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Drafting the Results Section: How to Avoid Interpretation
Writing the Analysis: How to Avoid Interpretation
<br>The data analysis is complete, the results are in, and now you face the seemingly simple task of writing it up. However, this phase is a rhetorical tightrope. The primary purpose of the analysis chapter is to factually describe what you found, not to argue what it means. Adding speculation here undermines the structural integrity of your dissertation. This article provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for composing a clear and appropriately styled results section that faithfully reports your data while scrupulously resisting the temptation to interpret it.<br><img src="https://www.freepixels.com/class="; style="max-width:430px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
1. The Fundamental Distinction: Results vs. Discussion
<br>Understanding the essential distinction between the Results chapter and the Discussion chapter is critical. Think of it as a strict separation of powers.<br>
The Results Chapter: This section is the "just the facts." Its sole function is to <a href="https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=display">display</a>; the findings in a neutral manner. It answers the question: "What did you find?"
The Discussion Chapter: This is where you interpret the facts. Its job is to explain the meaning of those results, situate them in context, and explore the significance. It answers the question: "What do these findings mean?"
<br>Blurring this line weakens both. The reader gets confused, unsure if they are reading a fact or your opinion about that fact.<br>
2. Choosing Your Words Carefully
<br>The diction of your writing is your most powerful tool for maintaining objectivity. Choose your verbs and phrases to report rather than to suggest.<br>
Use Factual Language:
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: Amazing.
Instead of: "A surprising negative correlation was found."
Use: "A negative correlation was found."
Avoid Speculative Verbs: Points to (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. The Formula for Presenting Each Finding
<br>To ensure consistency and objectivity, follow a repetitive structure for presenting each statistical test or qualitative theme.<br>
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."
Report the Key Statistics: Objectively state the relevant results. "The results indicated a significant difference between the groups (t(58) = 3.67, p = .001)."
Describe the Outcome: Translate the numbers 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)."
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."
<br>This structured method keeps your writing on task and prevents you from adding extra interpretation.<br>
4. Letting the Data Speak
<br>Well-constructed tables and figures are the cornerstone of an objective results section. They present the data in its purest form, allowing the reader to view the findings for themselves.<br>
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 minimizes the need for you to narrate the data in your writing.
5. Reporting All Findings
<br>An objective report includes all results, not just the exciting ones. A result that fails to reject the null hypothesis is still a important finding.<br>
Do not hide them: Reporting non-significant results is a mark of integrity and <a href="https://www.shewrites.com/search?q=prevents%20publication">prevents publication</a> bias.
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
<br>Be on high alert for these frequent missteps that can sneak interpretation into your results section:<br>
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, <a href="https://links.gtanet.com.br/violettehack">IGNOU project topics</a> you wouldn't have needed to run the test. Let the data stand on its own.
Conclusion
<br>Writing a powerful results section requires disciplinary restraint. 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 credible and trustworthy. 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 power of your argument depends on this strict division.<br>