A well-researched paper always has different sections with different information presented in a compelling manner. Sectioning your research paper is crucial as it shows the tutor that you have mastered the art of academic writing, and this will improve your overall grade. This guide will provide you with useful insights you should know when writing the research paper results section.
What is the purpose of the results of research paper?
The research results section is important in a research paper as it sums up the overall findings of the research and presents the findings in a logical manner from your research questions. The information presented in this section should be correct without interpreting it.
The findings can be presented in illustrations such as written text, graphs, using tables, or any relevant illustration.
All the findings under the research paper results should answer or align with the research questions and the purpose of the research. Therefore, avoid too much information as it may overwhelm the reader by using only strong and valid points presented as they are without analyzing or interpreting them. Let’s, therefore, find out how to write a results section in the next section.
How to write a results section of a research paper
When writing a results section, you simply present your findings. You should note the following to ensure the results section of a research paper is accurate:
- Always present your findings in the past tense
- Although the word count of the result section depends on the data collected, make sure it is simple to comprehend but 100% accurate.
- Begin with findings that are broad as you narrow down, keeping only relevant findings. You can view this point in this manner; if the subject is about the school, start by describing the school as a whole, then break down into different schooling levels, such as high school, college, and university, in that order.
- Avoid phrases like implies and appears, among others. Such phrases are speculative, and it means you aren’t sure of the findings you are presenting.
- Should you have more findings you, feel you should include, simply add them to the footnotes or appendix.
The following are steps to take when writing the results section of the research paper:
- Review the instructions or guidelines from the publisher under the same topic/context
This is more of reviewing the results section example, similar to your research question. The information will give you the following:
- Exact requirements for the findings
- The length limitation and content restrictions
- Analyzing the scope of the journal to evaluate reader needs as you prepare to write the results section.
- Compare the journal’s results section with yours
Select only relevant findings and results that will answer your research questions. Next, use subheadings in your findings to clarify your report to minimize using more details to make the reader understand what you intend to put across.
With everything in order, choose how you want to structure your results section. However, consider your audience and the nature of your report when deciding on the structure to use.
- Create tables and figures
Now, you can present your findings in the illustrations you decide on. Simply remember to number based on the main text presentation.
- Draft your findings in the results section
Now, based on the illustration you are using, draft accurate findings, restating the research questions in every new paragraph.
Once your draft, include a summary of what you have presented for a smooth transition to the next discussion section.
- Revise and edit
Finally, revise the results you’ve presented, ensuring all information is accurate and meets the guidelines.
Conclusion
Are you in the process of writing the results section of a research paper? Consider the insights in this guide to ensure you do the right thing.
