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Research Findings – Types Examples and Writing Guide

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Research findings are the core results of a study, providing answers to research questions and supporting or refuting hypotheses. They present essential information about what was observed, measured, or discovered during the research process. Effectively writing research findings allows researchers to convey their results in a clear, organized, and credible manner. This guide explores the types of research findings, provides examples, and offers a writing guide to help you present your findings effectively.

Research Findings

Research findings are the conclusions drawn from data analysis, presenting the outcomes of the study based on collected evidence. They offer insights, patterns, and knowledge about the research topic, helping to bridge theory and real-world application.

Types of Research Findings

• Description : Descriptive findings summarize the data without making interpretations or drawing conclusions. They present statistics or visual data representations like means, medians, percentages, or frequencies.
• Example : “75% of survey respondents indicated a preference for digital banking over traditional banking methods.”
• Description : Comparative findings analyze differences or similarities between groups, categories, or conditions. They help researchers understand how variables relate to each other.
• Example : “Group A, which received the new curriculum, scored 15% higher on the final exam compared to Group B.”
• Description : These findings show relationships between variables without implying causation. They use statistical measures to determine if variables are related, positively or negatively.
• Example : “There is a positive correlation (r = 0.62) between hours studied and test scores among high school students.”
• Description : Causal findings identify cause-and-effect relationships, often determined through controlled experiments. They provide evidence that one variable influences or causes a change in another.
• Example : “The new drug significantly reduced symptoms in 80% of patients, suggesting it is an effective treatment for the condition.”
• Description : Inferential findings use statistical analysis to make inferences or predictions about a population based on sample data. They often involve hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and p-values.
• Example : “With a 95% confidence interval, the data suggests that the new intervention reduces recovery time by an average of 10 days.”
• Description : Exploratory findings emerge from studies with no prior hypothesis, often revealing patterns or insights that may lead to further research questions. They are common in qualitative research.
• Example : “Participants frequently mentioned ‘community support’ as a key factor in overcoming challenges, suggesting a potential area for future study.”

Examples of Research Findings

• Study : Impact of Online Learning on Student Performance.
• Finding : “Students who participated in online learning had a 12% higher completion rate compared to those in traditional classes.”
• Study : Patient Experiences with Telehealth Services.
• Finding : “Most participants felt that telehealth offered greater convenience and flexibility, although 30% reported concerns about the lack of face-to-face interaction.”
• Study : Relationship between Social Media Usage and Anxiety.
• Finding : “A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) was observed between daily social media use and self-reported anxiety levels.”
• Study : Consumer Preferences for Product Packaging.
• Finding : “60% of respondents preferred eco-friendly packaging over plastic, while only 15% expressed no preference.”
• Study : Effectiveness of Two Job Training Programs.
• Finding : “Program A led to a 20% higher employment rate among participants than Program B, indicating a significant difference in outcomes.”

Writing Guide for Research Findings

Writing research findings requires clarity, accuracy, and organization. Here’s a step-by-step guide for structuring and presenting your findings effectively:

Step 1: Begin with a Clear Overview

• Example : “The study found a positive correlation between daily physical activity and mental health among participants.”

Step 2: Organize Findings by Research Question or Hypothesis

• Example : For a study on student engagement, organize findings by engagement metrics, academic performance, and satisfaction levels.

Step 3: Use Visual Aids to Enhance Understanding

• Example : A bar chart comparing average test scores between experimental and control groups.

Step 4: Report Data in a Clear and Concise Manner

• Example : “The experimental group’s average score was 85, compared to 70 in the control group, indicating a significant improvement.”

Step 5: Include Relevant Statistical Details

• Example : “The difference between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).”

Step 6: Compare Findings to Existing Literature

• Example : “These results align with previous research by Smith et al. (2020), which found a similar correlation between exercise and mental health.”

Step 7: Interpret Key Findings

• Example : “The significant improvement in the experimental group suggests that the new curriculum enhances student performance.”

Step 8: Acknowledge Limitations and Unexpected Findings

• Example : “While the study shows positive results, the small sample size limits generalizability.”

Step 9: Conclude with a Summary of Findings

• Example : “Overall, the study indicates that telehealth services improve accessibility and convenience, though further research is needed to address the concerns about personal interaction.”

Tips for Writing Research Findings

• Be Objective : Report findings without inserting personal opinions or biased interpretations.
• Keep it Concise : Avoid unnecessary detail; focus on the essential results that answer the research questions.
• Use Consistent Terminology : Use terms consistently to avoid confusing readers, especially if the study includes multiple variables or technical terms.
• Provide Enough Context : Ensure readers understand the significance of each finding by offering context where needed.
• Proofread : Ensure all figures, data points, and statistical values are accurate and match the information in your data tables or appendices.

Example of Writing Research Findings

Findings Overview

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of online learning on student engagement and performance. Data was collected from 300 undergraduate students over a semester.

Engagement Metrics

• Students in online learning sessions participated actively, with 80% reporting higher engagement levels compared to traditional classroom settings.
• A notable increase in discussion board activity was observed, averaging 10 posts per student per week.

Academic Performance

• The average final exam score for the online learning group was 82%, compared to 74% in the control group.
• Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in performance (t = 2.34, p < 0.05), suggesting online learning positively influenced academic outcomes.

Student Satisfaction

• 78% of online learners expressed satisfaction with the flexibility of online sessions, though 25% mentioned concerns about reduced instructor interaction.
• A survey of participants indicated that flexibility was the most valued aspect of online learning (rated 4.5 out of 5).

Limitations

While the results suggest benefits of online learning, the limited sample size and short study duration may restrict generalizability. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings across different institutions.

Writing research findings requires a balance of clarity, accuracy, and conciseness. By organizing data around research questions, using visual aids, and offering thoughtful interpretation, researchers can present findings that communicate valuable insights to readers. This structured approach to writing findings not only enhances readability but also strengthens the credibility and impact of the research.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches .
• Patten, M. L., & Newhart, M. (2017). Understanding Research Methods: An Overview of the Essentials . Routledge.
• Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Walliman, N. (2017). Research Methods: The Basics . Routledge.
• Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach . Sage Publications.
• Yin, R. K. (2017). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . Sage Publications.
• Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook . Sage Publications.
• Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2018). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education . McGraw-Hill Education.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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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.

For more articles and videos on writing your research manuscript, visit Wordvice’s Resources page.

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How to Write the Results/Findings Section in Research Papers

Introduction

What is the results section of a research paper, what's the difference between the results section and the discussion section, what's the difference between results and findings, how do you report research findings, strategies for writing the findings section.

The results section of a research paper is where the research audience learns the outcomes of a study and it lays the groundwork for establishing the research's contribution to scientific knowledge. The challenge in qualitative research , however, is comprehensively yet concisely presenting the specific aspects of key findings. When the salient points of your qualitative data analysis cannot be easily reduced to tables and figures alone, how do you present the main findings in a way that persuades your research audience?

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of what constitutes a results or findings section in a paper to offer guidance for those who may be inexperienced writing research papers . This article outlines the place of a findings section in a research paper, and the different strategies employed when writing a findings section to reduce complex information down to a concise overview of a research study.

Most research papers follow a logical sequence to report on the various aspects of a study, from the introduction section to the discussion. This sequence outlines the research problem underpinning the study itself, then the methods employed and data collected, followed by a description of the analysis or organization of that data into a meaningful form that addresses the study's research questions .

From this description, the researcher presents the findings or results of this data analysis . The findings section illustrates and explains the key details or insights that the researcher identifies from the study. It is these findings that form the basis of the discussion that details the main takeaways of the research.

In other words, while other sections of a particular paper discuss the study's theoretical developments and contributions to scientific knowledge, the findings section lays out the evidentiary warrants that support those developments. Without this evidence, a research paper runs the risk of presenting unsupported opinions about theory and research.

The results section should show the key findings that you have identified from your data analysis , while the discussion section highlights how those findings address the research questions in your study. The discussion section is where the key theoretical developments and potential applications to real-world practice are proposed, but the findings provide the evidence that supports the proposals in the research paper .

In this sense, the presentation of your findings should focus primarily, if not exclusively, on what the data means based on the analysis you use to interpret the data . The implications of such data are best left to the discussion section.

As you collect articles for your literature review , you might notice that some papers have a results section while others have a findings section. In broad terms, there is no major difference as both sections typically follow the methods section of a research paper . Essentially, results or findings are what come as a result of analyzing raw data generated from the study in order to answer a research question .

However, the use of one term over another is sometimes field-specific or method-specific. Research results often come from experimental or quantitative data , both of which come with expectations of objective predictability. Such results are presented in tables and figures and then interpreted by the authors in prose to set up the argument for the significance of the research.

Research findings, on the other hand, are associated with phenomena that are observed. In naturalistic inquiry, research methods such as ethnography and document analysis seldom, if ever, produce predictable and ordered results. Rather, they sample what is found in the real world and provide the basis for a report on what occurred in a given research setting.

Imagine a simple experiment where one plant is given water while a similar plant is given fertilizer and water. The results would describe the differences in the rate of growth between these two plants in a manner that guides recommendations about how to grow plants. With rare or unforeseen exceptions, these results are meant to be predictable and suggest a logical sequence that leads to successful plant growth.

In contrast, think about how an education research project, for example, might collect data through observations and interviews . This data might provide findings about how a teacher can be successful in connecting with their students to promote learning. Note that these findings do not guarantee the same results in other settings, given the situated nature of classroom teaching and learning and the potential differences between teachers and students. They only suggest a potential relationship between what a teacher does and how their students might benefit as a result.

Understanding this difference thus makes it easier to see where you will find a results section and where you will find a findings section. The physical and natural sciences, where you are more likely to find experimental studies and statistical analyses, expect results that are ordered and predictable. Researchers in the social sciences and humanities, where ethnographic research, interviews, and focus groups are more common, will opt for findings over results.

What are key findings?

Those who are skilled writing research papers understand the task of choosing the most relevant results from the raw data while presenting the research in a transparent manner. In research disciplines that rely on qualitative research methods, it's impossible to present all of the data collected from even a single study. When interview transcripts or field notes can run into dozens of pages, writers are faced with the challenge of choosing which segments of data should be represented in a findings section.

These segments of data are meant to explain and support the study's key themes or findings. In data coding and data analysis, a successful researcher has the responsibility of sorting through the data and separating the key findings from the whole body of data.

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Reporting research findings in a journal-style scientific paper is a matter of choosing the most relevant results organized in a way that sets up the ensuing discussion. This is a challenge with qualitative data that is unstructured in nature and vast in scope.

When dealing with large amounts of data, along with the word limits found in academic writing, there are a number of accepted practices that qualitative researchers employ to present their findings in a meaningful way.

Most qualitative studies rely on the coding of raw data. By annotating the data with short but descriptive keywords or key phrases, a researcher can provide structure to the data to identify key themes and patterns relevant to the research question at hand. Presenting these codes in your findings is thus a matter of describing those themes and detailing how the data highlights those themes.

