The Results or Findings section is where you finally show what your research discovered. It transforms all your data and effort into clear, meaningful outcomes.
Whether you’re writing a dissertation, thesis, or journal article, this part answers the core question: “What did your research reveal?”

What Are “Results” in Research?

Your results present facts and data, not interpretations. They show what your analysis produced (numbers, patterns, themes, or relationships) without yet explaining why they happened (that comes later in the discussion). In short:

Results = What you found
Discussion = What it means

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Results & Findings

1. Start with a Brief Overview

Open with one short paragraph summarizing what’s coming.

Example
“This section presents the quantitative and qualitative results on student motivation across three universities.”

2. Organize Results Logically

Structure your results according to your research questions or hypotheses, not in random order.

Example Structure:

• RQ1: Impact of social media on study habits
• RQ2: Relationship between screen time and academic performance

Each sub-section should directly answer one question.

3. Present Quantitative Results Clearly

If you used numbers, show them with tables, charts, or graphs. Always label figures properly.

Tips:

• Mention what each table or figure shows.
• Report only significant data, no repetition.
• Include key statistics (mean, SD, p-values, correlations).

Example
“Students spending over 3 hours daily on social media scored 12% lower on GPA (p < 0.05).”

4. Present Qualitative Findings Effectively

For interviews, focus groups, or open-ended responses, group findings into themes or categories.

Example
“Three main themes emerged: time management struggles, online distractions, and social pressure.”

Support each theme with short, powerful quotes (anonymized):
“Sometimes I open Instagram just for five minutes, but it turns into an hour,” (Participant 7).

5. Combine Tables, Figures, and Text Wisely

Don’t copy data from tables into text, describe the key point only.

Table = details
Text = highlights

6. Use Neutral, Objective Language

Avoid interpretation or emotional words. Instead of “surprisingly,” say “the data indicated.”

Good: “The survey results show a positive correlation between hours studied and GPA.”
Avoid: “Interestingly, students who studied more got better grades.”

7. Report Both Significant and Non-Significant Findings

Even if some results don’t support your hypothesis, include them; it shows research honesty.

Example
“While Study Hours significantly predicted GPA (p = 0.03), Screen Time was not a significant factor (p = 0.42).”

8. Ensure Consistency

All numbers, labels, and categories should match what you mentioned in your methodology and appendices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Repeating every number in text and tables
✘  Explaining meaning before the discussion section
✘  Ignoring unexpected or negative results
✘  Using vague phrases like “some participants agreed”

Example of a Short Results Paragraph

“The survey data showed that 68% of respondents used social media for academic purposes, while 32% used it mainly for leisure. Regression analysis revealed a weak negative correlation (r = –0.28) between social media time and GPA. Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted that self-discipline and time awareness were key challenges among students.”

FAQs

Q: How long should the results section be?
A: It depends on data volume, usually 15–20% of total word count.

Q: Should I interpret results here?
A: Keep interpretation minimal. Save detailed explanation for the Discussion section.

Q: Can I combine Results and Discussion?
A: Yes, if your university or journal allows, label it clearly as “Results and Discussion.”

Final Thoughts

The Results & Findings section is the heart of your research. Present your outcomes honestly, clearly, and in a structured way so readers can easily follow the story your data tells.

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