Stecab Publishing

Writing Results and Discussion for an Academic Journal Research Article

The results and discussion sections of a research article are crucial for presenting and interpreting the findings of your study. These sections provide a detailed analysis of the data collected, discuss the implications of the findings, and contextualize them within existing literature. A well-crafted results and discussion section should effectively communicate your research outcomes, offer insights into their significance, and address the study's objectives and hypotheses. Here are essential guidelines to consider when writing the results and discussion sections for your academic journal research article:

1. Results Section

1.1. Organize Results Logically: Present your findings in a logical sequence that aligns with your research questions or hypotheses. Use clear subheadings to categorize different aspects of your results (e.g., demographic data, main outcomes).
1.2. Use Tables and Figures: Supplement text with tables, figures, or graphs to visually represent key findings. Ensure these visuals are clearly labeled, with titles and legends that explain their significance.
1.3. Provide Descriptive Statistics: Report descriptive statistics (e.g., means, standard deviations, frequencies) for quantitative data. Include measures of variability and central tendency to summarize your findings.
1.4. Present Inferential Statistics: If applicable, report inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, correlations) to analyze relationships between variables or test hypotheses. Include statistical significance levels and effect sizes where relevant.
1.5. Avoid Interpretation: Limit interpretation in the results section. Focus on presenting objective data and factual observations without discussing their implications or significance.

2. Discussion Section

2.1. Interpret Findings: Interpret and analyze the results in relation to your research questions or hypotheses. Discuss whether the findings support or refute existing theories, expectations, or prior research.
2.2. Address Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations or constraints that may have affected the study's outcomes. Discuss how these limitations impact the validity and generalizability of your findings.
2.3. Compare with Literature: Compare your findings with relevant literature. Highlight similarities, differences, or contradictions between your results and previous studies. Discuss any unexpected findings and their potential explanations.
2.4. Discuss Implications: Discuss the broader implications of your findings for theory, practice, policy, or future research directions. Explain the significance of your results and how they contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.
2.5. Consider Alternative Explanations: Consider alternative explanations or interpretations for your findings. Discuss competing hypotheses or factors that could influence the observed outcomes.

3. Synthesize and Summarize

3.1. Synthesize Key Points: Summarize the main findings and their implications succinctly. Highlight the most significant contributions of your study and how they address the research gap identified in the introduction.
3.2. Avoid Redundancy: Ensure that the discussion complements, rather than repeats, information presented in the results section. Avoid simply reiterating numerical data without providing deeper analysis.

4. Writing Style and Clarity

4.1. Be Clear and Concise: Use clear, straightforward language to explain complex findings and concepts. Avoid unnecessary technical jargon or overly complex explanations that may confuse readers.
4.2. Use Subheadings (if needed): Organize the discussion into clear subheadings (e.g., Implications for Practice, Comparison with Previous Studies) to enhance readability and structure.