The results section of a scientific paper is where researchers outline the findings of a study. This section requires researchers not to discuss the implications of any findings, which are typically explored in the discussion section of a scientific paper. Despite this distinction, many researchers discuss data and results as they present them in the results section. To understand how to write the results section, authors need to be aware of when and where other authors often make the mistake of discussing in the results section.

What is the results section in science?

The results section of a scientific paper is where results are presented clearly and objectively. Authors may point out any important trends, relationships between variables, and significant findings in this section.

The function of the results section is to strictly focus on what was found during the course of study, rather than explain why those findings may have occurred.

Why is this section important?

The results section is important because it maintains scientific rigour and integrity by avoiding the influence of subjective interpretation during the presentation of data and results—something which belongs in the discussion section of the paper.

Data and results need to be recorded objectively. This way, they serve as documentation of scientific phenomena observed under certain experimental conditions. These data and results can then be cross-checked and referenced by other independent researchers.

How to write the results section without discussing

Knowing how to write the results section of a scientific paper involves following certain steps to ensure that you are not discussing findings. Here are some key points to consider.

Avoid explaining or interpreting data

Number one is not to explain or interpret data. Does your sentence describe what happened, or why it happened? If it is the latter, revise until the only thing outlined is the statistical or qualitative data you obtained.

It may feel like you need to justify or explain findings, especially if anomalies are present, but this can be saved for the discussion section. Although you do not want to discuss the implications of your findings, you do want to outline the findings that will support your hypothesis when you come to writing the discussion section.

Logically sequence your findings

Outlining your findings in a logical way also reduces the risk of you discussing them. By focusing on what you found and at what stage of the study, you protect the objective integrity of your study’s parameters and findings.

Findings need to be sequenced in a way that makes sense narratively. For example, data that was observed earlier in the study compared to data that was found later should be detailed first. This logical sequencing complements the logical sequencing of your Methods section. Taken together, both sections help readers see the methodological progression of the study and any subsequently produced results.

Correct in-text referencing of figures and tables

The results section benefits from being concise and easy to follow. But in experiments dealing with complex information, figures and tables can help communicate data and findings.

The results section is also where you can highlight trends, relationships, and statistical significances. Identifying these aspects may feel like a process of evaluation. But these aspects are still integral to providing context for the results section. You can theorise about these identified trends, relationships, and statistical significances in the discussion section.

Where results section conventions may diverge

Expectations around the results section diverge across disciplines and different study models. Therefore, authors must familiarise themselves with different conventions when learning how to write a results section.

For example, a qualitative research study may require thematic findings and illustrative quotes from selected participants to be presented in the results section. In contrast, a computational study requires performance metrics to be described before interpretation. Some other study designs, such as clinical trials, require the results section to align with guidelines like the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) to ensure transparency, accuracy, and completeness of published findings.

Ensuring your research paper is submission-ready

As an author, you must ensure that your research paper follows the standardised IMRaD structure and is ready for submission. For more information on completing research manuscript sections, see our article on how to write a methods section.

Need help with the structure of your research paper, including your results section? At MDPI Author Services, we specialise in helping researchers prepare their manuscripts for publication. Our Academic Editing Service provides subject-specific expertise and in-depth technical refinement during the manuscript preparation phase, helping to improve the scientific content and structure of the paper as the author is guided from pre- to post-publication.

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