Writing up quantitative results involves systematically presenting your findings in a clear, concise, and objective manner, ensuring your audience can understand what you discovered from your data.
Understanding the Core Purpose of Quantitative Results
The primary goal of a quantitative results section is to report your findings without interpretation. It should clearly state what you found, allowing readers to follow your analytical process and verify your conclusions. This section is distinct from the discussion, where you interpret the meaning of your results and relate them back to your literature review.
Key Components of Reporting Quantitative Results
To effectively write up quantitative results, focus on a structured approach that guides your reader through your findings.
1. State Your Statistical Analysis
Begin by clearly stating the specific statistical analyses you used for each set of results. This provides immediate context for your findings.
- Example: "A two-sample t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores..." or "Simple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between..."
2. Summarize Your Findings Clearly
Present a concise summary of each relevant result. This includes both positive findings (those that support your hypotheses) and negative or non-significant findings. Omitting results, even if they don't align with expectations, can compromise the integrity of your research.
- Be precise: Report exact statistical values (e.g., degrees of freedom, test statistic, p-value, effect size).
- Focus on the data: Describe patterns, trends, and key numerical outcomes.
- Avoid jargon: Explain any complex statistical terms in an understandable way, or ensure they are standard.
Example of reporting:
- "The two-sample independent t-test indicated a significant difference in test scores between Group A (M = 75.2, SD = 8.1) and Group B (M = 68.5, SD = 7.5), t(98) = 4.56, p < .001, d = 0.91."
- "Simple linear regression revealed that variable X significantly predicted variable Y, F(1, 148) = 15.30, p < .001, R² = .094. For every one-unit increase in X, Y was predicted to increase by 0.25 units (95% CI [0.12, 0.38])."
3. Connect Results to Research Questions or Hypotheses
Briefly state how each result relates to your initial research questions or whether your hypotheses were supported. This helps the reader link the data back to the study's objectives.
- Example: "These results support the hypothesis that increased study time leads to higher exam performance." or "Contrary to the hypothesis, there was no significant difference in anxiety levels between the control and experimental groups."
4. Presenting Data Effectively with Tables and Figures
Visual aids are crucial for making quantitative results understandable and accessible. They should complement, not repeat, the text.
- Tables: Use tables to display exact values, especially when presenting descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) or detailed inferential statistics (e.g., ANOVA results, regression coefficients).
- Figures: Use figures (charts, graphs) to illustrate trends, comparisons, or distributions that are difficult to convey solely through text. Ensure they are clear, labeled, and easy to interpret.
Example Table Structure:
Consider a table for presenting descriptive statistics:
| Group | N | Mean (M) | Standard Deviation (SD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental | 50 | 78.5 | 9.2 |
| Control | 50 | 65.1 | 8.8 |
- Tips for Tables/Figures:
- Give each table and figure a clear, descriptive title.
- Refer to all tables and figures in the text.
- Ensure they are self-explanatory; a reader should be able to understand them without reading the main text.
- Maintain consistency in formatting throughout.
5. Formatting and Style Tips
Adhering to academic formatting guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) is essential for consistency and credibility.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Use precise language. Avoid verbose descriptions. Get straight to the point.
- Objectivity: Report findings dispassionately. Save your personal opinions and broader implications for the discussion section.
- Consistency: Use consistent terminology for variables, statistical tests, and reporting formats.
- Logical Flow: Organize your results logically, typically following the order of your research questions or hypotheses.
- Past Tense: Generally, use the past tense when reporting what you found (e.g., "The results showed...", "Participants reported...").
Practical Tips for Clarity and Impact
- Prioritize: Not every single data point needs to be reported in the text. Highlight the most important findings and use tables or appendices for granular data.
- Proofread Carefully: Errors in reporting statistical values can undermine your credibility. Double-check all numbers, symbols, and statistical notations.
- Consider Your Audience: While maintaining academic rigor, aim for clarity that can be understood by readers who may not be experts in your specific statistical methods.
- Use Active Voice: "The analysis showed..." is generally preferred over "It was shown by the analysis...".
- Seek Feedback: Have others review your results section for clarity, accuracy, and completeness.
For more detailed guidance on academic writing, including structuring various sections of a research paper, you can consult resources such as those found on Scribbr.
