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on September 7, 2025
Drafting the Results Section: How to Avoid Interpretation
Drafting the Results Section: How to Maintain an Academic Tone
<br>The data analysis is complete, the <a href="https://dict.leo.org/?search=findings">findings</a>; are clear, and now you face the deceptively straightforward task of reporting it. However, this phase is a rhetorical tightrope. The primary purpose of the findings chapter is to factually describe what you found, not to persuade what it means. Straying into interpretation here confuses the structural integrity of your dissertation. This article provides a detailed framework for writing a objective and academically toned results section that accurately conveys your data while scrupulously resisting the temptation to discuss it.<br>
1. The Fundamental Distinction: Reporting vs. Interpreting
<br>Understanding the essential distinction between the Results chapter and the Discussion chapter is paramount. Think of it as a clear division of labor.<br><img src="https://p0.pikist.com/photos/314/978/tape-fork-diet-health-loss-healthy-nutrition-lifestyle-eating-thumbnail.jpg"; style="max-width:410px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
The Results Chapter: This section is the "empirical evidence." Its sole function is to present the data 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 discuss the implications of those results, situate them in context, and answer the "so what?". It answers the question: "What do these findings mean?"
<br>Blurring this line weakens both. The reader gets disoriented, unsure if they are reading a fact or your speculation about that fact.<br>
2. Choosing Your Words Carefully
<br>The style of your writing is your primary mechanism for maintaining objectivity. Choose your verbs and phrases to state 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 Interpretive and Speculative Language:
Avoid Subjective Adjectives: Amazing.
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. The Formula for Presenting Each Finding
<br>To ensure consistency and neutrality, follow a repetitive structure for presenting each statistical test or qualitative theme.<br>
State the Purpose: Remind the reader 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 formulaic approach keeps your writing focused and prevents you from adding extra interpretation.<br>
4. The Power of Visuals
<br>Well-constructed tables and figures are the backbone of an objective results section. They display the numbers in its rawest state, allowing the reader to see the evidence 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 visually illustrate 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
<br>An truly scientific report includes all results, not just the expected ones. A non-significant finding is still a valid result.<br>
Do not hide them: Reporting non-significant results is a sign of rigorous research and prevents a skewed understanding.
Report them neutrally: Use the same neutral tone 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 compromise objectivity into your results section:<br><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm18sleuaGQ/XVgY1Bx9TaI/AAAAAAAABLY/OrQl7ss4bDo8i79uzzKu1QjrTYzd15Q2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190816-WA0039.jpg"; style="max-width:400px;float:right;padding:10px 0px 10px 10px;border:0px;" alt="" />
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 IGNOU project sample (<a href="https://www.totaldb.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=915325">www.totaldb.co.kr</a>;) 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.
Conclusion
<br>Writing a compelling results section requires stylistic discipline. It is an exercise in academic humility, where you cede the spotlight and let your data take center stage. By using objective language, employing a consistent framework, leveraging visuals effectively, and including non-significant results, you construct a chapter that is unassailably objective. This builds a rock-solid base of empirical facts upon which you can then, in the next chapter, construct a nuanced and persuasive interpretation of what those facts ultimately mean. The strength of your argument depends on this clear <a href="https://www.deer-digest.com/?s=separation">separation</a>.<br>;