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Results Section Examples and Writing Tips

Abstract | Introduction | Literature Review | Research question | Materials & Methods | Results | Discussion | Conclusion

In this blog, we look at how to write the results section of a research paper. We will go through plenty of results examples and understand how to construct a great results section for your research paper.

1. What is the purpose of the results section?

The authors report their findings in the results section. This is a relatively easy section to write. You simply have to organize your results and write them up in a logical sequence. You must present your findings without evaluating or interpreting them. You must try to illustrate your data using figures and tables to make it more accessible to the readers.

2. How should I structure my results section?

The results section of a research paper typically contains the following components:

Data pre-processing You can talk about any difficulties you encountered while collecting or processing the data.

Main findings You should present your main findings (both positive and negative) in a logical sequence.

Statistics You must use descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to present your data (mean, SD, CI etc.)

Figures and tables Use figures and tables to summarize large amounts of data in a visually pleasing way.

Trends and patterns Trends and patterns describe the general change in some variable in relation to another variable.

Reanalysis You can talk about any reanalysis of data you had to perform in order to reconfirm your findings.

3. Examples of results section

Let’s look at some examples of the results section. We will be looking at results section examples from different fields and of different formats. We have split this section into multiple components so that it is easy for you to understand.

3.1. An example of a pre-processing passage in the results section

Here is an example of the results section from an engineering research paper where the authors talk about pre-processing.  The authors are saying that they performed a series of steps before conducting the actual analysis.  They are saying that they filled in the missing data using linear interpolation. And then, they transformed and normalized the data. Finally, they applied data smoothing to remove any noise in the data. As you can see the authors are very transparent and are detailing everything they did to the data before the actual analysis.

The following is a brief summary of the preprocessing steps applied prior to analysis. The data were screened for outliers and such data points were set to missing. Subsequently, the missing data were filled by linear interpolation. The data were transformed using the Box method and then normalized to zero mean and unit standard deviation. The smoothing was applied at the final step to remove the noise in the data. _ Missing data   _  Missing data fix _  Data normalization _  Data smoothing

3.2. An example of main findings passage in the results section

While presenting your findings you must clearly explain the following:

This is an example of the results section from a psychology research paper where authors are outlining their main findings. In this paper, the authors are investigating the effects of different types of music on people. The authors say that they found significant differences between classical and pop music in terms of memory recall.  And then, they are saying that they did not find any differences in terms of emotional response. Finally, they are saying that they were quite surprised to find that both types of music fatigued the listeners at the same rate.

The results indicate significant differences between classical music and pop music in terms of their effects on memory recall and cognition (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference across the groups for the emotional response to the music (p>0.05). It was surprising to find that both types of music elicited similar levels of fatigue in both groups (p>0.05). _ What was found?   _  What was not found? _  Unexpected results

It is very clear from their tone that the last result was a bit unexpected. You can see that the authors have presented their findings in an unbiased manner without any interpretation. They have listed, the positive, the negative, and the neutral results logically in the text. This is how it should be done.

3.3. An example of using statistics in the results section

The use of relevant statistics is very important while writing your results section. It offers two benefits, number one, it will help you summarize the data in a meaningful way, and number two, it will make your text sound more credible. This results example is from a social sciences research paper investigating the relationship between social media and mental health. I want you to pay specific attention to the descriptive and inferential statistics used throughout the text.

The results of this study indicate significant differences in anxiety levels between high social media usage and moderate social media usage (p<0.05). The average time spent by high social media users (5.2 ± 2.2) was considerably higher than that of moderate social media users (3.2 ± 2.2). The odds of sleep disturbance were significantly greater for high social media users (odds ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.81-2.17) compared to moderate social media users (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.18). _ p-values   _  Standard deviation _  Odds ratio & confidence interval

The authors say that there is a significant difference in anxiety levels between high social media users and moderate social media users. Since the authors have used the word significant, they have specified the p-value of the statistical test they used to ascertain this. Then they are providing the actual values of the amount of time spent by both groups on social media. They have presented the data in the form, mean plus or minus standard deviation, which is the standard scientific way to represent this type of data. In the final statement, they talk about the odds of both groups experiencing sleep disturbances. They have provided the odds ratio along with the confidence intervals.

3.4. An example of using figures and tables in the results section

One of the important components of the results section is figures and tables. Try to present your data in figures and tables wherever necessary.

Here is a results example where authors are using figures and tables to describe their results. In the first couple of lines, they are talking about a trend in their data that relates to the change in temperature over time. They are constantly referring to the figure to get their point across to the readers. And finally, in the last sentence, they are telling the readers that the actual numerical data is provided in the table, and they can refer to it if they want. This is a standard way to use figures and tables in your research paper.

In Figure 1.1, the values are plotted as a function of time. The two peaks in the plot correspond to the maximum and minimum temperature values. The specific values obtained for each experiment are given in Table 2. _ Figure   _  Figure info _  Table

3.5. An example of elaborating trends/patterns in the results section

As a researcher, it is your job to identify trends, patterns, and relationships between different variables in your data, and tell your readers about them. Because they can reveal very important evidence that you can use to answer your research questions or prove your hypothesis.

The temperature value increases until it reaches a peak value, then decreases rapidly to zero. This effect was 10 times larger at room temperature. There appears to be a positive association between temperature and time. _ Trend   _  Pattern _  Interpreting the evidence

In this example, the author talks about his observation that the temperature changes over time in a certain pattern. Then the author talks about noticing the same behaviour under different conditions. Then based on the evidence, the author concludes that there is a positive association between time and temperature. The passage flows very well. You can clearly understand what the author is trying to say here.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Most journals require separate results and discussion sections. So, it is very important that you are just reporting and describing your results without interpreting them in your results section. The interpretation of the results must be done in the discussion section.

Do not suppress negative results in your paper. Don’t worry if your experiments did not yield the results that you were expecting. Don’t try to ignore or downplay the result just because it doesn’t support your hypothesis. It doesn’t mean that your research is a failure. Negative results are as good as positive results. Actually, you have discovered a useful piece of evidence that your experiments don’t work

Here is an example of an author reporting negative and moderate results in the paper. This is perfectly fine. The authors have reported their results in the paper with full transparency and honesty. And that is how it should be.

The performance did not improve significantly with the new approach, though some marginal improvement was still achieved in terms of speed. These findings are in contrary to our original hypothesis. _  Moderate results  _  Negative results

Most people skim through the paper just going through figures and tables without reading any text in the paper. So, captions should be as short as possible but detailed enough for the readers to understand the figure or table without having to read the text.

The best way to answer this question is if you want to illustrate the trends and patterns in the data, then a figure is the best option. If you want to show the actual values or present a lot of numerical information in your paper. Then, a table might be the best way to go.

The best way to answer this question is if you cannot present your data in your text in one or two lines, then you should consider putting it in a figure or a table.

You should write your results section in the past tense, because you are reporting the results of an experiment that you conducted in the past.

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The APA results section is a part of a research paper where the findings and statistical analyses are presented. You should briefly summarize the research outcomes stivking to specific APA style guidelines.

By now you probably have conducted your research and all that’s left is to share your findings in APA Results section. American Psychological Association has established multiple rules for designing your research outcomes. Chances are that you have numerous questions regarding this part of a paper, but only a limited time to find any sound answers. That’s why we have prepared this quick guide. Keep reading and find out what goes in the Result section and how to properly format it in APA writing style . 

APA Results Section: Basics

APA Results section is a part of a research paper where scientists share their findings. After all, it is impossible to tell otherwise about the work’s significance. There is no need to elaborate on your research topic. Rather it just focuses on statistics and numerical data.  APA Results section should provide data that answers your research question. Here’s what you should include in this part of a paper:

• Number of participants
• Descriptive statistical data
• Inferential statistical data
• Missing details
• Side effects
• Written reports.

You should maintain a consistent structure and offer an easy-to-follow flow of ideas. It’s usually written using the past tense. You must present the outcomes of a study that has already been finished.

How to Write Results Section: APA

When designing an APA format Results section, you should work out each block step by step. Let us walk you through each stage of the writing process:

• Preliminary discussion
• Analysis of obtained data
• Presenting your research findings.

Note that these details should only be summarized. Keep interpretations for your Discussion section.

Preliminary Discussion in Your APA Results Section

APA Results section of a research paper should start with a brief reminder. Briefly restate your main goal and hypotheses that you wanted to test. (We have the whole blog on how to write a hypothesis .) Then, you should mention a number of participants, excluded data (if there is any) and adverse effects.  Report how many people participated in your research. A number of participants may vary depending on each stage of your study. This being said, you should explain the reasons for attrition to ensure internal validity.  Your research depends much on how complete your data is. But sometimes, you might lack some necessary equipment or have things going the way you don’t expect. That’s why you should inform your readers about any missing data and reasons behind this. If it’s a clinical research, you should also report any  side effects that have happened.  Pay extra attention to reporting style, as you must convince readers that your research was conducted according to set conditions. Without this, it won’t be possible to achieve a desired result. Wonder how to cite a report APA ? We have a special blog that contains all rules with every detail.

APA Results Section: Summarize Your Data Analysis

Writing the APA results section relies on preparing an explanation of your outcomes. Dry statistics isn’t your best option. Instead, you should make a descriptive analysis of data that you have collected. Introduce descriptive statistics for each type of analysis – preliminary, secondary and subgroup one.  Make sure you properly report descriptive statistics in your APA Results section.  The means of reporting may vary depending on the nature of your data and conditions.

                                                                                                               Means of reporting data

Besides, you should also include such elements:

• Sample sizes
• Measures of central tendency
• Measures of variability (for point estimate).

Provide verified information from trusted sources. Losing your readers’ trust is easy. APA recommends using citations in cases when rare statistics is integrated. However, you shouldn’t bother citing common knowledge. 

Presenting Outcomes in Your APA Results Section

To introduce outcomes in your APA results section, report hypothesis tests. Then, mention if it was confirmed by presenting numbers. Make sure you specify such information:

• Test statistic
• Degree of freedom
• Your p -value
• Magnitude and direction.

Readers don’t have to guess what details you have omitted and should be able to draw conclusions based on real data. Besides, you should estimate effect sizes and provide information on confidence intervals.  There is one good way to organize your statistical results – moving from the most important to the least important. First, you should focus on the primary questions and then address secondary research questions until you cover subgroups. Follow this structure and provide information in stages. Your work formatting is one of the most important steps to success. So, follow American Psychological statistics to cope with numbers.

APA Results Section: How to Format

After having decided on the format of an APA results section, you should consider the  general requirements. The manual contains information about such details:

• Font: Times New Roman.
• Size: 12 pt. font size.
• Spacing: Double-spaced.
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides.

You might also want to integrate visual elements to enhance your research. For example, you can use figures, graphs, charts or tables to present numerical data. According to APA 7th edition, you should create an appendix and make respective references. Number figures and graphs in the order they appear in your APA results section.

APA Results Section: Writing Tips

Before writing the APA results section, make sure that the data is meaningful and can potentially contribute to further research. Academic writing is peculiar as the presentation of information should be carried out according to all rules and requirements. However, this is not the end. A few tips will help to write a worthwhile Results section. Consider the following:

• Tense All outcomes of a study must be described in the past tense, because the objective is to describe the obtained results.
• Brevity Any deviation from a topic is unacceptable, nor the provision of useless information is. Staying on point and being concise is the right decision.
• Objectivity Present an unbiased synopsis of outcomes, as this will allow you to present information in a convenient and useful format. Readers will be grateful.

Preparing a paper takes a lot of effort and this is a good reason to take advantage of the advice from academic professionals.

Example of APA Results Section

Sometimes, all you need to get started is an APA results section example. A decent sample is easy to find here. Pay attention to the key points and keep them in mind as you write. Moreover, you can use this template to format this paper’s part  with APA requirements in mind.

