The results chapter presents your findings objectively without interpretation. Learn best practices for displaying quantitative and qualitative data using tables, figures, and clear narrative reporting that follows academic conventions.
Save interpretation for the discussion chapter. The results section states what was found, not what it means.
Number sequentially (Table 1, Table 2). Include a descriptive title above tables and captions below figures.
"As shown in Table 3..." or "Figure 2 illustrates..." - never leave visuals without narrative reference.
Choose the right format for your data - each serves a distinct purpose
For precise numerical data and comparisons
Table 1. Descriptive statistics for dependent variables across three experimental conditions.
For trends, patterns and visual comparisons
Figure 2. Mean anxiety scores across four time points for control and intervention groups.
When text or combined formats are better
Never duplicate the same data in both a table and a figure. Choose the format that best serves your reader.
Follow these guidelines to create clear, professional results sections that reviewers expect