How to Write the Results Chapter for a Dissertation or Thesis

What is a dissertation or thesis results chapter? A dissertation or thesis results chapter is a section of the research paper that presents and interprets the findings obtained from the data analysis conducted during the research study. It is a crucial component of the dissertation or thesis as it showcases the outcomes of the research, answers the research questions or hypotheses, and provides evidence to support or refute the study’s objectives. The results chapter typically includes tables, graphs, charts, or other visual representations to present the data, along with a written explanation and interpretation of the findings. This section aims to provide a clear and objective summary of the research results, highlighting the key patterns, trends, correlations, or significant observations that emerged from the analysis. The results chapter plays a vital role in validating the research study and contributing to the existing knowledge in the field.

The purpose of a dissertation or thesis results in chapter

The purpose of a dissertation or thesis results chapter is to present and analyze the findings of the research study. It aims to provide a clear and objective summary of the data collected and analyzed, answering the research questions or hypotheses formulated at the beginning of the study. The results chapter serves several purposes:

1. Presenting the outcomes: The chapter presents the results of the research, including any statistical analysis, qualitative observations, or experimental findings. It provides a comprehensive overview of the data collected, enabling readers to understand the research outcomes.

2. Demonstrating research validity: The results chapter validates the research by showing the evidence gathered and analyzed. It demonstrates the researcher’s ability to collect and interpret data, showcasing the reliability and credibility of the study.

3. Supporting or refuting hypotheses: The chapter examines whether the research findings support or reject the research hypotheses or questions. It allows the researcher to draw conclusions and make claims based on the collected evidence.

4. Providing a basis for discussion: The results chapter sets the foundation for the subsequent discussion and interpretation of the findings. It provides the raw data and facts that will be analyzed and interpreted in the following sections.

Overall, the purpose of the results chapter is to present the research outcomes in a clear, organized, and unbiased manner, contributing to the knowledge and understanding of the research topic.

What should the dissertation or thesis results in the chapter include?

The dissertation or thesis results chapter should include the following elements:

1. Presentation of data: Present the collected data in a clear and organized manner. This can be done through tables, graphs, charts, or other visual representations that effectively communicate the findings.

2. Summary of findings: Provide a concise summary of the key findings of the study. Highlight the main outcomes, trends, patterns, or significant observations that emerged from the data analysis.

3. Statistical analysis: If applicable, include any statistical analyses conducted on the data. This may involve measures of central tendency, inferential statistics, correlation analyses, or regression models, depending on the nature of the research and the research questions.

4. Interpretation of results: Discuss the meaning and implications of the findings. Interpret the data in relation to the research objectives and the existing literature. Explain the significance of the results and how they contribute to the field of study.

5. Comparison with research objectives or hypotheses: Evaluate the extent to which the findings align with the research objectives or hypotheses set at the beginning of the study. Discuss any deviations, unexpected results, or limitations encountered.

6. Supporting evidence: Provide evidence from the data to support your claims and conclusions. Refer to specific data points, examples, or quotes from participants, if applicable.

7. Visual aids and illustrations: Utilize visual aids such as graphs, charts, or diagrams to enhance the presentation of the results. These visuals should be appropriately labeled and clearly referenced in the text.

Remember that the results chapter should be structured logically and flow smoothly, guiding the reader through the findings of the study. It should be objective, transparent, and focused on presenting the data and its interpretation in a rigorous and systematic manner.

Tips for writing a strong dissertation or thesis results chapter

Writing a strong dissertation or thesis results chapter is crucial for effectively presenting and interpreting your research findings. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

1. Be organized: Structure your results chapter in a logical and coherent manner. Start with a clear introduction or summary of the main findings, and then proceed to present the results in a systematic way.

2. Use clear and concise language: Write your results using clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Present your findings in a straightforward manner, focusing on conveying the key information to the reader.

3. Utilize visuals effectively: Incorporate tables, graphs, figures, or charts to visually represent your results. Visual aids can enhance the understanding and interpretation of complex data, making it easier for readers to grasp the main points.

