ALS

How to write
a Result section

Group 6
Furqan Saleh (103883)Masato Idei (103837)Kevin Fernando (103778)
Chun Yu Kwok (103938)Zhicong Zhang (103921)

Learning Objectives

●Learn about the structure of Results

●Helpful language to use in Results

●See a good example and a bad example of Results

●Differentiate between Results and Discussion

What is a Results section?

●The most critical point in a primary research.

●Involves comparing of the findings of a study to the actual
research questions.

●Should contain 25-27% of the word count.

●Not supposed to analyze/interpret, supposed to state the
outcomes as they are.

●Should not be biased.

●Could include one/multiple texts, tables, graphs, and
illustrations.

●Most relevant results should be included.

Types of results sections

Qualitative

Quantitative

●Non-numerical descriptive data.
Taken data should be interpreted
into an understandable format.
Themes, languages, or
self-reflections can be taken as
input in this type of result.

Ex: questionnaires, interviews,
observations

●Includes numerical data.
Presentation should be in a
combination of text and graphical
methods.

Ex: experimental results, survey
research.

Structure of a results section

Firstly,
start with a brief introduction to connect the findings with the topic question
of the research. This will refresh the readers' focus back to the main goal of
the research after finishing the literature review and the methodology.

Secondly,
the results should be included in a structured manner, using language to
give more weight to the most crucial findings above all. Should be a mixture
of text and visual data. Do note that visuals alone cannot replace text but
should be used as an enhancer of the narrative statements.

Lastly,
a concise conclusion paragraph to sum up all the key data of the research.
This further helps in analyzing it throughout the discussion.

What could be helpful language to use
in Results section?

・Use specific and descriptive language (avoid using vague language)

・Use passive voice and past tense
(Active voice is preferable, but in order to avoid using pronouns, it is common
to use passive voice in reports)

・Use caution when interpreting the results to avoid overgeneralizing
and jumping to unsupported claims based on the findings

The graph
The table
The figure

show(s)
indicate(s)
suggest(s)
prove(s)

that・・・

Examples

Qualitative results

Quantitative results

A bad example

A Few Tips for Writing Results

-Past tense

-Length of this section depends on how much data you collected and analysed
(should be written as concisely as possible)

-Only includes results that are directly relevant to answering research questions
(Don’t attempt to discuss!)

-Other results should go to appendix or footnotes

-Start out with broadest results, and then flow into more granular ones (but still
relevant)

Differences between the Results and
Discussion sections

Results Section

Discussion Section

Answers the question “WHAT” about
your research

Answers the question “SO WHAT”
about your research

States the result but does not
interpret them

Interprets but does not restate the
results

Includes the data to be discussed in
discussion

Does not introduce any new data

Uses simple past tense

Uses both past and present tense

Can include tables, figures and graph

Mostly includes only text but you can
refer back to non textual elements
when required

RECAP

●What is a results section

●Involved word count

●Use of language, structure

●Distinguishing between a good and a bad results section

●Differences between the discussion and results sections

Multiple Choice

What percentage of the total word count should the result section contain?

• 15%

• 20%

• 25%

• 30%

Multiple Choice

What kind of result section does the report based on a questionnaire?

• Qualitative results

• Quantitative results

Multiple Choice

The result section usually requires

• Present tense

• Past tense

Multiple Choice

Choose whether the following passages belong in the results or discussion part of the report

The outcomes of this research have provided insight into the acoustic differences between the speech of COPD patients during an exacerbation, COPD patients in stable condition, and healthy controls. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the current research.

• Results

• Discussion

Multiple Choice

The moderate-caffeine group was faster (ms) on average (M = 490, SD = 52) than the no- caffeine group (M = 523, SD = 45). Group mean accuracy was also higher for the moderate caffeine group (M = 86.2%, SD = 7.3%) than for the no-caffeine group (M = 81.6%, SD = 5.4%).

• Results

• Discussion

Multiple Choice

On average, college students in the Netherlands consume 159 mg of caffeine daily, 95% CI [83, 235]. Moderate caffeine had a large effect on computer task accuracy, Cohen’s d = 1.3, 95% CI [0.94, 1.66].

• Results

• Discussion

Multiple Choice

During the final test when 2 plates of 10 kg were placed on top, there was a 0.4 cm stretch. This can be explained by the fact that the quality of spaghetti deteriorates over time once the pack is opened as proven by Riazi et al. (2019).

• Results

• Discussion

Multiple Choice

In the first test, the bridge was able to hold 4 plates weighing 5 Kilograms each. There was no strain or stretch in the bridge itself. It remained in its original form.

• Results

• Discussion

Multiple Choice

Respondents provided information about perceived drug supply changes in their countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased supply patterns for all substances were noted. A decrement was reported in supply in 34% (n=26) of the countries for alcohol, 37% (n=29) for cannabis, 41% (n=31) for opiates, 38% (n=29) for amphetamines, and 24% (n=26) for cocaine.

• Results

• Discussion

Thank you!

Any questions?