The result section of a research paper summarizes the important findings of your study. This section should provide a concise and coherent overview of the experimental results without interpretation. The goal is to objectively present what was found in your study without drawing conclusions. While keeping opinions and speculation out of this section, you still need to organize and effectively communicate your results. Here are some tips for writing an effective result section for a research paper:
Start this section by briefly restating the purpose and goals of your study. You can do this in one sentence to provide context and orient the reader. From there, organize your results based on your research questions or hypotheses. Present findings that directly address each objective or hypothesis in the order you stated them. Use headings or subheadings to clearly separate each set of results if you have multiple objectives or hypotheses to report on.
Within each subsection, report results using complete sentences in the past tense. For example: “The data showed,” or “It was found that.” Use active voice as much as possible for clarity and cohesion. Include detailed descriptions along with numerical or statistical data. You may present results in tables, graphs, or figures if needed to effectively communicate the types of data collected. Be sure to refer to and briefly interpret any figures or tables within the text of this section.
Quantitative results are typically reported using numbers, percentages, averages, and statistical values. Clearly label any tables, graphs or figures with titles that concisely describe what is displayed. For example: “Figure 1. Average reaction times across conditions.” Do not include interpretive statements, only objective descriptions of what the data shows such as “participants responded faster on average in the high attention condition compared to the low attention condition.”
You may organize quantitative results chronologically or by variable measured. For example, first present results related to one dependent variable, then present a separate set of results for another dependent variable measured. It is generally best to avoid duplicating results across multiple subsections, be concise and avoid repetition.
Qualitative results are typically reported using descriptive themes, patterns, categories or taxonomy that emerged from analysis of interviews, observations, or textual data. Present direct quotes or examples when needed to illustrate or support themes or patterns identified. Attribute any quotes to anonymous participants using codes or pseudonyms. Objectively summarize what was found during qualitative analysis without drawing inferences.
Check that all results presented directly answer or address a research question or hypothesis without introducing new information. Maintain clarity and logical flow by tying each set of results back to objectives. Use transition sentences to smoothly move between subsections. Closely adhere to guidelines for formatting numerical results, headings, figures, and tables based on your selected style guide.
At the end of this section, provide a brief summary paragraph recapping the key results without restating details. Draw attention to particularly important or notable findings, but avoid interpreting their meaning or significance. Leave that analysis and discussion for later sections. Use this concluding paragraph to smoothly transition the reader into the next section. The objective of the result section is to report what was found in a way that is clear, logical, comprehensive, and sets the stage for further analysis. Adhering to these structural guidelines will result in an effective communication of your study outcomes.
The discussion section that follows is where you analyze, interpret and draw conclusions from the results presented. It is critical to concisely yet thoroughly report results first before engaging in that higher level synthesis and evaluation of meaning. By following these best practices, your result section will fulfill its purpose of succinctly summarizing your findings in an unbiased, logical manner that sets the stage for deeper discussion and understanding of your research outcomes in later sections. An well-written result section leaves the reader informed yet still curious – eager to learn how you make sense of what was discovered.