Writing Results and Discussion Sections

A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Research Narrative

research paper discussion results section

Key Highlights

Clarity and Objectivity: Present data factually in the results section using visual aids and precise statistics without interpretation.
Context and Analysis: The discussion section should interpret findings, relate them to existing literature, explain implications, address limitations, and suggest future avenues.
Structured Presentation: Use organized sections, tables, and coherent flow to ensure that your overall narrative is clear and compelling.

Understanding the Results Section

The results section is dedicated to presenting your research findings as accurately and objectively as possible. It is important to bear in mind that this section is solely about reporting what was observed—interpretations are reserved for the discussion section. This part of your paper should detail and display the data collected in a structured manner.

Objectives of the Results Section

The main objectives are:

Report the data collected during the research.
Use tables, charts, and graphs to effectively visualize data.
Present descriptive and inferential statistics clearly.
Organize the data in relation to the research questions or hypotheses posed.

Organizing Your Data

Think of the results section as a detailed presentation of your numerical and qualitative findings. Ensure each table or figure is properly labeled and referenced in your text. Avoid commentary or interpretation in this section to maintain objectivity.

Visual Aids and Tables

Using visual representations of your data enhances clarity and supports the reader’s understanding. Consider these elements:

Data Element	Description	Example
Tables	Display structured numerical data, summary statistics.	Mean, standard deviation, confidence intervals
Charts/Graphs	Visualize trends, group comparisons, correlations.	Bar graphs, scatter plots, histograms
Figures	Include images or schematic diagrams that complement the data.	Flowcharts, models of processes

Ensure each of these elements is accompanied by a concise written explanation that provides context. Remember that clarity is key—we present the facts and let later sections interpret them.

Crafting the Discussion Section

The discussion section is your opportunity to interpret your results and explain their significance. Here, you transition from mere reporting to analyzing what your data implies in the broader context of your research domain.

Objectives of the Discussion Section

This section should:

Interpret the meaning of your findings and how they relate to your research questions.
Relate your results to existing literature, showing similarities and differences.
Discuss the implications of your results for theory, practice, and future research.
Acknowledge the limitations in your study design or data collection that may affect interpretations.
Propose directions for future research based on your findings.

Interpretation and Contextualization

Begin by summarizing the key outcomes of your research. Explain what the data suggest in the context of your original hypotheses or research questions. For instance, if a significant correlation was discovered between variables, discuss why this might be the case and how it compares with previous studies.

Use comparative language to relate your findings to existing studies. This may include statements like:

"Our results align closely with prior research by Smith (2020) and Johnson (2021), indicating...
"The significant difference observed in the data suggests a trend that diverges from earlier findings...

Addressing Limitations

A critical aspect of the discussion is acknowledging the limitations of your study. It is important to be upfront about potential biases, the scope of your sample, or any other methodological constraints that might influence your results. For example, you might note:

"While our study demonstrates a significant trend, the reliance on self-reported measures may impact the objectivity of these results. Future research should include more robust, objective measurements to validate these findings."

Implications and Future Research

Discuss the potential implications of your study in practical, theoretical, or methodological terms. What does your research add to the current body of knowledge? How might these results affect policies, practices, or future investigations? Recommendations might include:

Recommendations for practical applications in the field.
Suggestions for further experiments that build upon or challenge your findings.
Policy or practice changes, if applicable, based on your study’s results.

Frame your future research suggestions not as weaknesses, but as natural continuations of the scholarly inquiry. For example:

"Future studies could explore the underlying mechanisms behind these associations using a larger and more diverse sample, or they might incorporate a longitudinal design to capture trends over time."

Integrated Structure: A Unified Approach

Combining the two sections into a cohesive narrative is crucial for effective academic writing. Consider the following structure as a template:

Template Outline

Section	Content	Key Elements
Results	Present comprehensive data with minimal interpretation. Visual aids: Tables, graphs, charts, figures Descriptive statistics: Means, standard deviations, intervals Hypothesis outcomes: Confirmations or rejections	Objectivity, clarity, factual data
Discussion	Interpret and analyze your findings. Summary of key results Comparisons to literature Interpretations: Meaning and significance Limitations and strengths Future research directions	Context, analysis, critical reflection

Section

Content

Key Elements

Results

Present comprehensive data with minimal interpretation.

Visual aids: Tables, graphs, charts, figures
Descriptive statistics: Means, standard deviations, intervals
Hypothesis outcomes: Confirmations or rejections

Objectivity, clarity, factual data

Discussion

Interpret and analyze your findings.

Summary of key results
Comparisons to literature
Interpretations: Meaning and significance
Limitations and strengths
Future research directions

Context, analysis, critical reflection

This unified structure not only enhances readability but also ensures a logical sequence that guides the reader from an objective presentation of data to a comprehensive analysis of its implications.

Best Practices for Effective Writing

Both results and discussion sections are key to a well-rounded research paper. Consider these best practices:

Clarity and Precision

• Ensure that every data point and statistical value in the results section is clearly presented and easy to understand. • Avoid ambiguity by using precise language that strictly adheres to the data.

Logical Flow

• Sequence your content so that each section naturally flows into the next. • Start with a clear presentation of results, then transition into detailed discussion and analysis.

Integration of Visuals

• Use visual aids not only to break up text but also to emphasize key findings. • Cross-reference these figures within both the results and discussion sections to enhance cohesion.

Reflecting on Limitations

• Self-critical evaluation in the discussion section builds credibility. • Clearly articulate any potential weaknesses in methodology, and discuss how these may affect your interpretations.

This balanced approach of objectively presenting the data and then thoughtfully analyzing it forms the essence of an effective research paper. Remember, the results section provides a factual basis, while the discussion offers your interpretation, contextual evaluation, and recommendations for broader research implications.

Final Touches

Before finalizing your paper, consider these additional suggestions:

Review for Consistency: Ensure consistency in style, terminology, and data presentation across both sections.
Edit Ruthlessly: Eliminate any ambiguity and ensure that every statement has a clear purpose in reinforcing the overall narrative.
Peer Feedback: Engaging peers or mentors for their critical feedback can further refine the clarity and robustness of your results and discussion sections.