Writing the Results and Discussion Section of a

Qualitative Research

Goal: The purpose of the results section is to report simply and objectively what you found,
without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning
of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter. In qualitative research, the
results and discussion are merged into one section.

Typical length: This depends on the amount of data to be presented in the results and
discussion section.

Part 1. Introduction: Provide an introductory statement of the chapter.

Example:

Based on the interviews conducted, an examination of the data identified three main themes
that encompass the experiences of students pursuing a doctorate degree amid the pandemic.
These themes are derived from the significant statements provided by the four informants
involved in the study. The analysis of the transcripts yielded the following three themes:
Convenience and Flexibility; Expanding Opportunities; and Limitations and Challenges.
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Part 2. Category 1 or Theme 1: Present the result and analysis of Theme 1 or Category 1
including the sub-categories.

Example:
Theme 1: Convenience and Flexibility.

All the participants experienced a sense of convenience and flexibility in pursuing a

doctorate degree during the pandemic. This newfound convenience is attributed to the
adaptability of remote learning and the ability to engage in academic activities from the
comfort of their own homes. One notable aspect was the advantageous mode of learning,
which allowed them to adapt their studies to their personal circumstances.

“Because of the online class, it is advantageous to him, he can continue his Ph.D.
without going to the Philippines even though he is from another country.” - Greg

“For doctorate or for graduate school like us, it would be very, yeah, it would be full of
advantages if it is online.” - Karen

Greg also mentioned that he appreciated the considerate professors who understood
the challenges of remote learning and accommodated their needs.

“My professors were considerate of our situation that we are also working.”

The convenience and ease of the online experience were emphasized, with
participants valuing the absence of travel time and the ability to multitask.

“The benefit for others, especially those who are living outside Cebu, they need not
spend transportation to travel, to go to school.” - Greg

“While attending our lesson, we can always multitask.” -Karen

Karen, Beth, and Greg also mentioned the financial benefits of not having to incur
additional expenses for commuting or accommodation. It was said:

“Good in terms of finances because I could not travel always. I was able to save a lot
because I cannot spend for my boarding house, also the fair and so other things that
are relative to my stay in Cebu.” -Beth

A good internet connection was crucial for uninterrupted participation, and leniency
from instructors enabled them to balance various responsibilities effectively. The flexibility of
online mode facilitated efficient reporting and even offered the opportunity to catch up on
sleep during online classes, making the overall experience hassle-free. These statements
support what was mentioned:

“The submission of our assignments, the deadlines are extended.” - Greg

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“It is no hassle for the students because it is just virtual.” - Jeffrey

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 Online learning is often convenient and flexible throughout the COVID-19 epidemic,
according to several research. According to Saputra (2021), online education promotes
independent learning and inspires students to engage in more active learning. Online learning
is flexible since it can take place at any time and from any location, according to Verawardina
(2020). Online learning has benefits including distant learning and accessibility, according to
Mukhtar (2020). Faizah (2021) discovered that lecturers had good design in their teaching
materials, planning, implementation, and evaluation of learning. She also observed that
lecturers had well-adapted to shifts from offline to online learning.

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Part 3. Category 2 or Theme 2: Present the result and analysis of Theme 2 or Category 2
including the sub-categories.
Example:

Theme 2: Expanding Opportunities.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, all the participants have discovered
new opportunities within their doctoral studies.

“.. from a crisis, it turned into an opportunity.” - Karen

Participants expressed that despite the shift to online learning, they were able to have
a face-to-face-like experience, although the quality varied between good and bad
experiences.

“My experience is similar to face-to-face because of the activity, especially in my

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major.. where our professors are always present” - Jeffrey

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 “It is both good and bad experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic experience in
my graduate school studies.” - Beth

Greg appreciated the chance to connect with international classmates, which enriched
their learning and provided a diverse perspective.

“I even have a classmate from Pakistan and also from Abu Dhabi.”

Additionally, they mentioned that they learned a lot from their online classes, indicating
that their learning was not compromised.

“Again, both of the two classes are reporting and I learn a lot even though it is online.”
- Greg

“Online but the learning, I can say, was not compromised.” - Jeffrey

The online setting also provided networking opportunities, allowing them to connect
with professionals and peers through virtual meetings and video conferencing. They
acknowledged the constant presence and support of professors in the online environment,
and they valued the utilization of video conferencing for effective communication and virtual
meetings.

“Although it’s virtual it really expands my network” - Greg

“With regards to my classmates, it is not so hard because we have the internet from
time to time we meet each other although not face to face but only virtually” - Jeffrey

“We’re still able to manage because we came up with the Google Meet and we really
met with our professor.” - Karen

Previous research backed up the claim that students' learning opportunities increased
during the pandemic. Online education offered remote learning, comfort, and accessibility,
according to Mukhtar (2020). Online meeting tools, according to Pratama (2020), were useful
for accomplishing learning objectives outside of the classroom. In the face of disasters like
the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning would not be a barrier to academic performance,
according to Kamal (2020). Simamora (2020) discovered that, despite some challenges such
slow internet access, some teachers find it advantageous to present lecture material through
online learning apps.

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Part 4. Category 3 or Theme 3: Present the result and analysis of Theme 3 or Category 3
including the sub-categories.

Example:
Theme 3: Limitations and Challenges.

Alongside the positive things mentioned above, doctoral students have also faced limitations
and challenges throughout their doctoral journey during the pandemic. These encompass
difficulties in accessing physical resources, reduced face-to-face interaction with supervisors
and peers, and the psychological strain of navigating uncertain circumstances.

“There is a problem with learning... I think it is better if it is done (classes or

discussions) in a face-to-face manner or onsite manner.” - Beth

Many participants expressed the belief that face-to-face interaction is superior, as

online learning lacks the personal connection and engagement found in traditional classroom
settings.

“Very few classmates unmute.” - Greg

The initial transition to online education was particularly challenging, with students
facing pressures related to exams and struggling with internet connectivity issues.

“When it came to second semester, everything got cut off and the submissions
became too rushed.” - Karen

“The pressure because it is not face-to-face meaning you had all the means of
resources for answers perfect. There’s a pressure that sometimes you are actually not
able to give your best because of the pressure.” - Beth

Juggling multiple responsibilities, such as work or family obligations, while adapting to

the demands of online learning further added to the difficulties.

“So, very challenging. Especially that we are married, we have children, we have work,
right? And then, we have an assignment.” - Karen

“Because of the overload schedule and tasks here in school and then of course I have
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tasks in our house, I have to manage my time properly.” - Karen

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 Students also reported a lack of engagement in class, reduced exposure to facilities,
and limited opportunities for social interaction. Learning gaps emerged due to unclear
discussions and the need for self-managed time, as the online format required students to
independently navigate their learning process. These challenges led to feelings of exhaustio n
and the need for sacrifices in various areas of students’ lives.

“It was nice though it is really tiresome.” - Karen

According to numerous studies, the pandemic has created several difficulties and
restrictions. Farooq (2020) draws attention to the difficulty with understanding the particular
dynamics of online education in low-income nations like Pakistan, as well as the absence of
faculty training and institutional support, problems with retaining student interest, online
exams, and problems with internet connectivity. According to Mukhtar (2020), while online
learning provides benefits like accessibility and remote learning, it also has drawbacks
including inefficiency and trouble upholding academic integrity. According to Barrot (2021),
students' home learning environment presents the most obstacle to online learning, while
technology literacy and proficiency present the biggest obstacle. The COVID-19 pandemic
had the biggest effect on the caliber of the educational process and the mental well-being of
the students.

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Part 5. Synthesize the results and discussion section: Connect the themes to each other
to elucidate the whole narrative.
Example:

Doctoral students had varied experiences during the pandemic. On one hand, they benefited
from the convenience and flexibility of online learning, which also increased their learning
opportunities. On the other hand, they had to deal with several limitations and challenges
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along the way.

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Write yours:

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