APA Results Section: Final Thoughts

The APA results section requires a special attention from students. Hypothesis and presentation of evidence are the basis for project development. Reporting your main findings in this section will help you prove your hypothesis and enhance your stuy.

Delegate this tedious task to StudyCrumb and get skilled writers to write paper . Our experts have got a solid track record in delivering high-quality research papers in a timely manner and will be eager to help you, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About APA Results Section

1. how many words should an apa results section contain.

An APA results section is presented in a concise style, so the number of words is limited. It shouldn’t exceed 1000 words, which is 2-3 pages of double spaced text. Be specific and don’t deviate from your main point.

2. What’s the difference between APA Results section and APA Discussion section?

APA results section presents the outcomes of research. Here, you should focus on the results, statistical and other data as proof of your hypothesis. A Discussion section, in turn, involves an analysis of findings. In this part of your study, you should evaluate hypotheses and interpret your results.

3. When should I use tables or figures to present numbers in my APA results section?

APA results section includes not only textual information about your research outcomes, but also other ways of presenting information. Create tables, figures and archives to present your findings. Here are several rules you should keep in mind before using visual elements:

• Use sentences to talk about numbers up to 3 components;
• As for converting numbers greater than 20, use a table;
• Charts are worth saving for when there are more than 20 figures.

4. What tense should I use in my results section?

Writing the Results section requires another rule one must follow. Everything should be written in past tense. This way, you will indicate that your research project is complete and that all presented findings are obtained empirically.

Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.

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Home » Research Findings – Types Examples and Writing Guide

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.

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Results Section: Student Guidelines & Examples

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When students organize their scholarly papers, they need valid guidelines on how to write a results section of a research paper. In this case, a presented article offers critical insights, including a definition of a results section, its format, steps on how to write it, all the parts of a standard research paper and how this element differs from others, the information that should be included, and how to organize it correctly. A discussed guideline also teaches students specific differences between qualitative and quantitative research results sections, including examples and templates indicating how to present the main findings. In turn, an observed article provides recommendations with 8 dos and 8 don’ts of writing a results section, 20 tips that students should follow when organizing this part, and some examples of elements they can include in their research papers.

General Aspects

Students should read scholarly texts habitually to equip themselves with knowledge of specific requirements of high-standard papers. While these requirements are not similar for different types of papers , they have similar unique features. Basically, it is standard for writers of various types of essays to create a clear thesis statement that provides direction on a particular content and a well-organized outline that follows a correct essay structure and allows one to organize ideas logically. In turn, a presented guideline on how to write a results section provides insights into basic details students must address when writing this part, including all the other components of a research paper, the information essential to include, and its organization. Moreover, readers should view this article as an educational tool that empowers them to start writing a high-standard results section of a scientific research paper.

What Is a Results Section and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a results section of a research paper is a crucial component where study findings are presented in a clear, concise, and objective manner. Basically, the main purpose of writing a results section is to present the data collected and the outcomes of the analyses performed without any interpretation or bias (Carter et al., 2021). This section typically includes tables, figures, and descriptive text that detail key results, allowing readers to see the evidence that supports research hypotheses or questions. By systematically organizing and reporting the data, this part allows readers to assess a particular validity of study conclusions and an overall reliability of the data, serving as a valid foundation for a discussion section, where an actual significance of the findings is interpreted while broader implications are considered (Wallwork, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of a results section depends on academic levels, scopes of research, and assignment requirements, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 1-2 pages
• Word Count: 250-500 words
• Length: 2-3 pages
• Word Count: 500-750 words

University (Undergraduate)

• Length: 2-6 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,500 words

Master’s

• Length: 3-8 pages
• Word Count: 750-2,000 words
• Length: 4-10+ pages
• Word Count: 1,000-2,500+ words

Note: Some sections can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and such a writing depends on a particular purpose of the findings and their representations. Basically, a standard writing format of a results section includes an introduction, presentation of descriptive statistics, visual aids, such as tables and figures, detailed narrative descriptions of key findings, and a summary of significant outputs. For example, to structure a results section in a research paper, scholars start with a brief introduction, followed by presenting their descriptive data, visual aids, and statistical analyses, then detailing key findings in a narrative form, and ending with a summary of the most significant outputs (Carter et al., 2021). In this case, people should write their results section in the past tense, as they are describing what was found in their research papers. Moreover, a results section presents raw data and findings of a study objectively, while an analysis section interprets these findings, discussing their implications, significance, and relevance to research questions (Ross & Willson, 2018). In turn, to start a results section in a research paper, people begin by briefly summarizing a specific purpose of an obtained data and providing an overview of this information being presented.

Steps on How to Write a Results Section

To write a results section in a research paper, people present their findings clearly and objectively, using descriptive words, tables, and figures to highlight key data, and include statistical analyses to support their outputs without interpreting its implications, which are reserved for a discussion part.

• Begin With an Overview: Start by providing a brief overview of a specific purpose and scope of a results section.
• Organize by Research Questions or Hypotheses: Structure study findings around study questions or hypotheses to maintain a clear focus of writing.
• Present Descriptive Statistics: Provide basic descriptive statistics, such as means, medians, and standard deviations, to summarize an entire data.
• Include Visual Aids: Use tables, figures, and charts to visually represent a presented data, making it easier to understand trends and patterns.
• Report Inferential Statistics: Present outcomes of any inferential statistical tests, including p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes.
• Be Objective: Write about the findings without interpreting or drawing conclusions to maintain objectivity.
• Highlight Key Findings: Emphasize the most important outcomes that directly address research questions or hypotheses.
• Reference Visual Aids: Ensure all tables and figures are properly numbered and referenced within an entire paper’s text.
• Ensure Clarity and Precision: Write clearly and precisely, avoiding any ambiguous language or unnecessary jargon.
• Summarize Study Results: Conclude with a concise summary of the main outcomes to provide a clear take-home message for readers.