4. Provide necessary context: Contextualize your results by referring back to your research questions, objectives, or hypotheses. Explain the significance and implications of your findings within the broader context of your field of study.

5. Interpret and discuss the results: While the results chapter primarily presents the findings, it is essential to provide some interpretation and analysis. Discuss the implications, limitations, and possible reasons behind the observed results. Refer to relevant theories, previous research, or literature to support your interpretations.

6. Be honest and transparent: Include all the relevant results, even if they do not align with your initial expectations. Do not cherry-pick or manipulate data to fit a particular narrative. Present the results objectively and transparently.

7. Address limitations and future directions: Acknowledge the limitations of your research and discuss potential avenues for future research. This demonstrates critical thinking and shows that you understand the broader implications of your findings.

8. Proofread and revise: Pay attention to the clarity, accuracy, and coherence of your writing. Proofread the results chapter carefully, checking for any errors or inconsistencies. Revise and refine the content to ensure it effectively communicates your research findings.

Remember to consult your advisor or adhere to any specific guidelines provided by your institution when writing the results chapter. By following these tips, you can effectively present your research findings and contribute to the overall strength of your dissertation or thesis.

How to write and structure a dissertation or thesis results chapter

When writing and structuring a dissertation or thesis results chapter, consider the following guidelines:

1. Start with a clear introduction: Begin the results chapter with a concise introduction that provides an overview of the research questions, objectives, and methodology. Set the context for the presentation of results.

2. Organize the presentation: Structure the chapter in a logical and systematic way. Consider organizing the results by research question, hypothesis, or theme. Use subheadings to clearly delineate different sections of the chapter.

3. Present the findings: Present the results in a clear and understandable manner. Use tables, graphs, charts, or other visual representations to enhance clarity and facilitate comprehension. Include relevant statistics, measures of central tendency, or other numerical data to support your findings.

4. Provide interpretations: Interpret the results and explain their significance. Relate the findings to the research objectives and discuss how they contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field. Highlight any unexpected or noteworthy findings and consider potential explanations.

5. Use supportive evidence: Support your interpretations with evidence from the data. Reference specific data points, quotes, or examples to illustrate and substantiate your claims. This helps to strengthen the credibility and validity of your findings.

6. Address limitations: Acknowledge and discuss any limitations or constraints that may have affected the results. This demonstrates awareness of potential biases or shortcomings in the study and adds transparency to your research.

7. Cross-reference with literature: Compare and contrast your findings with existing literature. Discuss how your results align with or diverge from previous research. Identify areas of agreement or discrepancy and offer explanations or insights based on the available literature.

8. Be concise and focused: Keep the results chapter focused on the main findings and their implications. Avoid redundant or irrelevant information. Present the results in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to the intended audience.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively write and structure the results chapter of your dissertation or thesis, ensuring that it provides a comprehensive and meaningful presentation of your research findings.

Reporting quantitative research results 

When reporting quantitative research results in a dissertation or thesis, it is important to follow these key steps:

1. Begin with a concise introduction: Start by introducing the research question or objective and provide a brief overview of the study design and data collection methods.

2. Present descriptive statistics: Start with descriptive statistics to summarize and describe the main characteristics of the sample or variables. This may include measures of central tendency (mean, median) and measures of dispersion (standard deviation, range).

3. Report inferential statistics: If applicable, report inferential statistics to analyze relationships or differences between variables. This may involve using statistical tests such as t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, or regression analysis. Clearly state the hypotheses tested and the results of the statistical tests.

4. Provide clear tables and figures: Use tables, graphs, charts, or other visual representations to present the quantitative results. Ensure that the tables and figures are clearly labeled, with appropriate headings and footnotes to explain the variables and statistical measures used.

5. Interpret the findings: Interpret the quantitative results in relation to the research question or objective. Explain the implications of the statistical findings and discuss their significance. Address any unexpected or contradictory results and provide possible explanations.

