and demonstrating how your research fills a knowledge gap in your field of study. Given its importance, crafting a clear and logically structured results section is essential.   

In this article, we will discuss the key elements of an effective results section and share strategies for making it concise and engaging. We hope this guide will help you quickly grasp ways of writing the results section, avoid common pitfalls, and make your writing process more efficient and effective.  

Structure of the results section  

Briefly restate the research topic in the introduction : Although the main purpose of the  results section  in a research paper is to list the notable findings of a study, it is customary to start with a brief repetition of the research question. This helps refocus the reader, allowing them to better appreciate the relevance of the findings. Additionally, restating the research question establishes a connection to the previous section of the paper, creating a smoother flow of information.  

Systematically present your research findings : Address the primary research question first, followed by the secondary research questions. If your research addresses multiple questions, mention the findings related to each one individually to ensure clarity and coherence.  

Represent your results visually: Graphs, tables, and other figures can help illustrate the findings of your paper, especially if there is a large amount of data in the results. As a rule of thumb, use a visual medium like a graph or a table if you wish to present three or more statistical values simultaneously.  

Graphical or tabular representations of data can also make your results section more visually appealing. Remember, an appealing and well-organized results section can help peer reviewers better understand the merits of your research, thereby increasing your chances of publication.  

Practical guidance for writing an effective ‘Results’ section   

• Always use simple and plain language. Avoid the use of uncertain or unclear expressions.  
• The findings of the study must be expressed in an objective and unbiased manner.  While it is acceptable to correlate certain findings , it is best to avoid over-interpreting the results. In addition, avoid using subjective or emotional words , such as “interestingly” or “unfortunately”, to describe the results as this may cause readers to doubt the objectivity of the paper.  
• The content balances simplicity with comprehensiveness . For statistical data, simply describe the relevant tests and explain their results without mentioning raw data. If the study involves multiple hypotheses, describe the results for each one separately to avoid confusion and aid understanding. To enhance credibility, e nsure that negative results , if any, are included in this section, even if they do not support the research hypothesis.  
• Wherever possible, use illustrations like tables, figures, charts, or other visual representations to highlight the results of your research paper. Mention these illustrations in the text, but do not repeat the information that they convey ¹ .  

Difference between data, results, and discussion sections  

Data ,  results,  and  discussion  sections all communicate the findings of a study, but each serves a distinct purpose with varying levels of interpretation.   

In the  results section , one cannot provide data without interpreting its relevance or make statements without citing data ² . In a sense, the  results section  does not draw connections between different data points. Therefore, there is a certain level of interpretation involved in drawing results out of data.

(The example is intended to showcase how the visual elements and text in the results section complement each other ³ . The academic viewpoints included in the illustrative screenshots should not be used as references.)  

The discussion section allows authors even more interpretive freedom compared to the results section. Here, data and patterns within the data are compared with the findings from other studies to make more generalized points. Unlike the results section , which focuses purely on factual data, the discussion section touches upon hypothetical information, drawing conjectures and suggesting future directions for research.  

The ‘ Results’ section serves as the core of a research paper, capturing readers’ attention and providing insights into the study’s essence. Regardless of the subject of your research paper, a well-written results section can generate interest in your research. By following the tips outlined here, you can create a results section that effectively communicates your finding and invites further exploration. Remember, clarity is the key, and with the right approach, your results section can guide readers through the intricacies of your research.  

Professionals at Elsevier Language Services know the secret to writing a well-balanced results section. With their expert suggestions, you can ensure that your findings come across clearly to the reader. To maximize your chances of publication, reach out to Elsevier Language Services today !  

Type in wordcount for Standard Total: USD EUR JPY Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words. Upload

Reference  

• Cetin, S., & Hackam, D. J. (2005). An approach to the writing of a scientific manuscript. Journal of Surgical Research, 128(2), 165–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2005.07.002  
• Bahadoran, Z., Mirmiran, P., Zadeh-Vakili, A., Hosseinpanah, F., & Ghasemi, A. (2019). The Principles of Biomedical Scientific Writing: Results. International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism/International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism., In Press (In Press). https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem.92113  
• Guo, J., Wang, J., Zhang, P., Wen, P., Zhang, S., Dong, X., & Dong, J. (2024). TRIM6 promotes glioma malignant progression by enhancing FOXO3A ubiquitination and degradation. Translational Oncology, 46, 101999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101999  

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