A research paper is unique because it has sections with varying writing details about a specific study topic. For example, these sections include an introduction, literature review, research methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion (Carter et al., 2021). In this respect, a research paper is a comprehensive document that requires students’ total focus and dedication. Writers should use each part to provide information for readers to understand a real essence and significance of research papers. Therefore, to write a quality results section, one must know how it differs from other scientific papers and the information it must provide for readers. In turn, students should focus on a particular uniqueness of each element because it underscores its relevance in a research paper.

1️⃣ Introduction

An introduction is a first section of a research paper. As a title suggests, it aims to introduce a reader to a specific study problem under analysis. In this respect, there are critical details writers must provide in this part, including a research problem, a background of an overall investigation, a significance of a particular study, and a research question or hypothesis (Wallwork, 2022). Typically, scientific paper topics indicate study problems students may use for writing their scholarly papers. In turn, a background information addresses existing research and some gaps writers intend to explore using bridge sentences in their current papers. Moreover, a real significance of a specific study must explain why a current scientific work is essential, and research question(s) or hypothesis(es) address what writers intend to prove through their papers, either answering questions or validating null and alternative hypotheses (Carter et al., 2021). Thus, an introduction section of a research paper gives readers basic information about a writer’s scientific work. In turn, before an introduction, students can include an abstract or executive summary part, which means an overall summary of a research paper, but this writing is optional.

2️⃣ Review of an Existing Literature

A literature review is a second section of a research paper that examines existing evidence relating to a particular research paper problem. Depending on a chosen topic, writing this section is robust because one must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a researched issue under review (Wallwork, 2022). More importantly, students must convince readers that they have investigated the evidence and found a gap by reviewing credible sources that justify their studies. The most significant detail that students should focus on when writing this part is to examine numerous reliable sources, including books, peer-reviewed academic articles, and reports by government agencies, to cite information and statistics relevant to a specific scientific problem or theoretical framework (Wallwork, 2022). Such information is essential in revealing a particular knowledge gap that justifies writing a current scientific paper.

3️⃣ Research Methodology

Research methodology is a third section of a research paper and focuses on unique methods that students use to conduct their research works. For example, scholars should understand that a scholarly paper takes many writing forms or designs that determine a specific approach to take to execute their tasks (Carter et al., 2021). The two main designs are qualitative and quantitative studies, while research methods include descriptive, experimental, case study, and observation. Therefore, when writing this section, students must know they intend to give readers a roadmap for conducting their scientific papers. Essential details include study participants, how to identify them and their total number, how to collect data, and the data analysis procedure(s) for outputs (Noyes et al., 2019). In turn, a research design is the most important writing detail to consider because it determines all the other components of a methodology part. Besides, this section tends to be longer than an introduction.

4️⃣ Results Section

A results section is a fourth part of a research paper and is where students outline the findings of their scientific works. Typically, this section is shorter than a previous one because its writing purpose is to provide readers with the outcomes of a research paper. Moreover, a results chapter of a dissertation includes a particular presentation of the findings, supported by descriptive statistics, tables, figures, and detailed narratives, without interpretation or discussion of their implications (Carter et al., 2021). As a title suggests, presented details in this part should point to specific findings only. Therefore, a particular issue that makes this element unique is that writers do not provide details that contextualize their work but only those that indicate its outcomes. The information in this section underscores a specific purpose of writing a research paper, including its ultimate objective. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a results section are:

• A particular analysis of the collected data revealed several key findings, including … .
• Discussed outcomes indicate a significant correlation between discussed variables, particularly in terms of … .
• The data presented in Table 1 shows a notable difference in outcomes, which can be attributed to … .
• Results from an entire study demonstrate a clear trend in behavior, suggesting … .
• Obtained outcomes suggest a strong relationship between independent and dependent variables, as evidenced by … .
• Upon a particular examination of the data, it was found that there were significant variations in … .
• Statistical analysis confirmed an initial hypothesis, showing that … .
• Experimental results present a marked improvement in performance when … .
• Current research underlines several interesting patterns, particularly in a context of … .
• The observed information highlights an actual importance of a particular control group, as shown by differences in … .

5️⃣ Discussion

A fifth section of a research paper is a discussion part, where authors link the results with the literature review. To write a results and discussion section, people present their findings clearly with supporting data and statistical analysis, interpret them, discuss their implications, and compare them to previous research in a discussion part (Snyder et al., 2019). Ideally, the information in this writing part acts as a summary of a research paper that requires one to confirm that the findings are relevant to addressing a defined knowledge gap that writers expressed in an introduction and literature review. Typically, people show this linkage by indicating whether the outcomes have answered study question(s) or validated hypothesis(es). Other essential writing details are possible limitations of a research paper.

6️⃣ Conclusion

A conclusion is a last section of a research paper. Basically, writing a concluding paragraph reiterates a research question, how study findings impact an entire practice, such as nursing or psychology, and a particular need for conducting further studies to address unresolved questions (Wallwork, 2022). This last writing part summarizes a research paper and affects a reader’s perspective on a specific study problem.

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Providing the Right Information

A results section is about the findings of a research paper only. As such, students should not address anything that does not relate to the study question(s) or hypothesis(es). Typically, specific details in this section include data that writers present in tables, charts, graphs, or other visual figures as part of a paper’s text or separately on pages at the end of an entire document, such as acknowledgments or appendices (Carter et al., 2021). Another detail is a contextual analysis of a provided data to give readers a better understanding of how it relates to the study question(s) or hypothesis(es), expanding on the meaning of the information presented. In writing, further essential details in this part are data corresponding to the study question(s) or hypothesis(es) and secondary findings, including secondary outcomes and subgroup analyses (Carter et al., 2021). In turn, to deal with negative results, people present them objectively, discuss their potential causes, and highlight their significance or implications for future analysis. All these writing details make a results section unique because it is where readers need to understand a real essence of a scientific paper.

🔸 Study Results

While a results section’s primary purpose is to communicate specific findings of a research paper, students should know they cannot copy-paste raw information without writing a good explanation. For example, the information in this part must have a pattern demonstrating a logical organization of the findings (Ross & Willson, 2018). The best way to organize such findings is to use headings following a logical order of study questions or hypotheses and integrate data through charts, graphs, visuals, or tables thematically. In this respect, when writing a results section, auhtors must refer to an introduction part to ensure the information aligns with what they said. An important detail to note is that a graphical presentation of the outputs’ information is not sufficient. However, students must mention the data by writing statements that allow readers to understand how the results answer the research question(s) or validate or invalidate hypothesis(es) as a final outcome (Ross & Willson, 2018). Besides, figure and table captions are important because they provide essential context and explanations, allowing readers to understand a specific content and relevance of an observed visual information without referring back to a main paper’s text.

🔸 Figures, Charts, or Other Visuals

A logical presentation of data requires students to organize all data figures by numbering them and citing numbers in their paragraphs to link study findings to a research question or hypothesis. In writing, people need to choose a figure when they want to illustrate trends, patterns, or relationships in the data visually, and they opt for a table when they need to present precise numerical values or detailed information for comparison (Carter et al., 2021). A particular numbering format should follow a similar writing order in which an author mentions the data in a main paper’s text. One should also explain a methodology part that led to each figure. For example, students should capture the following writing details:

Figure 1: Racial/ethnic representation of health problems in the United States.

• Integrate the data into a main paper’s text by mentioning a specific percentage of Whites, Blacks, Latinx, and American Indians with diabetes and heart disease.
• Mention Figure 1 but not necessarily a title. For example, one can write: “Figure 1 shows a specific proportion of Whites and Blacks with heart disease is 55 percent and 48 percent, respectively.” With that statement, readers can look at this chart and read its title to make sense of a given sentence.
• Depending on a specific type of figure, writers can indicate a figure legend at the top. In an above example, it reads, “Diabetes and Heart Disease in America.”
• At the bottom of a figure (footnote), one should indicate a specific figure number followed by a caption that briefly describes this figure. In an above example, a given caption reads, “Racial/ethnic representation of health problems in the United States.”
• Writers must use labels to identify specific elements or features in a graph. In an above example, a horizontal axis uses percentages as labels indicating a specific proportion of Whites, Blacks, Latinx, and American Indians with diabetes and heart disease.

Like figures, tables capture data reflecting a results section of a research paper. However, they differ from charts in how they reflect the information. For example, their unique writing features include columns and rows, each with a subheading (Ross & Willson, 2018). In turn, an obtained data should be presented in figures and tables instead of directly in a main paper’s text when writing involves complex information, trends, or large datasets that are easier to understand visually or require precise comparison. The following writing example shows how students should use tables in a results section:

Table 1. Demographics of Whites in the United States for 2020 showing how obesity affects this population in the country. Young individuals are the most affected, with 38 percent presenting as obese, followed by adult females at 22 percent and then adult males at 18 percent. However, on average, the BMI index for all groups is below the obese level of 30.

• Writers should identify the data in a given table above by mentioning “Table 1” in a main paper’s text about specific demographics of Whites for 2020.
• Typically, most research papers use a footnote rather than a table title. While a title is necessary to enhance readers’ understanding, footnotes are more detailed in writing because they offer some analysis. In an above example, a particular footnote that follows a given caption below a table analyzes the information for a reader’s benefit.
• Typically, row headings capture groups, and column headings indicate demographical data. In an above example, a given row heading captures Whites as a racial group, while a provided column heading indicates group’s demographics. Writers should understand each row and each column should reflect one group and one demographical data, respectively.
• Sometimes, writers may have row subheadings to indicate group categories and column subheadings to capture variables for a better writing. In an above example, given row subheadings are youths, adult males, and adult females as group categories, while provided column subheadings indicate average BMI and obesity as demographic categories.
• Tables provide self-explanatory data to readers, and footnotes only attempt to make sense of it superficially. By looking at a specific table, people should comprehend the results without reading all the paper’s text.

Therefore, students should use figures and tables as focal points to communicate a clear and informative narrative about the findings of a research paper. In writing, authors should repeat every detail in a main paper’s text, although they must reference all data in a results section or other body paragraphs by pointing readers to “Table 1.”

Recommendations

When writing a great results section, students should know what to talk about or do and what not to talk about or not do. The things to do to demonstrate a high-standard outputs and those not to do can affect an overall section’s quality. From this perspective, students must habitually read research papers to familiarize themselves with 8 dos and 8 don’ts of writing a results section.

• Write in the past tense only . All study findings are what an author has established after conducting an actual study. A particular language that reflects this aspect is past tense. Common terminologies include ‘found,’ ‘established,’ and ‘confirmed.’ Using this language tells readers that an entire study has already happened and outcomes are clear, as such a text is represented through visuals, charts, graphs, figures, and tables.
• Write concisely. The findings require interpretation from statistical data to statistical analyses. Typically, this exercise involves complex language that may need to be clarified for readers. As such, students should write a results section clearly and concisely to avoid sending a wrong message to other scholars. As such, one must be clear about which finding relates to which study question or hypothesis.
• Referencing the study question(s) or hypothesis(es). A results section aims to answer the research question(s) or validate or invalidate the hypothesis(es). As such, students must refer to them (as applicable) when writing a results section. In turn, the best approach is to refer to them according to a particular order they appear in an introduction section for logical consistency.
• Begin with broad results. Typically, study findings of a research paper vary in how they answer the study question(s) or validate or invalidate the hypothesis(es). Some outputs are broad, requiring some comprehensive analysis, and others narrow, covering a brief mention. Students should begin writing with general results because they affect the scientific question(s) or hypothesis(es) more than narrow findings. However, they should mention narrow findings later in a main paper’s text because they are precise to a specific study question or hypothesis.
• Write the most critical findings from figures or tables. A primary purpose of figures and tables is to provide a broad picture of the results. However, only some details capture the most critical finding. In a table above, the most critical finding is a particular rate of obesity in the White community, specifically youths, adult males, and adult females. When referring to Table 1, a student should mention specific percentages of obesity prevalence in these groups as the most critical finding despite a given chart indicating other details, such as the BMI, which are central to this crucial output.
• Avoid background information and explanation of findings. Students should avoid explaining the results or providing any background information. At this part of a research paper, readers already understand a particular background of a given study because they have read introduction and literature review sections. Consequently, they expect an in-depth explanation of their outputs in a later discussion section.
• Do not capture raw data or intermediate calculations. Obtained findings in a results section should make sense to all readers. In writing, students should not provide raw data or indicate its intermediate calculations. A data analysis section that falls in a research methodology offers an unique opportunity for these writing exercises. Therefore, students should understand that this part should provide an answer to readers about the study question(s) or hypothesis(es), not leaving them with a boring task of analyzing the information to make a connection.
• Never ignore negative results. Authors of research papers probably have a biased interpretation of the results because they already have a preferred outcome. In writing, most students may be tempted to ignore negative results if they do not conform to their expectations or preferences. However, they must understand that a results section should reflect the findings of a research paper regardless of whether they are positive or negative in their eyes. This capture of the outputs makes any research paper scholarly and valid.
• Do not capture all data generated in a research paper. Writers need to understand that a primary purpose of writing a results section is to answer the study question(s) or validate or invalidate the hypothesis(es). Doing so does not require all the data, but what is relevant for this task. Moreover, research papers have limited length, and one cannot have room in a findings section to indicate all the data from the study experiment.
• Do not use text to describe everything. A main purpose of charts, figures, visuals, and tables is to capture and present data in a short summary. As such, they help writers to avoid explaining every piece of information and related detail because it may be complex and confusing to readers. Therefore, one should only describe or explain some things but use figures, visuals, and tables to present broad data.
• Do not repeat the data in figures and tables. When referring to figures, visuals, and tables in a main paper’s text, students should avoid repeating every piece of information but instead interpret it for readers. What is important in writing is the most critical data because it provides a clear and concise message about a research question or hypothesis. Therefore, students should interpret the data instead of repeating the same information as it is in the chart, visual, figure, or table. In an example of a table above, one should not repeat all the information but summarize writing by stating the group most affected by obesity and how.
• Do not jump around the data to discuss the findings. A logical presentation of data requires students to provide information that answers the research questions or hypotheses as they appear in an introduction. As such, one should avoid mentioning data relevant to one question when answering a different question. The same case should apply to hypotheses.
• Do not give long explanations. A results section should be short but clear and concise. In this respect, students should refrain from writing long explanations because they reduce a particular space for the most essential information: critical findings. The best writing approach to avoid long descriptions is to use figures, visuals, charts, and tables.
• Do not use meaningless numbers. While a results section aims to show data mostly in numbers for a quantitative study, students should avoid using every number they have if it is not meaningful to a research question or hypothesis. Therefore, after writing data analysis, one should decide on the most relevant and meaningful numbers to include in a results section.
• Do not cite other research papers. Since a main purpose of all outputs is to provide the findings of a research paper, one should avoid irrelevant details, including comparing the results to those of other scholarly paper. Students must understand that writing a discussion section gives them room to do so.
• Do not use the results of other authors. Writing any academic paper is designed for a specific purpose. In this case, students must do their own research papers and present unique findings section, including negative or positive ones. In writing, the findings of other authors can be used only for a comparison of the results.

Examples of a Results Section

The two primary research paper designs that scholars use for writing their scientific papers are qualitative and quantitative studies. Each design has a unique way of capturing the findings of a research paper (Noyes et al., 2019). The two examples below show how students should write a results section in qualitative and quantitative research papers. However, students must note a specific language and details, such as statistical data.

Example of a Qualitative Results Section

[Introductory context] A total of 98 respondents from different countries gave essential data by answering the survey questionnaire. The representation was as follows: 30 respondents were from the U.S. (30.6% of the total), 26 from China (26.5%), 22 from Russia (22.4%), and 20 from the United Kingdom (20.4%). […] [Important finding] According to the results, the most important cultural identifiers are language (w=0.3402), followed by ethnicity (w=0.2930) and religion (w=0.2279). Most respondents viewed gender as the most insignificant compared to the other three (w=0,1388) (Table 1). […] [Interesting Finding] An interesting finding is that the U.S. and the U.K. respondents considered sexual orientation as a determinant of a country’s cultural vibrancy, while those from China and Russia viewed it as an indicator of negative liberalism. All the respondents had a uniform consistency ratio (C.R.) of less than 0.08 (8%). [Another important finding] According to all the respondents, the three critical drivers of cultural vibrancy are technology (mean value of 4.88), education (4.60), contact with other cultures (4.40), and the media (4.30). Conversely, the factors that influence cultural assimilation the least, according to all the respondents, are cultural artifacts (2.88) and friendships (2.66) (Figure 1). […] [Summary of Key Findings] The findings indicate differences of opinion regarding some cultural topics and convergence of thought in others between countries from the respondents’ perspective. On differences, respondents from the U.S. and U.K. hold more liberal views than their Chinese and Russian counterparts. The point of convergence for all the respondents is the belief that culture is the most instrumental factor for interrogating the attitudes and behaviors of people .

