How to write dissertation results section

The dissertation results section is where you present the key findings of your research clearly and objectively. This section provides readers with a detailed account of the outcomes of your data collection and analysis, without delving into interpretations or conclusions, which are saved for later sections of your dissertation.

Structure of the Dissertation Results Section

The structure of your results section should follow a logical flow, often dictated by your research questions or hypotheses. Here are some key points to keep in mind when writing the results section:

1. Report Findings Objectively
   • Focus on presenting only the relevant findings that answer your research questions.
   • Avoid interpreting or discussing the significance of these findings; save that for the discussion section.
2. Use Past Tense
   • Since you are reporting findings from a completed study, write in the past tense.
3. Organize by Research Questions or Hypotheses
   • Present your results in the same order as your research questions or hypotheses. This helps maintain clarity and allows readers to follow your logic.
4. Include Tables and Figures (When Relevant)
   • Visual aids like tables and charts are helpful for presenting data in a digestible format. Make sure each visual element has a descriptive title and is referenced in the text.

Quantitative Results Section Example

For quantitative dissertations, the results section will often include a summary of statistical tests used to evaluate your data. You should report both descriptive statistics (means, medians, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (such as p-values, t-scores, and confidence intervals).

Here’s an example structure:

• Restate the Hypothesis: Begin by restating the research question or hypothesis you are addressing.
• Describe the Statistical Method: Briefly mention the type of analysis used (e.g., t-test, ANOVA, regression).
• Present Findings: Summarize key results with relevant statistics. Include both positive and negative results and clearly state whether the hypothesis was supported.

For instance, if you ran a regression analysis, you would report the coefficients, p-values, and confidence intervals for each predictor variable. Example: A simple linear regression was conducted to predict job satisfaction based on years of experience. The analysis showed that years of experience significantly predicted job satisfaction (B = 0.45, p < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis.

Qualitative Results Section Example

In qualitative research, the results are often presented thematically. For each theme, you can provide general observations followed by supporting quotes from participants.

Example structure:

• Theme 1: Describe the theme or pattern that emerged from your data.
• Participant Quotes: Support your theme with direct quotes from participants, adding brief contextual information.

Example: When discussing the impact of remote work on productivity, several respondents expressed a preference for flexible schedules. One participant (female, 32) noted: “Working from home allows me to manage my time better, which improves my productivity.”

How Long Should a Results Section Be in a Dissertation?

The length of the results section depends on the scope of your research. For larger, more data-intensive studies, this section may be longer. However, the key is to be concise and only include results that are directly relevant to answering your research questions.

Best Practices for Writing the Dissertation Results Section

• Be Concise: Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary detail.
• Stay Objective: Refrain from inserting your opinions or interpretations in this section.
• Use Visuals When Necessary: Graphs and tables can enhance understanding but should be used selectively and with clear labeling.

Results and Discussion in One Section?

In some cases, particularly in qualitative research, results and discussion may be combined into one section. However, it’s important to consult your departmental guidelines, as this approach is not common in all fields.

Conclusion

Writing the results section of your dissertation requires clear, objective reporting of your findings. Whether you are conducting quantitative or qualitative research, organize your results around your research questions and present them logically and concisely. Remember, this section is not about interpretation—that comes later in the discussion section.