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

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:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions