If you’ve written a research paper before, you have definitely encountered the results section of a research paper. Still, if you are almost or in the process of writing a research paper, then prepare to write the results section APA.
Every academic paper has several sections, with each section giving specific details. In the write-up, we explore the results section of a research paper and what you should do to ensure this section stands out perfectly. Read on for more insights.
Writing a results section: what does the results section of a research paper include
When writing a research paper, you must use different methods to gather information, then report the findings of the methods you used to get the information and its relevancy to the whole research project.
Therefore, all the details about your research methodologies and findings should be included in the result section for the research paper. While presenting the results in this section, present the information in a sequence without interfering with the findings. Include more details in this section, especially when your paper relies on information gathered from your own research.
The section of your research paper section, therefore, should include the following:
- All secondary data from subgroup analysis or any other secondary results
- Reports on those who participated in the data collection
- All the data that aligns with the questions for your research topic
- Explaining data in sentence forms
- All the data represented in graphs, charts, tables, or any other presentation
How to write results section: step-by-step guide
The result section of your research paper should be unbiased, clear, and short. Avoid information or details that don’t correspond with your direct findings. Since the section is a simple report and not an explanation, follow the steps below to write the best way possible:
- Read and understand the guidelines
Start by evaluating the set guidelines the publisher provides the authors, then read and interpret them well. Make sure you review any restrictions and limitations on the information.
- Select results that align with the requirements
Once you have all the guidelines at your fingertips, write the findings, outlining the subheadings to give the report a good flow and set everything clear for the reader to interpret. The subheadings are relevant as you avoid including unnecessary details while simplifying everything for the reader.
Next, keep the focus on experimental results aligning with your research topic. Simply state the without any further explanation.
Finally, devise a way how you will structure the results.
- Use tables, graphs, or figures to show your findings
The essence of using tables and figures is to simplify readability. However, make sure you number the tables in an orderly manner, just like when you will present the ideas in the text. The goal is to present clear and logical work.
- Write the results based on your findings
Now, you can write the results section, ensuring you communicate any complex information in a simplified manner.
When writing the first paragraph, state the aims of the research to capture the attention of the reader.
Write the findings in both active voice and past tense since the research is already done and complete to make your points sound logical.
- Re-read through your work
Of course, like any other writing, you can make mistakes, both grammatical and typos. While you want to present a clean work, make sure you re-read through what you have written, ensuring the language, phrases, and sentence structures are perfect.
Pro tips on how to write the results section of a research paper
- Keep it simple
Remember, you are writing this section for another person to review. Therefore, keeping everything simple is a pro hack. Use language the reader can easily interpret without having to research further.
- Review an example results section of a research paper
Well, if in doubt, simply perform quick research through the internet or the school library. You will for sure find results section example from other research papers written by experts and other students. You can then relate the information to clear any doubts.
- Be sure to present graphic data
Presenting data in graphs, tables, or other illustrations make your work look appealing and simple to read and understand by the reader. You will never go wrong presenting your information in this manner!
Conclusion
When writing a research paper, always master what different sections require you to present and how to present your information. With this guide, you can now realize how easy it is to write the result section of your research paper.