6. Discuss limitations and assumptions: Acknowledge the limitations of the study and any assumptions made in the analysis. Discuss potential sources of bias or confounding factors that may have influenced the results.

7. Cross-reference with existing literature: Compare the quantitative results with previous research findings. Discuss how your results align with or deviate from prior studies and provide explanations or insights based on the existing literature.

8. Provide supplementary information: If necessary, include supplementary information such as appendices or additional analyses to support the quantitative results. This may include detailed tables, calculations, or statistical formulas.

Remember to use clear and concise language when reporting quantitative results, and avoid making unsupported claims or overgeneralizing the findings. Provide enough detail for readers to understand and evaluate the results, but avoid unnecessary complexity. By following these steps, you can effectively report quantitative research results in your dissertation or thesis.

Reporting qualitative research results

When reporting qualitative research results in a dissertation or thesis, it is important to follow these key steps:

1. Begin with an introduction: Introduce the research question or objective and provide a brief overview of the qualitative research design, data collection methods, and analysis approach.

2. Provide an overview of the participants: Describe the characteristics of the participants involved in the study, including their demographics and any relevant background information.

3. Present the main themes or categories: Identify and present the key themes or categories that emerged from the analysis of the qualitative data. Use descriptive language to explain and illustrate each theme or category.

4. Include supporting quotes: Include excerpts or quotes from the participants’ responses or interviews to provide concrete examples that support the identified themes. These quotes should be representative of the overall findings.

5. Provide context and interpretation: Discuss the meaning and significance of each theme or category. Explain how they relate to the research question or objective and provide a theoretical or conceptual framework to support the interpretation.

6. Discuss deviant or contradictory cases: Address any cases or instances that deviate from the identified themes or categories. Discuss these cases in the context of the overall findings and provide possible explanations or interpretations.

7. Discuss the trustworthiness of the findings: Reflect on the rigor and trustworthiness of the qualitative research process. Discuss the steps taken to ensure data credibility, such as participant validation, member checking, or researcher reflexivity.

8. Connect with existing literature: Situate the qualitative findings within the broader literature. Discuss how the results align with or contribute to existing theories, concepts, or frameworks.

9. Reflect on researcher bias and limitations: Acknowledge and discuss the potential biases and limitations of the qualitative research process, including the researcher’s influence on the interpretation of the findings. Reflect on the limitations in terms of sample size, context, or generalizability.

10. Provide supplementary information: Include any supplementary materials, such as interview transcripts, field notes, or visual data, to support the qualitative results and enhance transparency.

Remember to present the qualitative results in a clear and coherent manner, using rich descriptions and supporting evidence. Maintain participant confidentiality and use pseudonyms or codes to protect their identities. By following these steps, you can effectively report qualitative research results in your dissertation or thesis.

Differences among the results section in different fields of research

The structure and content of the results section can vary across different fields of research. While there are similarities in terms of presenting and interpreting findings, there are also some distinct differences based on the nature of the research and the disciplinary conventions. Here are a few examples of differences in the results section among different fields of research:

1. Scientific Research: In scientific research, particularly in experimental or quantitative studies, the results section often focuses on presenting numerical data, statistical analyses, and graphical representations of the data. This may include tables, charts, graphs, or figures to present quantitative results such as means, standard deviations, p-values, and effect sizes. The emphasis is on objective data analysis and statistical significance.

2. Social Sciences: In the social sciences, including disciplines such as sociology, psychology, or anthropology, the results section may include a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. It may involve presenting and analyzing survey responses, interviews, observational data, or textual analysis. The focus is on providing detailed descriptions, thematic analysis, and interpretation of the data to uncover patterns, themes, or theoretical implications.

3. Humanities: In the humanities, such as literature, history, or philosophy, the results section may involve the analysis and interpretation of texts, documents, or cultural artifacts. It often includes close readings, critical analysis, and the exploration of themes, motifs, or theoretical frameworks. The emphasis is on providing insightful interpretations and connections to existing scholarship or theories.

4. Engineering or Applied Sciences: In engineering or applied sciences, the results section may include data tables, graphs, diagrams, or technical drawings to present experimental or simulation results. It often focuses on quantifiable measurements, calculations, or engineering parameters. The emphasis is on the practical implications, experimental procedures, and technical accuracy of the results.

These are just a few examples, and the variations can be extensive depending on the specific field of research. It is essential to consult discipline-specific guidelines, research articles, or dissertations/theses from your field to understand the conventions and expectations for reporting results.

Results vs. discussion vs. conclusion

In the context of a dissertation or thesis, the results, discussion, and conclusion sections are distinct parts that serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of each section:

1. Results: The results section presents the findings of your research or study. It focuses on objectively reporting the data, observations, or outcomes without interpretation or discussion. This section typically includes tables, graphs, figures, or textual descriptions of the collected data or analysis results. Its purpose is to provide a clear and concise presentation of the empirical evidence or results obtained.

2. Discussion: The discussion section is where you interpret and analyze the results presented in the previous section. Here, you analyze the implications, patterns, relationships, or trends that emerge from the data. You may compare your findings with existing literature, theories, or hypotheses, and discuss any discrepancies or agreements. The discussion section aims to provide a deeper understanding and context to the results, highlighting their significance and contribution to the field.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion section summarizes the main findings of your research and draws overall conclusions. It goes beyond the specific results discussed in the previous sections and provides a broader perspective on the research question or objectives. In this section, you may restate the research problem, recapitulate the key findings, and discuss their implications and relevance. The conclusion section often ends with suggestions for future research or recommendations based on the study’s outcomes.

It’s important to note that the structure and organization of these sections may vary across disciplines or individual research projects. Some researchers may choose to combine the results and discussion sections or have a separate section for implications and limitations. It’s recommended to consult your advisor or refer to guidelines specific to your field or institution for guidance on structuring these sections in your dissertation or thesis.

1. What should be included in the results chapter of a dissertation or thesis? The results chapter should include the findings of your research or study, presented in a clear and organized manner. This typically involves presenting data, analysis results, or observations using tables, graphs, figures, or textual descriptions.

2. How should I organize the results chapter? The results chapter should be organized in a logical and systematic way. Start by providing an overview or summary of the main findings. Then, present the results in a structured manner, following a clear and coherent sequence. Group similar findings together and provide appropriate headings or subheadings to guide the reader through the results.

3. Should I include all data in the results chapter? While it is important to include relevant data in the results chapter, not all raw data needs to be presented. Focus on presenting key findings, important patterns, or significant results that directly address your research questions or objectives. Use appropriate visual aids or textual descriptions to effectively communicate the results.

4. How much detail should I provide in the results chapter? The level of detail in the results chapter depends on the nature of your research and the requirements of your field or discipline. Provide enough detail to support your findings and enable the reader to understand and interpret the results. Strike a balance between being concise and informative, ensuring that the reader can grasp the main points without overwhelming them with excessive detail.

5. Can I interpret the results in the results chapter? The results chapter is primarily focused on presenting the findings rather than interpreting them. Interpretation and analysis of the results are typically reserved for the discussion section. However, it is acceptable to provide brief explanations or contextual information that help the reader understand the presented results.

6. How should I handle unexpected or negative results? Negative or unexpected results are a common part of research. It is important to be honest and transparent in reporting all findings, even if they do not align with your initial expectations or hypotheses. Discuss any unexpected results in the discussion section, exploring potential reasons for the outcomes and their implications for future research.

7. Can I use visuals in the results chapter? Yes, using visuals such as tables, graphs, or figures is highly recommended in the results chapter. Visuals can effectively summarize and present complex data or patterns, making it easier for the reader to understand the results. Ensure that your visuals are clear, labeled appropriately, and support the points you are making in the text.

Remember, the specific requirements and expectations for the results chapter may vary depending on your field or institution. Consult your advisor or refer to any provided guidelines for further clarification on what should be included in this chapter.