[Introductory Context] The student data system for 2010 through 2020 was the source of the demographic data for the sample. The descriptive statistics include age, gender, grades, and course selection. Table 1 describes the cross-tabulation frequencies of the study sample. The mean age was 28.42 years, with a standard deviation of 8.22 years. The age range of the sample was from 18 to 50 years. [Relevant Finding] Overall, more students selected online than physical courses, with a uniform enrollment rate in online courses in both males and females; however, the proportion of males was high (62.7%) for online instruction than that of females (58.8%) as shown in Figures 1 and 2. […] [Significant Finding (including a significant test result)] A statistically significant difference in grades is reported between students enrolled in online classes and their counterparts in the traditional classroom setting. The mean and standard deviation for grades calculated by delivery type showed no significant difference between online and physical instruction. In contrast, those calculated by the instructor showed no significant difference in the mean grade. […] [Reference to Visual Data] Table 6 shows the impact of the delivery method and the instructor on students’ grades. […] The delivery method did not influence significant grade differences (F = 0.078, p = 0.780, df = 1, 811). The same case was reported for the instructor (F = 0.002, p = .967, df = 1, 811). The two factors had no significant interaction (F = 0.449, p = 0.503, df = 1, 811). [Relevant Finding] There is a statistically significant difference in student course retention between those taking online courses and their counterparts in physical classrooms (Supplementary Appendix Figure 1). Data were included for testing if a final grade was reported for a participant (Supplementary Appendix Figure 2). [Context to a Research Question or Hypothesis] The analysis of the contingency data was essential in confirming the hypothesis. Data organization indicates the row variable as course selection (online or physical classroom) and the column variable as retention in the course. [Explanation of a study Test] The chi-square testing (X2 = 2.524, p = .112, df = 1, 884) indicated no statistically significant difference between retention in online and physical classroom courses. [Significant Findings] The study includes a statistically significant difference in student retention between those who begin the program online and those who begin in the physical classroom. […] [Summary of Key Findings] Results from testing of H1 showed no significant difference between course grades for students enrolled in online courses and their counterparts in physical classroom courses. Chi-square testing of H2 indicated no significant difference in course retention between students taking online courses and those taking courses in the physical classroom environment. Chi-square testing of H3 indicated no significant difference in program retention between students who began the course online and those who began it in the physical classroom.

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Qualitative Results Template

• [Introductory Context]
• [Finding 1 – Important]
• [Finding 2 – Interesting]
• [Another Important Finding 3 that refers to a chart, figure, visual, or table]
• [Summary of key findings]

Quantitative Results Template

• [Finding 1 – Relevant]
• [Finding 2 – Significant –  with reference to a test result]
• [Reference to a chart, figure, visual, or table]
• [Finding 3 – Relevant]
• [Context to a Research Question or Hypothesis]
• [Explanation of a Study Test]
• [Finding 3 – Significant]

Looking at the two templates, it is evident that crucial writing details appear in all but some only in quantitative research. In both templates, students should introduce this section by stating some facts, such as a study sample, and enumerate the results, using charts, figures, visuals, or tables as necessary. However, only in a quantitative study, one should mention tests and their outcomes.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Results Sections

There are areas of similarity and difference between the results sections of qualitative and quantitative research studies. The main similarities are that both types capture statistical data or reports and do not interpret the meanings of data with long explanations. However, there are many differences in presenting the content. Firstly, a qualitative results section emphasizes non-numerical, descriptive data, focusing on themes and ideas (Cristancho et al., 2021). In contrast, a quantitative results section highlights measurable (or quantifiable) numerical data relevant to interpreting trends, making predictions, running experiments, or testing hypotheses. Another difference is that a qualitative results section adopts descriptive and interpretive approaches to make sense of the collected data. On the other hand, a quantitative results section adopts numbers-based strategies, including statistics, calculations, and data measurements, to make sense of the collected information.

Research Questions and Hypotheses

When writing a results section, students must focus on the research question(s) or hypothesis(es) they stated in an introduction part because they underscore a paper’s importance or purpose. Regarding research questions, the data presented in this part must refer to specific questions as they appear in an introduction paragraph, giving outcomes that reflect answers to these queries. Concerning hypotheses, students should ensure a results section confirms or rejects them. In other words, a good results section should help readers to understand a specific scientific problem by answering the study question(s) or validating or invalidating the hypothesis(es). Therefore, when writing a results section, students should know they are answering a specific research question or confirming a study hypothesis. This determination is crucial because it must reflect proper language, concepts, and terms used in a main paper’s text.

Writing a high-standard results section of a research paper is a technical undertaking that requires students to grasp helpful insight. For example, the most common mistake beginner writers make in a results section is including interpretations and discussions of the data rather than strictly presenting study findings objectively (Carter et al., 2021). In writing, some of the useful tips include always using simple and clear language, avoiding irrelevant expressions, discussing the findings objectively without overinterpretation, using sub-sections if there are more study questions or hypotheses, including negative outputs even if they do not support a specific study hypothesis, providing visuals charts, figures, visuals, and tables to document the results, and mentioning the tests and their outcomes for a quantitative study.

10 things to do when writing a results section include:

• briefly and precisely summarizing the results at the beginning of the section;
• using visual illustrations, like charts, figures, and tables;
• arranging the outputs logically;
• linking the data to the research question(s) or hypothesis(es);
• following clear, simple, and concise language;
• being objective in writing;
• avoiding long explanations;
• including statistical analyses to make the data sensible to readers;
• providing the correct information for the right study question or hypothesis;
• presenting paragraphs that respond to different scientific questions or hypotheses.

10 things not to do when writing a results section include:

• using raw data;
• duplicating similar information by repeating the data in the visual illustrations within a paper’s main text;
• including repetitive background information;
• constantly referring to study methods while writing;
• overlooking negative findings that do not support biases or invalid claims;
• providing charts, figures, visuals, or tables excessively;
• explaining the outputs comprehensively;
• presenting a findings section of other research papers as writers’ study outcomes;
• failing to give graphs, figures, and tables a number;
• not mentioning a specific chart, figure, visual, or table number within a main paper’s text.