Depending on your research questions, detailing your codebook in a findings section can be a matter of, among other things, showing the most prevalent codes or the patterns of codes as applied to the data. After you have coded your data and grouped codes according to themes, you can conduct a thematic analysis to determine the most prevalent themes to describe the aspects of the concept or phenomenon you're analyzing. Methods such as discourse analysis and narrative analysis also look at the combinations or sequences of codes to generate useful findings. In that case, qualitative data analysis software can help researchers determine the prevalence of such patterns, providing evidence for the assertions about the data collected.

Researchers rely on tables and visualizations such as heat maps and Sankey diagrams to summarize an analysis of codes in a findings section. These figures are often followed by a systematic description of the themes and patterns in the data and what meanings they point out to help address the study's research questions.

Data that comes directly from research participants can oftentimes be more powerful than the researcher's descriptions of that data. If your research paper includes data generated from observations or interviews , then excerpts of that data can prove more persuasive as evidence given its authentic nature. For example, in a presentation of an interview study where researchers are given open access, nursing research and its insights can be made more credible when the perspectives and opinions of nursing practitioners are directly presented to the research audience.

Field notes can also be presented in findings as data that supports the critical insights of the study. Ethnographic research can produce useful observations documented at the time of data collection that can provide a basis for reflection in the findings section. In either case, excerpts of qualitative data in a findings section are often followed by the researcher's descriptions of those excerpts and the rationale for why they serve as useful evidence supporting the study's claims.

Anthropological and sociological research often relies on the storytelling aspects of academic writing. It can be a significant challenge to capture an entire culture or social practice in a single segment of data or even a set of separate themes. In such cases, past-tense narratives can convey a holistic sense of the qualitative data to allow readers to immerse themselves in the culture that was observed.

The important point about writing narratives in a paper is that they should describe the salient parts of the data that address the research questions in addition to the context that helps the research audience understand the main findings. When constructing a narrative, it can become easy to lead the audience on a series of tangents that can prove confusing or unhelpful. You can craft a powerful narrative that contributes to scientific knowledge as long as it provides the necessary evidence for your claims while leaving out aspects that can turn out to be irrelevant to your research inquiry.

Figures and tables

To be clear, the findings section in a qualitative research paper cannot easily be reduced to a series of simple data visualizations alone, especially in research fields that depend on narratives to convey the important findings of a study. That said, overlooking the visual elements of a paper, particularly in social science research, can limit opportunities in highlighting evidentiary warrants supporting your claims.

Visualizations include networks, word clouds, heat maps, flowcharts, and Sankey diagrams, among others, all of which can restructure raw data in a form that your research audience can quickly and easily understand. Tables are also included in this discussion as they help to reduce large amounts of qualitative data into compact summaries. Even in social science disciplines that rely heavily on qualitative methods and naturalistic inquiry, statistical analyses and presentations of frequencies can serve a useful purpose in understanding patterns and tendencies. The common thread across all of these visualizations is that they complement the prose or written descriptions of your key findings.

A successful presentation of the main findings should set the stage for an engaging discussion section where readers become convinced of the main takeaways of the research. Where discussion sections are about persuasion, findings provide the necessary evidentiary warrants that ultimately make the arguments in the discussion persuasive.

With this in mind, there are a number of broad strategies to consider when presenting your findings.

Adopt the style of the field

Every research field has their own particular style for highlighting the salient points of a study. Research in economics will focus on statistics, relying on tables and figures to make important assertions about the meaning of the raw data . Cultural anthropology, on the other hand, seldom captures statistical data, opting instead for narratives and artifacts to get at the essence of a culture or community. Other fields have their own unique circumstances that dictate the accepted writing practices among researchers in each discipline.

As a result, you will benefit from reading research similar to the study you want to present, not merely for the findings they highlight but also the style in which they present those findings. Matching the tone and style of similar scholars in your field will resonate with your peer reviewers and eventually your research audience.

Provide the necessary context

Every scientific discipline requires the researcher to describe their research setting, the data or resources they are studying, and the means through which they study them. This task is especially challenging within the social sciences as researchers observe some social phenomenon in some social setting, neither of which is perfectly replicable.

As a result, reporting background information necessary to understanding a segment of data is important to persuading your research audience of the salience and relevance of your findings. Whether you're presenting narratives or packaging qualitative data in excerpts or tables, you will still need to describe the context surrounding your data in prose to make the findings accessible to your research audience.

Establish research transparency

Beginning researchers may make the mistake of only presenting the good points of their findings, ignoring negative results from their own research while overemphasizing data that demonstrates promising trends but may not show the entire picture of the phenomenon being studied. Because of this, readers of research may be skeptical of unsupported claims. By extension, they may also look for all of the potential aspects that influence a concept or phenomenon which might confound or contextualize the claims made in the findings.

Transparency is thus an important part of the research writing process, demanding that researchers qualify their findings with important caveats worth considering. These caveats will often be found in the discussion section, where limitations of the study are outlined. However, describing contextual details in the findings can help your research audience assess the persuasive power of the evidentiary warrants you are using to support your claims.

Write clearly and consistently

Scientific theory, even in the social sciences, often employs specific jargon and technical terms. The background and discussion sections, where theory is the main focus, will often employ field-specific language that may not be accessible to researchers unfamiliar with the field. A compelling findings section, on the other hand, requires the researcher to make the findings easily understood by their research audience.

Oftentimes, this means using clear language that is accessible to readers of research who may not have a specific expertise but general interest in the topic you are studying. As a result, be sure to limit the technical or theoretical language you employ in the findings section to only what is necessary. Doing so can ground the readers in a clear understanding of the data, making for a more engaging discussion section that is more credible with its claims more readily acceptable as scientific knowledge.

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From Data to Discovery: The Findings Section of a Research Paper

Discover the role of the findings section of a research paper here. Explore strategies and techniques to maximize your understanding.

Are you curious about the Findings section of a research paper? Did you know that this is a part where all the juicy results and discoveries are laid out for the world to see? Undoubtedly, the findings section of a research paper plays a critical role in presenting and interpreting the collected data. It serves as a comprehensive account of the study’s results and their implications.

Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re diving into the ins and outs of presenting and interpreting data in the findings section. We’ll be sharing tips and tricks on how to effectively present your findings, whether it’s through tables, graphs, or good old descriptive statistics.

Overview of the Findings Section of a Research Paper

The findings section of a research paper presents the results and outcomes of the study or investigation. It is a crucial part of the research paper where researchers interpret and analyze the data collected and draw conclusions based on their findings. This section aims to answer the research questions or hypotheses formulated earlier in the paper and provide evidence to support or refute them.

In the findings section, researchers typically present the data clearly and organized. They may use tables, graphs, charts, or other visual aids to illustrate the patterns, trends, or relationships observed in the data. The findings should be presented objectively, without any bias or personal opinions, and should be accompanied by appropriate statistical analyses or methods to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.

Organizing the Findings Section

The findings section of the research paper organizes and presents the results obtained from the study in a clear and logical manner. Here is a suggested structure for organizing the Findings section:

Introduction to the Findings

Start the section by providing a brief overview of the research objectives and the methodology employed. Recapitulate the research questions or hypotheses addressed in the study.

To learn more about methodology, read this article .

Descriptive Statistics and Data Presentation

Present the collected data using appropriate descriptive statistics. This may involve using tables, graphs, charts, or other visual representations to convey the information effectively. Remember: we can easily help you with that.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Perform a thorough analysis of the data collected and describe the key findings. Present the results of statistical analyses or any other relevant methods used to analyze the data. 

Discussion of Findings

Analyze and interpret the findings in the context of existing literature or theoretical frameworks . Discuss any patterns, trends, or relationships observed in the data. Compare and contrast the results with prior studies, highlighting similarities and differences. 

Limitations and Constraints

Acknowledge and discuss any limitations or constraints that may have influenced the findings. This could include issues such as sample size, data collection methods, or potential biases. 

Summarize the main findings of the study and emphasize their significance. Revisit the research questions or hypotheses and discuss whether they have been supported or refuted by the findings.

Presenting Data in the Findings Section

There are several ways to present data in the findings section of a research paper. Here are some common methods:

• Tables : Tables are commonly used to present organized and structured data. They are particularly useful when presenting numerical data with multiple variables or categories. Tables allow readers to easily compare and interpret the information presented. Learn how to cite tables in research papers here .
• Graphs and Charts: Graphs and charts are effective visual tools for presenting data, especially when illustrating trends, patterns, or relationships. Common types include bar graphs, line graphs, scatter plots, pie charts, and histograms. Graphs and charts provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier for readers to comprehend and interpret.
• Figures and Images: Figures and images can be used to present data that requires visual representation, such as maps, diagrams, or experimental setups. They can enhance the understanding of complex data or provide visual evidence to support the research findings.
• Descriptive Statistics: Descriptive statistics provide summary measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) and dispersion (e.g., standard deviation, range) for numerical data. These statistics can be included in the text or presented in tables or graphs to provide a concise summary of the data distribution.

How to Effectively Interpret Results

Interpreting the results is a crucial aspect of the findings section in a research paper. It involves analyzing the data collected and drawing meaningful conclusions based on the findings. Following are the guidelines on how to effectively interpret the results.

Step 1 – Begin with a Recap

Start by restating the research questions or hypotheses to provide context for the interpretation. Remind readers of the specific objectives of the study to help them understand the relevance of the findings.

Step 2 – Relate Findings to Research Questions

Clearly articulate how the results address the research questions or hypotheses. Discuss each finding in relation to the original objectives and explain how it contributes to answering the research questions or supporting/refuting the hypotheses.

Step 3 – Compare with Existing Literature

Compare and contrast the findings with previous studies or existing literature. Highlight similarities, differences, or discrepancies between your results and those of other researchers. Discuss any consistencies or contradictions and provide possible explanations for the observed variations.

Step 4 – Consider Limitations and Alternative Explanations

Acknowledge the limitations of the study and discuss how they may have influenced the results. Explore alternative explanations or factors that could potentially account for the findings. Evaluate the robustness of the results in light of the limitations and alternative interpretations.

Step 5 – Discuss Implications and Significance

Highlight any potential applications or areas where further research is needed based on the outcomes of the study.

Step 6 – Address Inconsistencies and Contradictions

If there are any inconsistencies or contradictions in the findings, address them directly. Discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies and consider their implications for the overall interpretation. Be transparent about any uncertainties or unresolved issues.

Step 7 – Be Objective and Data-Driven

Present the interpretation objectively, based on the evidence and data collected. Avoid personal biases or subjective opinions. Use logical reasoning and sound arguments to support your interpretations.

Reporting Statistical Significance

When reporting statistical significance in the findings section of a research paper, it is important to accurately convey the results of statistical analyses and their implications. Here are some guidelines on how to report statistical significance effectively:

• Clearly State the Statistical Test: Begin by clearly stating the specific statistical test or analysis used to determine statistical significance. For example, you might mention that a t-test, chi-square test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, or regression analysis was employed.
• Report the Test Statistic: Provide the value of the test statistic obtained from the analysis. This could be the t-value, F-value, chi-square value, correlation coefficient, or any other relevant statistic depending on the test used.
• State the Degrees of Freedom: Indicate the degrees of freedom associated with the statistical test. Degrees of freedom represent the number of independent pieces of information available for estimating a statistic. For example, in a t-test, degrees of freedom would be mentioned as (df = n1 + n2 – 2) for an independent samples test or (df = N – 2) for a paired samples test.
• Report the p-value: The p-value indicates the probability of obtaining results as extreme or more extreme than the observed results, assuming the null hypothesis is true. Report the p-value associated with the statistical test. For example, p < 0.05 denotes statistical significance at the conventional level of α = 0.05.
• Provide the Conclusion: Based on the p-value obtained, state whether the results are statistically significant or not. If the p-value is less than the predetermined threshold (e.g., p < 0.05), state that the results are statistically significant. If the p-value is greater than the threshold, state that the results are not statistically significant.
• Discuss the Interpretation: After reporting statistical significance, discuss the practical or theoretical implications of the finding. Explain what the significant result means in the context of your research questions or hypotheses. Address the effect size and practical significance of the findings, if applicable.
• Consider Effect Size Measures: Along with statistical significance, it is often important to report effect size measures. Effect size quantifies the magnitude of the relationship or difference observed in the data. Common effect size measures include Cohen’s d, eta-squared, or Pearson’s r. Reporting effect size provides additional meaningful information about the strength of the observed effects.
• Be Accurate and Transparent: Ensure that the reported statistical significance and associated values are accurate. Avoid misinterpreting or misrepresenting the results. Be transparent about the statistical tests conducted, any assumptions made, and potential limitations or caveats that may impact the interpretation of the significant results.

Conclusion of the Findings Section

The conclusion of the findings section in a research paper serves as a summary and synthesis of the key findings and their implications. It is an opportunity to tie together the results, discuss their significance, and address the research objectives. Here are some guidelines on how to write the conclusion of the Findings section:

Summarize the Key Findings

Begin by summarizing the main findings of the study. Provide a concise overview of the significant results, patterns, or relationships that emerged from the data analysis. Highlight the most important findings that directly address the research questions or hypotheses.

Revisit the Research Objectives

Remind the reader of the research objectives stated at the beginning of the paper. Discuss how the findings contribute to achieving those objectives and whether they support or challenge the initial research questions or hypotheses.

Suggest Future Directions

Identify areas for further research or future directions based on the findings. Discuss any unanswered questions, unresolved issues, or new avenues of inquiry that emerged during the study. Propose potential research opportunities that can build upon the current findings.

The Best Scientific Figures to Represent Your Findings 

Have you heard of any tool that helps you represent your findings through visuals like graphs, pie charts, and infographics? Well, if you haven’t, then here’s the tool you need to explore – Mind the Graph . It’s the tool that has the best scientific figures to represent your findings. Go, try it now, and make your research findings stand out!

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Research Findings – Objectives , Importance and Techniques

Published 16 October, 2023

Findings are basically the key outcome of the investigation. It is basically a key fact which you can discover during an investigation. Research findings are facts and phrases, observations, and experimental data resulting from research.

It’s important to note here that “finding” does not always mean “factual information” because conductive research relies on results and implications rather than measurable facts.

For example, A researcher is conducting research for measuring the extent up to which globalization impacts the business activities of firms. The findings of the research reveal that there has been a great increase in the profitability of companies after globalization. An important fact which researcher has discovered is that it is globalization which has enabled firms to expand their business operations at the international level.

Objectives of finding section in the research paper

• The main objective of the finding section in a research paper is to display or showcase the outcome in a logical manner by utilizing, tables, graphs, and charts.
• The objective of research findings is to provide a holistic view of the latest research findings in related areas.
• Research findings also aim at providing novel concepts and innovative findings that can be utilized for further research, development of new products or services, implementation of better business strategies, etc.

For example, an academic paper on “the use of product life cycle theory with reference to various product categories” will not only discuss different dimensions of the product life cycle but would also present a detailed case study analysis on how the concept was applied using several contemporary case studies from diverse industries.

Importance of findings in the research paper

The finding section in the research paper has great importance as

• It is the section in a research paper or dissertation that will help you in developing an in-depth understanding of the research problems .
• This is the section where the theories where you can accept or reject theories.
• The findings section helps you in demonstrating the significance of the problem on which you are performing research.
• It is through analysis of the finding section you can easily address the correlational research between the different types of variables in the study.

How to Write Research Findings?

Every research project is unique, so it is very much important for the researcher to utilize different strategies for writing different sections of the research paper. 5 steps that you need to follow for writing the research findings section are:

Step 1: Review the guidelines or instructions of the instructor

It is an initial step, where you should review the guidelines.  By reading the guidelines you will be able to address the different requirements for presenting the results. While reviewing the guidelines you should also keep in mind the restrictions related to the interpretations. In the reseal findings sections, you can also make a comparison between your research results with the outcome of the investigation which other researchers have performed.

Step 2: Focus on the results of the experiment and other findings

At this step, you should choose specific focus experimental results and other research discoveries which are relevant to research questions and objectives. You utilizing subheadings can avoid excessive and peripheral details.  Students can present raw data in appendices of a research paper. You should provide a summary of key findings after completion of the section. Before making the decision related to the structure of the findings section, you need to consider the hypothesis in research and research questions . You should match the format of the findings chapter with that of the research methods sections.

