#6 How to Write the Results Section of a Research Paper?

Summary

In this video, Chelsea from Ref-n-write explains how to effectively write the results section of a research paper. She highlights the importance of organizing findings logically, using descriptive and inferential statistics, and presenting data through figures and tables. Chelsea also emphasizes the need for transparency when reporting data preprocessing, challenges encountered, and unexpected findings. By using relevant statistics and clear presentation, researchers can make their results more credible and accessible to readers. Additionally, she provides practical examples from various research fields to demonstrate best practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start the results section by addressing data preprocessing steps and any challenges encountered during data collection or processing.
• 😀 Present your findings in a logical sequence using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, and p-values.
• 😀 Use figures and tables to visually summarize large amounts of data, making it easier for readers to interpret trends and patterns.
• 😀 Clearly report both positive and negative findings, along with any unexpected results, without interpreting the data prematurely.
• 😀 When presenting findings, make sure to specify what you found, what you didn’t find, and any surprises in the results.
• 😀 Use relevant statistics, such as confidence intervals and p-values, to enhance the credibility and clarity of your results.
• 😀 Be selective in presenting your results—focus on the most interesting or important findings rather than overwhelming readers with all the data.
• 😀 Consider using tables for displaying numerical values and figures for illustrating trends or patterns in the data.
• 😀 Present data in figures or tables when it cannot be effectively communicated in one or two lines of text.
• 😀 Make the results section clear and easy to follow by simplifying the narrative, and avoid overcomplicating the presentation of your data.
• 😀 Always provide the necessary data in figures or tables and refer to them in the text to ensure a clear presentation of results.

Q & A

What should be included in the results section of a research paper?

The results section should include data preprocessing details, challenges faced during data collection, the presentation of main findings, statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential), figures, tables, and reanalysis of data if necessary.

Why is it important to present data in figures and tables?

Figures and tables help summarize large amounts of data in a visually pleasing and easily digestible way. They also allow the reader to quickly grasp key trends and patterns in the data.

What role do descriptive and inferential statistics play in the results section?

Descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation) summarize data, while inferential statistics (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals) allow researchers to make conclusions about the significance and reliability of the findings.

How should unexpected results be handled in the results section?

Unexpected results should be presented clearly, with a neutral tone, without interpretation or bias. Researchers should note if certain findings were surprising and describe them as they are.

What is the difference between a figure and a table when presenting data?

A figure is best for illustrating trends and patterns in the data, while a table is used for presenting actual numerical values or large amounts of data.

How can transparency in data preprocessing help readers understand the results?

By detailing the preprocessing steps, such as filling missing data or smoothing noise, researchers ensure the results are credible and replicable, giving readers insight into the validity of the analysis.

When should you choose to present data in figures and tables instead of in-text?

If the data cannot be concisely presented in one or two lines of text, it should be shown in a figure or table. This allows for clearer communication of complex or detailed data.

What should authors highlight when reporting their findings?

Authors should highlight key trends, patterns, and any significant results, while also addressing what was found, what wasn’t found, and any unexpected outcomes.

What is the benefit of using phrases like 'the majority' or 'less than half' in reporting results?

These phrases simplify the narrative, making it easier for readers to understand the general trends without being overwhelmed by complex numerical data.

How should researchers present findings when they are not significant?

Researchers should present non-significant findings clearly and without interpretation, maintaining an objective tone and ensuring that the data is represented accurately, alongside any other significant results.