What to Include

Writing a results section of a research paper is crucial for presenting study outcomes in a clear and concise manner. Basically, this section should start with a brief introduction to a corresponding purpose of study findings and a methodology used to obtain the data. Then, presenting obtained outcomes should be done using a descriptive text and supported by tables, figures, and charts for clarity. Moreover, statistical analyses should be reported clearly, indicating significance levels and confidence intervals where appropriate. In writing, such a part of a research paper should focus solely on presenting information without interpretation, which is reserved for a discussion paragraph. Besides, proper organization and logical flow are essential, and visual aids should be numbered and referenced in an entire paper’s text. Finally, this writing approach ensures a results section is easily understandable and directly addresses research questions or hypotheses posed in a given study. In turn, some rules to remember include:

• Start writing a results section by restating a specific purpose of a research paper.
• Use the past tense to describe the paper’s findings.
• Avoid vague language.
• Provide a clear, coherent, and logical explanation of all outputs without bias.
• Include information that answers the study question(s) or validates or invalidates the hypothesis(es).
• Use useful and quality visual illustrations, like charts, figures, and tables.
• Present details about data analysis and interpretation and mention any statistical tests and their outcomes.
• Report statistically insignificant findings to give a research paper credibility.
• Conclude with writing a short paragraph that summarizes key findings.
• Proofread, revise, and edit a results section to eliminate any mistakes.

Carter, S., Guerin, C., & Aitchison, C. (2021). Doctoral writing: Practices, processes and pleasures . Springer.

Cristancho, S., Watling, C., & Lingard, L. (2021). Three principles for writing an effective qualitative results section. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-Professional Journal , 22 (3), 110–124. https://doi.org/10.11157/fohpe.v22i3.556

Noyes, J., Booth, A., Moore, G., Flemming, K., Tunçalp, Ö., & Shakibazadeh, E. (2019). Synthesising quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform guidelines on complex interventions: Clarifying the purposes, designs and outlining some methods. BMJ Global Health , 4 (1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000893

Ross, A., & Willson, V. L. (2018). Basic and advanced statistical tests: Writing results sections and creating tables and figures . Sense Publishers.

Snyder, N., Foltz, C., Lendner, M., & Vaccaro, A. R. (2019). How to write an effective results section. Clinical Spine Surgery: A Spine Publication , 32 (7), 295–296. https://doi.org/10.1097/bsd.0000000000000845

Wallwork, A. (2022). Writing an academic paper in English: Intermediate level . Springer International Publishing Springer.

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Results Section in a Research Paper?

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

Results Section Definition

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

Results Section Example

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

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

Importance of Results Section in a Research Paper

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

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

What Does the Results Section of a Research Paper Include?

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

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

Results Section for Quantitative Research

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

Results Section for Qualitative Research

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

Difference Among Results, Discussion, and Conclusion

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

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How to Write a Research Paper Results Section?

After you have thoroughly understood what the results section of a research paper is and its importance, it’s time to comprehensively elaborate the essential steps required to write a research paper results section. These steps are prepared and finalised by top-notch researchers. They provide newbie researchers with significant help through their research processes.

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

Step 1: Repeat Your Research Question and Objectives

The first step in writing a research paper results section is to repeat your research question and objectives. Explain the research problem that you’re dealing with using this particular research. Also, provide the expected key benefits resulting from the research study.

Step 2: Present Research Findings in a Logical Order

Research involves various data collection and analysis processes. It is crucial to maintain the order of every key step in the research process . You should present the research findings in a logical order like you presented in the methodology section.

Step 3: Incorporate Tables, Graphs, and Figures for Visual Representation

Visual representation of visual data is very important in presenting numerical data and information. It helps in enhancing the readability and engagement of prospective readers. So, that’s why you should incorporate different tables, graphs, and figures for visual representation.

Step 4: Provide Statistical Analysis for Quantitative Data

As you know, quantitative research is associated with objective and numerical data. It involves numbers and their analysis. Provide an extensive report on statistical analysis of quantitative data using p-values, confidence intervals, effect sizes, and regression coefficients.

Step 5: Provide Subjective Findings for Qualitative Data

In the case of qualitative research, subjective data and findings must be provided efficiently. You should use different representative quotes and themes to provide subjective data and its analysis. You should also summarise subjective data generally without interpreting it in a personal voice.

Step 6: Avoid Subjectivity and Personal Touch

Another step involved in writing the research paper results section is to avoid subjectivity and a personal touch out of it. Don’t interpret findings in your voice. Avoid discussions and providing arguments. Also, avoid using informal words that might challenge the objectivity of research findings.

Step 7: Provide Negative or Unexpected Findings

Flaws and inconsistencies in a research paper efficiently indicate human uniqueness and limitations. You should provide all the available negative data resulting from mistakes and unexpected findings. It helps to understand the transparency and integrity of the research findings.

Step 8: Ensure Precision & Clarity

It is also essential for readers to effortlessly read and understand the findings in a research section. Confusing and vague data representation can lead to miscommunications. You should avoid using jargon. Keep the clear and simple language in the results section.

Dos and Don’ts of Result Section in a Research Paper

These are the preventive measures that you must take to write the results section in a research paper. Check out the dos and don’ts of a research section.

Example of a Results Section of a Research Paper

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

Our research aims to comprehensively examine the impact of urban green spaces on the psychological well-being of residents residing in metropolitan areas. Data and information are collected from mental health surveys , psychological measures, and different spaces, such as parks, gardens, and street trees.

Data is collected from 400 participants. 150 claim to visit parks, 120 strolled in gardens, and 130 claimed to encounter trees in their daily routines. Psychological measures showed that the larger the green space is, the more it significantly helps with stress reduction.

A one-way ANOVA was conducted to study the comparison among the given three urban green spaces. This comparison showed that people who visit parks experience higher well-being than people who stroll in gardens. The level of well-being experienced by people who encounter trees is far less than the latter.

After the quantitative analysis, qualitative insights also provide with sufficient benefits related to these green urban spaces. The people who visit parks experience relaxation and restoration. The people who stroll in gardens enhance their interaction not just with nature but also with other strollers. The people who encountered trees on their way reported a lower level of relaxation and mental well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the result section in a research paper.

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

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

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

How long is the results section of a research paper?

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

You May Also Like

Secondary research focuses on analysing and interpreting data and information that has been collected by others and already exists.

Primary research deals with research that is objective and accurate by collecting first-hand data & information on a specific subject.

If you are looking for a quick guide on how to write a good literature review, then our blog provides all the essential tips you need.

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