Step 3: Design effective visual presentations

Designing effective visual presentations of research results will help you in improving textual reports of findings. Students can use tables of different styles and unique figures such as maps, graphs, photos which are mainly used by researchers for presenting research findings. But it is very much essential for you to review the journal guidelines. As this is the tactics which will help you in analyzing the requirement of labeling and specific type of formatting. You should number tables, figures, and placement in the manuscript. You should provide a clear and detailed explanation of the data in tables and charts.  Tables and figures should also be self-explanatory

Step 4: Write findings section

You should write the findings sections in a factual and objective manner. While writing the research findings section you should keep in mind its aim. The main aim of the specific section is to communicate information. While writing a findings chapter, it is very much important for you to construct sentences by using a simple structure. You should use an active voice for writing research-finding chapters.  It is very much crucial for you to maintain your concentration on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students can utilize a special type of terminology for presenting the findings of the study. You can use thematic analysis in research for presenting the findings. In the thematic analysis technique, you need to design themes on the basis of the answers of respondents.

You should use a logical approach for organizing the findings section in a research paper.  it is very much necessary to highlight the main point and provide summary information which is important for readers in order to develop an understanding of the research discussion section.

Step 5: Review draft of findings section

After writing the findings, you should revise and review them. It is the review technique that will enable you to check accuracy and consistency in information. You can read the content aloud. It s the strategy which will help you in addressing the mistakes.  Ensure that the order in which you have presented results is the best order for focusing readers on your research objectives and preparing them for the interpretations, speculations. Students can also provide recommendations in the discussion chapter. They in order to provide good suggestions need to review back such as introduction, background material.

Read Also: Research Paper Conclusion Tips

Techniques of summarizing important findings

There are a few techniques that you can apply for writing your findings section in a systematic manner. Firstly, you should summarize the key findings. For example, you should start your finding a section like this:

• The outcome of research reveals that ……
• The investigation represents the correlation among….
• While writing the finding section in a research paper, you do not include information that is not important.
• You should provide a synopsis of outcomes along with a detailed description of the findings. It is considered to be an effective approach that can be applied to highlighting the key finding.
• You should use graphs, tables, and charts for presenting the finding
• While writing the findings section you need to highlight the negative outcomes. Students also need to provide proper justification and explanation for the same.

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

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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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The results section is where you report the findings of your study based upon the methodology [or methodologies] you applied to gather information. The results section should state the findings of the research arranged in a logical sequence without bias or interpretation. A section describing results should be particularly detailed if your paper includes data generated from your own research.

Annesley, Thomas M. "Show Your Cards: The Results Section and the Poker Game." Clinical Chemistry 56 (July 2010): 1066-1070.

Importance of a Good Results Section

When formulating the results section, it's important to remember that the results of a study do not prove anything . Findings can only confirm or reject the hypothesis underpinning your study. However, the act of articulating the results helps you to understand the problem from within, to break it into pieces, and to view the research problem from various perspectives.

The page length of this section is set by the amount and types of data to be reported . Be concise. Use non-textual elements appropriately, such as figures and tables, to present findings more effectively. In deciding what data to describe in your results section, you must clearly distinguish information that would normally be included in a research paper from any raw data or other content that could be included as an appendix. In general, raw data that has not been summarized should not be included in the main text of your paper unless requested to do so by your professor.

Avoid providing data that is not critical to answering the research question . The background information you described in the introduction section should provide the reader with any additional context or explanation needed to understand the results. A good strategy is to always re-read the background section of your paper after you have written up your results to ensure that the reader has enough context to understand the results [and, later, how you interpreted the results in the discussion section of your paper that follows].

Bavdekar, Sandeep B. and Sneha Chandak. "Results: Unraveling the Findings." Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 63 (September 2015): 44-46; Brett, Paul. "A Genre Analysis of the Results Section of Sociology Articles." English for Specific Speakers 13 (1994): 47-59; Go to English for Specific Purposes on ScienceDirect;Burton, Neil et al. Doing Your Education Research Project . Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2008; Results. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Results Section. San Francisco Edit; "Reporting Findings." In Making Sense of Social Research Malcolm Williams, editor. (London;: SAGE Publications, 2003) pp. 188-207.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  Organization and Approach

For most research papers in the social and behavioral sciences, there are two possible ways of organizing the results . Both approaches are appropriate in how you report your findings, but use only one approach.

• Present a synopsis of the results followed by an explanation of key findings . This approach can be used to highlight important findings. For example, you may have noticed an unusual correlation between two variables during the analysis of your findings. It is appropriate to highlight this finding in the results section. However, speculating as to why this correlation exists and offering a hypothesis about what may be happening belongs in the discussion section of your paper.
• Present a result and then explain it, before presenting the next result then explaining it, and so on, then end with an overall synopsis . This is the preferred approach if you have multiple results of equal significance. It is more common in longer papers because it helps the reader to better understand each finding. In this model, it is helpful to provide a brief conclusion that ties each of the findings together and provides a narrative bridge to the discussion section of the your paper.

NOTE:   Just as the literature review should be arranged under conceptual categories rather than systematically describing each source, you should also organize your findings under key themes related to addressing the research problem. This can be done under either format noted above [i.e., a thorough explanation of the key results or a sequential, thematic description and explanation of each finding].

II.  Content

In general, the content of your results section should include the following:

• Introductory context for understanding the results by restating the research problem underpinning your study . This is useful in re-orientating the reader's focus back to the research problem after having read a review of the literature and your explanation of the methods used for gathering and analyzing information.
• Inclusion of non-textual elements, such as, figures, charts, photos, maps, tables, etc. to further illustrate key findings, if appropriate . Rather than relying entirely on descriptive text, consider how your findings can be presented visually. This is a helpful way of condensing a lot of data into one place that can then be referred to in the text. Consider referring to appendices if there is a lot of non-textual elements.
• A systematic description of your results, highlighting for the reader observations that are most relevant to the topic under investigation . Not all results that emerge from the methodology used to gather information may be related to answering the " So What? " question. Do not confuse observations with interpretations; observations in this context refers to highlighting important findings you discovered through a process of reviewing prior literature and gathering data.
• The page length of your results section is guided by the amount and types of data to be reported . However, focus on findings that are important and related to addressing the research problem. It is not uncommon to have unanticipated results that are not relevant to answering the research question. This is not to say that you don't acknowledge tangential findings and, in fact, can be referred to as areas for further research in the conclusion of your paper. However, spending time in the results section describing tangential findings clutters your overall results section and distracts the reader.
• A short paragraph that concludes the results section by synthesizing the key findings of the study . Highlight the most important findings you want readers to remember as they transition into the discussion section. This is particularly important if, for example, there are many results to report, the findings are complicated or unanticipated, or they are impactful or actionable in some way [i.e., able to be pursued in a feasible way applied to practice].

NOTE:   Always use the past tense when referring to your study's findings. Reference to findings should always be described as having already happened because the method used to gather the information has been completed.

III.  Problems to Avoid

When writing the results section, avoid doing the following :

• Discussing or interpreting your results . Save this for the discussion section of your paper, although where appropriate, you should compare or contrast specific results to those found in other studies [e.g., "Similar to the work of Smith [1990], one of the findings of this study is the strong correlation between motivation and academic achievement...."].
• Reporting background information or attempting to explain your findings. This should have been done in your introduction section, but don't panic! Often the results of a study point to the need for additional background information or to explain the topic further, so don't think you did something wrong. Writing up research is rarely a linear process. Always revise your introduction as needed.
• Ignoring negative results . A negative result generally refers to a finding that does not support the underlying assumptions of your study. Do not ignore them. Document these findings and then state in your discussion section why you believe a negative result emerged from your study. Note that negative results, and how you handle them, can give you an opportunity to write a more engaging discussion section, therefore, don't be hesitant to highlight them.
• Including raw data or intermediate calculations . Ask your professor if you need to include any raw data generated by your study, such as transcripts from interviews or data files. If raw data is to be included, place it in an appendix or set of appendices that are referred to in the text.
• Be as factual and concise as possible in reporting your findings . Do not use phrases that are vague or non-specific, such as, "appeared to be greater than other variables..." or "demonstrates promising trends that...." Subjective modifiers should be explained in the discussion section of the paper [i.e., why did one variable appear greater? Or, how does the finding demonstrate a promising trend?].
• Presenting the same data or repeating the same information more than once . If you want to highlight a particular finding, it is appropriate to do so in the results section. However, you should emphasize its significance in relation to addressing the research problem in the discussion section. Do not repeat it in your results section because you can do that in the conclusion of your paper.
• Confusing figures with tables . Be sure to properly label any non-textual elements in your paper. Don't call a chart an illustration or a figure a table. If you are not sure, go here .

Annesley, Thomas M. "Show Your Cards: The Results Section and the Poker Game." Clinical Chemistry 56 (July 2010): 1066-1070; Bavdekar, Sandeep B. and Sneha Chandak. "Results: Unraveling the Findings." Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 63 (September 2015): 44-46; Burton, Neil et al. Doing Your Education Research Project . Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2008;  Caprette, David R. Writing Research Papers. Experimental Biosciences Resources. Rice University; Hancock, Dawson R. and Bob Algozzine. Doing Case Study Research: A Practical Guide for Beginning Researchers . 2nd ed. New York: Teachers College Press, 2011; Introduction to Nursing Research: Reporting Research Findings. Nursing Research: Open Access Nursing Research and Review Articles. (January 4, 2012); Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Results Section. San Francisco Edit ; Ng, K. H. and W. C. Peh. "Writing the Results." Singapore Medical Journal 49 (2008): 967-968; Reporting Research Findings. Wilder Research, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. (February 2009); Results. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Schafer, Mickey S. Writing the Results. Thesis Writing in the Sciences. Course Syllabus. University of Florida.

Writing Tip

Why Don't I Just Combine the Results Section with the Discussion Section?

It's not unusual to find articles in scholarly social science journals where the author(s) have combined a description of the findings with a discussion about their significance and implications. You could do this. However, if you are inexperienced writing research papers, consider creating two distinct sections for each section in your paper as a way to better organize your thoughts and, by extension, your paper. Think of the results section as the place where you report what your study found; think of the discussion section as the place where you interpret the information and answer the "So What?" question. As you become more skilled writing research papers, you can consider melding the results of your study with a discussion of its implications.

Driscoll, Dana Lynn and Aleksandra Kasztalska. Writing the Experimental Report: Methods, Results, and Discussion. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

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Organizing Academic Research Papers: 7. The Results

• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

The results section of the research paper is where you report the findings of your study based upon the information gathered as a result of the methodology [or methodologies] you applied. The results section should simply state the findings, without bias or interpretation, and arranged in a logical sequence. The results section should always be written in the past tense. A section describing results [a.k.a., "findings"] is particularly necessary if your paper includes data generated from your own research.

Importance of a Good Results Section

When formulating the results section, it's important to remember that the results of a study do not prove anything . Research results can only confirm or reject the research problem underpinning your study. However, the act of articulating the results helps you to understand the problem from within, to break it into pieces, and to view the research problem from various perspectives.

