Sainani SciWrite 5.2

Summary

This video module discusses how to effectively write the results section of a scientific paper. It emphasizes summarizing key trends and relationships from tables and figures without simply repeating the data. The instructor highlights common mistakes, such as reading tables line by line, and provides tips for improving clarity and conciseness. Examples are shared to show the difference between poor and well-written results sections. The importance of using the correct verb tense and staying in active voice is also covered, along with advice on integrating complementary data and avoiding methodological discussions in the results.

Takeaways

• 📝 The results section should summarize the key points from tables and figures, not repeat them line by line.
• 📊 Focus on describing trends, relationships, and significant findings from the data rather than listing specific numbers.
• ⚠️ Avoid the temptation to simply read out the tables and figures to the reader.
• 🗂 It's helpful to break down complex studies into subsections with clear headings.
• 🔍 Provide complementary information, such as percent differences, rather than repeating exact numbers from tables.
• 🔢 Only include key numbers that are essential to understanding the results, not every figure.
• 🚫 Avoid including rationale for methods or model choices in the results section, which belongs in the methods section.
• 💬 Use past tense for completed actions and present tense for ongoing truths, like table references.
• ✍️ Use the active voice to make the results section more engaging and lively.
• 💡 Negative and non-significant results should be included in the results section, as they are just as important as significant findings.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the results section in a scientific paper?

The main purpose of the results section is to summarize the findings presented in tables and figures, highlighting key relationships, trends, and important data without simply repeating the information already displayed.

What common mistake do people make when writing the results section?

A common mistake is reading through the tables and figures line by line, essentially repeating the data already presented. Instead, the results section should focus on summarizing and interpreting the key findings.

How should you refer to tables and figures in the results section?

You should refer to tables and figures to support your summary but avoid restating the data. Highlight important trends or relationships and guide the reader to the table or figure for detailed information.

When is it appropriate to include specific numbers from tables or figures in the text?

It is appropriate to include specific numbers when they are key or particularly important to understanding the findings, but the results section should not be overwhelmed with details already present in the tables.

How can you provide complementary information to tables and figures in the results section?

Instead of repeating exact numbers, you can offer complementary information, such as percent changes, ratios, or general trends. This provides additional context without duplicating the content of the tables and figures.

Why is it important to highlight both positive and negative results in the results section?

Highlighting both positive and negative results is crucial because negative or non-significant findings are just as important as positive ones in providing a complete and unbiased interpretation of the study.

What is the appropriate verb tense to use in the results section?

Use the past tense for completed actions and findings, such as 'we found' or 'the data showed.' The present tense is used when describing something that remains true, like 'the table shows' or 'the data suggest.'

What is the difference between the results and discussion sections in a scientific paper?

The results section presents the data and what was found, while the discussion section interprets the meaning of the results and places them in the context of existing knowledge.

Why should you avoid using the passive voice in the results section?

Avoiding the passive voice helps make the writing more active and engaging. It is usually possible to keep the results section in the active voice by using the subjects of your experiments or variables as the focus.

When might it be useful to break the results section into subsections?

It may be useful to break the results section into subsections if the study is complex, with many different results to present. Subheadings can help organize the information and make it easier for readers to follow.