Tom Brown, Ph.D. ,  Associate Professor of Science Education

Results and Discussion:

Part 1: Presentation of Data

In this section, you should focus on presenting the data (facts) of your research in a clear and straightforward manner.  You should try to be very precise in this part of your paper. Write only about what the data tells you  and don't include any assumptions or implications regarding what you believe to be true (not yet). 

You should organize your information in logically in a way that will make sense to the reader. As you describe the data in words, figures and/or tables should be used to help organize and simplify the information.  They are often used to represent numerical data that has been gathered during your study.  Both can be used as visual aids to describe and/or analyze information that might be difficult to explain through words only.  

In deciding on the best way to present your data, consider the following tips:

1) Tables are an effective way to organize a series of measurements.

2) Figures (graphs) are useful for showing relationships or trends that may have    been found in your data. 

3) Concept maps or flow charts can be used to show how different parts of your data are organized or related. 

When using tables and figures, you must include certain components that will help to improve their clarity and usefulness. All tables and figures should:

1) include a number such as Figure 4 and a brief title - Study time vs. Test Score

2) be described (cited) in the text before they are included in your report - it is confusing for the reader to be presented with a table that has not been discussed in  the text - after discussing the information you direct the reader to the table or figure (see figure 3 below)

3) be understandable on their own without reference to the text

4) be labeled clearly 

Part 2: Discussion of data

In this section, you finally get to discuss your results and provide an interpretation that you think is reasonable. This section is important because it provides an opportunity to show the meaning and the importance of your research. You should interpret your results within the context of the earlier research that was discussed as part of your literature review.  This helps to provide cohesion and consistency to the overall study. You should try to write clearly and persuasively in a manner that will convince your reader that you have interpreted the data in a thoughtful and sound manner.  In order to strengthen your interpretation, try to cite previous research (perhaps from your literature review) that supports your assertions.  If necessary, you might briefly discuss why your interpretation is preferred over  opposing viewpoints.

Here are some questions to consider as you write this section::

What does the reader need to know in order to understand and be persuaded by your argument?

What is the most important thing for you reader to comprehend from your interpretation?

How can use previous research be included to strengthen your interpretations?

To conclude this section, you should briefly identify the nature and extent of any limitations that were apparent in your study. Briefly describe the weaknesses of your study especially if your results were inadequate or inconsistent with your expectations and/or previous reseach.

For a more detailed discussion of the results section, check out the following link: