Drafting the Results Section: How to Avoid Interpretation

The statistical testing is complete, the findings are clear, and now you face the deceptively straightforward task of writing it up. However, this phase is a delicate balancing act. The primary purpose of the results chapter is to factually describe what you found, not to persuade what it means. Including discussion here confuses the academic rigor of your dissertation. This primer provides a detailed framework for writing a precise and formally written results section that accurately conveys your data while scrupulously resisting the temptation to explain it.

1. The Sacred Divide: Results vs. Discussion

Understanding the essential distinction between the Results chapter and the Discussion chapter is non-negotiable. Think of it as a clear division of labor.

• The Results Chapter: This section is the “just the facts.” Its only job is to present the data in a detached manner. It answers the question: “What did you find?“
• The Discussion Chapter: This is where you interpret the facts. Its job is to discuss the implications of those results, connect them to the literature, and answer the “so what?”. It answers the question: “What do these findings mean?“

Blurring this line reduces the impact of each. The reader gets disoriented, unsure if they are reading a fact or your speculation about that fact.

2. Choosing Your Words Carefully

The tone of your writing is your primary mechanism for maintaining objectivity. Select your language to state rather than to imply.

Use Neutral Reporting Verbs:

• Instead of: “The results show that the intervention was amazing.” (Subjective)
• Use: “The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in scores.” (Neutral)
• Other strong choices: “demonstrated,” “revealed,” “exhibited,” “was observed,” “was found.”

Avoid Value Judgments:

• Avoid Subjective Adjectives: Clear.
  • Instead of: “A surprising negative correlation was found.”
  • Use: “A negative correlation was found.”
• Avoid Speculative Verbs: Suggests (Save “suggests” for the Discussion chapter).
  • Instead of: “This finding suggests that the theory is correct.”
  • Use: “This finding is consistent with the proposed theory.” or “This finding aligns with the predictions of Theory X.”

3. A Structure for Reporting Results

To ensure clarity and neutrality, follow a repetitive structure for presenting each statistical test or qualitative theme.

1. State the Purpose: Briefly note what you were testing. “To address the first hypothesis, an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores of Group A and Group B.”
2. Report the Key Statistics: Provide the relevant results. “The results indicated a significant difference between the groups (t(58) = 3.67, p = .001).”
3. Describe the Outcome: State what the statistic means in a simple, factual statement. “The mean score for Group A (M = 85.2, SD = 4.3) was significantly higher than the mean score for Group B (M = 76.5, SD = 5.1).”
4. Direct to the Visual: Refer them to the accompanying table or figure. “See Table 1 for a summary of the group means and standard deviations.”

This structured method keeps your writing on task and prevents you from adding extra interpretation.

4. The Power of Visuals

Well-constructed tables and figures are the cornerstone of an objective results section. They present the data in its rawest state, allowing the reader to see the evidence for IGNOU project help [recommended] themselves.

• Tables are for exact values: Use them to present output from complex tests (e.g., means, standard deviations, p-values, coefficients).
• Figures are for trends and comparisons: Use charts (e.g., bar charts, line graphs) to showcase relationships and differences between groups.
• Ensure visuals are self-explanatory: A good table or figure should have a clear title and be understandable with minimal reference to the text. This reduces the need for you to narrate the data in your writing.

5. Handling Negative and Non-Significant Results

An truly scientific report includes all results, not just the significant ones. A result that fails to reject the null hypothesis is still a important finding.

• Do not hide them: Reporting non-significant results is a mark of integrity and prevents a skewed understanding.
• Report them neutrally: Use the same factual language as you would for a significant result.
  • Example: “The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in satisfaction scores between the two conditions (t(42) = 1.23, p = .225).”

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be on high alert for these common errors that can compromise objectivity into your results section:

• Apologizing for Results: “Unfortunately, the results were not significant.” (This implies a desired outcome, which is subjective).
• Speculating on Causes: “The lack of significance was probably due to the small sample size.” (Save this for the Discussion chapter on limitations).
• Using Emotional Language: “It was exciting to find that…” (This is unprofessional and subjective).
• Overusing “Clearly” or “Obviously”: If it were clear and obvious, you wouldn’t have needed to run the test. Let the data stand on its own.

Final Thoughts

Writing a compelling results section requires stylistic discipline. It is an exercise in academic humility, where you step back and let your data take center stage. By using objective language, following a structured reporting formula, using tables and figures, and reporting all findings faithfully, you construct a chapter that is unassailably objective. This builds a rock-solid base of uninterpreted evidence upon which you can then, in the next chapter, build a sophisticated and compelling discussion of what those facts ultimately mean. The strength of your argument depends on this strict division.