Research Paper Writing: 6. Results / Analysis

There are two sections of a research paper depending on what style is being written. The sections are usually straightforward commentary of exactly what the writer observed and found during the actual research. It is important to include only the important findings, and avoid too much information that can bury the exact meaning of the context.

The results section should aim to narrate the findings without trying to interpret or evaluate, and also provide a direction to the discussion section of the research paper. The results are reported and reveals the analysis. The analysis section is where the writer describes what was done with the data found.  In order to write the analysis section it is important to know what the analysis consisted of, but does not mean data is needed. The analysis should already be performed to write the results section.

How should the analysis section be written?

• Should be a paragraph within the research paper
• Consider all the requirements (spacing, margins, and font)
• Should be the writer’s own explanation of the chosen problem
• Thorough evaluation of work
• Description of the weak and strong points
• Discussion of the effect and impact
• Includes criticism

How should the results section be written?

• Show the most relevant information in graphs, figures, and tables
• Include data that may be in the form of pictures, artifacts, notes, and interviews
• Clarify unclear points
• Present results with a short discussion explaining them at the end
• Include the negative results
• Provide stability, accuracy, and value

Analysis section

• Includes a justification of the methods used
• Technical explanation

Results section

• Purely descriptive
• Easily explained for the targeted audience
• Data driven

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Sixth Ed. 2010