The page length of this section is set by the amount and types of data to be reported . Be concise, using non-textual elements, such as figures and tables, if appropriate, to present results more effectively. In deciding what data to describe in your results section, you must clearly distinguish material that would normally be included in a research paper from any raw data or other material that could be included as an appendix. In general, raw data should not be included in the main text of your paper unless requested to do so by your professor.

Avoid providing data that is not critical to answering the research question . The background information you described in the introduction section should provide the reader with any additional context or explanation needed to understand the results. A good rule is to always re-read the background section of your paper after you have written up your results to ensure that the reader has enough context to understand the results [and, later, how you interpreted the results in the discussion section of your paper].

Bates College; Burton, Neil et al. Doing Your Education Research Project . Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2008; Results . The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Structure and Approach

For most research paper formats, there are two ways of presenting and organizing the results .

• Present the results followed by a short explanation of the findings . For example, you may have noticed an unusual correlation between two variables during the analysis of your findings. It is correct to point this out in the results section. However, speculating as to why this correlation exists, and offering a hypothesis about what may be happening, belongs in the discussion section of your paper.
• Present a section and then discuss it, before presenting the next section then discussing it, and so on . This is more common in longer papers because it helps the reader to better understand each finding. In this model, it can be helpful to provide a brief conclusion in the results section that ties each of the findings together and links to the discussion.

NOTE: The discussion section should generally follow the same format chosen in presenting and organizing the results.

II.  Content

In general, the content of your results section should include the following elements:

• An introductory context for understanding the results by restating the research problem that underpins the purpose of your study.
• A summary of your key findings arranged in a logical sequence that generally follows your methodology section.
• Inclusion of non-textual elements, such as, figures, charts, photos, maps, tables, etc. to further illustrate the findings, if appropriate.
• In the text, a systematic description of your results, highlighting for the reader observations that are most relevant to the topic under investigation [remember that not all results that emerge from the methodology that you used to gather the data may be relevant].
• Use of the past tense when refering to your results.
• The page length of your results section is guided by the amount and types of data to be reported. However, focus only on findings that are important and related to addressing the research problem.

Using Non-textual Elements

• Either place figures, tables, charts, etc. within the text of the result, or include them in the back of the report--do one or the other but never do both.
• In the text, refer to each non-textual element in numbered order [e.g.,  Table 1, Table 2; Chart 1, Chart 2; Map 1, Map 2].
• If you place non-textual elements at the end of the report, make sure they are clearly distinguished from any attached appendix materials, such as raw data.
• Regardless of placement, each non-textual element must be numbered consecutively and complete with caption [caption goes under the figure, table, chart, etc.]
• Each non-textual element must be titled, numbered consecutively, and complete with a heading [title with description goes above the figure, table, chart, etc.].
• In proofreading your results section, be sure that each non-textual element is sufficiently complete so that it could stand on its own, separate from the text.

III. Problems to Avoid

When writing the results section, avoid doing the following :

• Discussing or interpreting your results . Save all this for the next section of your paper, although where appropriate, you should compare or contrast specific results to those found in other studies [e.g., "Similar to Smith [1990], one of the findings of this study is the strong correlation between motivation and academic achievement...."].
• Reporting background information or attempting to explain your findings ; this should have been done in your Introduction section, but don't panic! Often the results of a study point to the need to provide additional background information or to explain the topic further, so don't think you did something wrong. Revise your introduction as needed.
• Ignoring negative results . If some of your results fail to support your hypothesis, do not ignore them. Document them, then state in your discussion section why you believe a negative result emerged from your study. Note that negative results, and how you handle them, often provides you with the opportunity to write a more engaging discussion section, therefore, don't be afraid to highlight them.
• Including raw data or intermediate calculations . Ask your professor if you need to include any raw data generated by your study, such as transcripts from interviews or data files. If raw data is to be included, place it in an appendix or set of appendices that are referred to in the text.
• Be as factual and concise as possible in reporting your findings . Do not use phrases that are vague or non-specific, such as, "appeared to be greater or lesser than..." or "demonstrates promising trends that...."
• Presenting the same data or repeating the same information more than once . If you feel the need to highlight something, you will have a chance to do that in the discussion section.
• Confusing figures with tables . Be sure to properly label any non-textual elements in your paper. If you are not sure, look up the term in a dictionary.

Burton, Neil et al. Doing Your Education Research Project . Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2008;  Caprette, David R. Writing Research Papers . Experimental Biosciences Resources. Rice University; Hancock, Dawson R. and Bob Algozzine. Doing Case Study Research: A Practical Guide for Beginning Researchers . 2nd ed. New York: Teachers College Press, 2011; Introduction to Nursing Research: Reporting Research Findings. Nursing Research: Open Access Nursing Research and Review Articles. (January 4, 2012); Reporting Research Findings. Wilder Research, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. (February 2009); Results . The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Schafer, Mickey S. Writing the Results . Thesis Writing in the Sciences. Course Syllabus. University of Florida.

Writing Tip

Why Don't I Just Combine the Results Section with the Discussion Section?

It's not unusual to find articles in social science journals where the author(s) have combined a description of the findings from the study with a discussion about their implications. You could do this. However, if you are inexperienced writing research papers, consider creating two sections for each element in your paper as a way to better organize your thoughts and, by extension, your  paper. Think of the results section as the place where you report what your study found; think of the discussion section as the place where you interpret your data and answer the "so what?" question. As you become more skilled writing research papers, you may want to meld the results of your study with a discussion of its implications.

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• Next: Using Non-Textual Elements >>
• Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
• URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803
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