The results section of a research paper presents the findings of the study. It should provide details on how the data was collected and analyzed, the statistical tests used, and the outcomes based on those analyses. This section should be an objective reporting of the results without interpreting or explaining their significance. It should clearly and precisely describe what was found from the study.
The results section normally includes the following key elements in the given sequence:
ParticipantDemographics: Provide a brief description of the characteristics of participants in the study such as sample size, gender, age range, etc. If there were exclusions or dropouts from the initial participant pool, note the number here as well.
Example: A total of 100 college students between the ages of 18-22 years participated in the study. Of these, 5 participants withdrew before completion resulting in a final sample of 95 participants (45 males and 50 females).
Data Collection Methods: Summarize how the data was collected, any instruments or measures used including their validity and reliability. Mention the variables studied and operational definitions.
Example: Data was collected through an online survey consisting of 30 questions assessing stress levels (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and coping styles (Brief COPE inventory). Both scales have demonstrated good validity and reliability in previous research. Stress was operationalized as the perceived feeling of stress experienced in the past month on a 0 to 4 Likert scale.
StatisticalAnalyses: Specify the statistical tests used to analyze the collected data such as chi-square, correlation, ANOVA, regression etc. along with the statistical software.
Example: Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations and frequency distributions were calculated for all variables. Inferential analyses included independent samples t-tests to compare stress levels between gender groups and Pearson correlations to examine the relationship between stress and coping styles.
Results ofAnalyses: Provide a clear step-by-step reporting of the key results and findings from the statistical analyses performed. Include numeric values along with significance levels for inferential tests. Present results in a logical sequence that addresses each research question and hypothesis.
Example: An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in perceived stress levels between males (M=15.2, SD=4.1) and females (M=18.3, SD=5.3); t(93)=-2.78, p=.007. Pearson correlations showed a significant negative relationship between problem-focused coping and stress (r=-.329, p=.001) whereas emotion-focused coping was positively associated with higher stress (r=.241, p=.017).
Descriptive Statistics: Present measures of central tendency (mean, mode, median), variability (range, standard deviation), frequencies or proportions as applicable for key variables in the study.
Example: The mean perceived stress score for the sample was 16.8 (SD=4.8). Scores ranged from 6 to 28. Emotion-focused coping styles like venting and behavioral disengagement were the most commonly used forms of coping (used “a medium amount” by 45% and 38% of participants respectively).
Graphical Representations: Include graphs, charts or diagrams that visually portray important relationships between variables or comparisons of groups. Legends and axis labels should be clear.
Example: See Figure 1 showing the comparison of mean perceived stress levels between males and females with 95% confidence intervals.
The results section should focus solely on reporting findings without providing any subjective evaluation or interpretation of what the outcomes mean. It must clearly and objectively communicate to the reader exactly what was discovered from analyzing the collected data set. Ensuring logical organization, sufficient details and clarity of presentation are important to allow interested parties to understand and assess the outcomes of the study. The implications and significance of the results should be reserved for discussion in later sections. A well written results section forms the core foundation for drawing conclusions in research.