Guideline for writing research results

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

When formulating the results section, it's important to remember that the results of a study
do not prove anything. Research results can only confirm or reject the research problem
underpinning your study. However, the act of articulating the results helps you to understand the
problem from within, to break it into pieces, and to view the research problem from various
perspectives.
The page length of this section is set by the amount and types of data to be reported . Be
concise, using non-textual elements, such as figures and tables, if appropriate, to present results
more effectively. In deciding what data to describe in your results section, you must clearly
distinguish material that would normally be included in a research paper from any raw data or other
material that could be included as an appendix. In general, raw data should not be included in the
main text of your paper unless requested to do so by your professor.
Avoid providing data that is not critical to answering the research question. The background
information you described in the introduction section should provide the reader with any additional
context or explanation needed to understand the results. A good rule is to always re-read the
background section of your paper after you have written up your results to ensure that the reader
has enough context to understand the results [and, later, how you interpreted the results in the
discussion section of your paper]
I. Structure and Approach
For most research paper formats, there are two ways of presenting and organizing the
results.

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

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

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

Using Non-textual Elements

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

III. Problems to Avoid

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