{"id":13313,"date":"2026-07-01T03:07:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T03:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/?p=13313"},"modified":"2026-07-01T03:07:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T03:07:28","slug":"how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write the Results Chapter of a Thesis: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The results chapter must describe findings factually and objectively; interpretation, speculation, and comparison with literature belong in the discussion chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Choose an organizing structure, such as by research question, theme, method, or chronology, that best reflects the nature of your data, and apply it consistently.<\/li>\n<li>Tables and figures should stand on their own with clear titles and labels; the surrounding text should highlight key points rather than repeat what is already shown.<\/li>\n<li>Every result must connect back to a method described earlier in the thesis, and every method must have a corresponding result; nothing should be presented without purpose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Glossary_of_Key_Terms\" title=\"Glossary of Key Terms\">Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Is_the_Results_Chapter_of_a_Thesis\" title=\"What Is the Results Chapter of a Thesis?\">What Is the Results Chapter of a Thesis?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Why_Does_Structure_Matter_So_Much_in_This_Chapter\" title=\"Why Does Structure Matter So Much in This Chapter?\">Why Does Structure Matter So Much in This Chapter?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Should_the_Results_Chapter_Include_and_Exclude\" title=\"What Should the Results Chapter Include and Exclude?\">What Should the Results Chapter Include and Exclude?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_to_Include\" title=\"What to Include\">What to Include<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_to_Exclude\" title=\"What to Exclude\">What to Exclude<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_Do_You_Present_Quantitative_Results\" title=\"How Do You Present Quantitative Results?\">How Do You Present Quantitative Results?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Statistics_Should_Each_Type_of_Test_Report\" title=\"What Statistics Should Each Type of Test Report?\">What Statistics Should Each Type of Test Report?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_Do_You_Present_Qualitative_Results\" title=\"How Do You Present Qualitative Results?\">How Do You Present Qualitative Results?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Which_Structure_Should_You_Choose_for_Your_Results_Chapter\" title=\"Which Structure Should You Choose for Your Results Chapter?\">Which Structure Should You Choose for Your Results Chapter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Chronological_Structure\" title=\"Chronological Structure\">Chronological Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Hierarchical_Structure\" title=\"Hierarchical Structure\">Hierarchical Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Method-Based_Structure\" title=\"Method-Based Structure\">Method-Based Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Thematic_or_Pattern-Based_Structure\" title=\"Thematic or Pattern-Based Structure\">Thematic or Pattern-Based Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Research-Question_or_Hypothesis-Driven_Structure\" title=\"Research-Question or Hypothesis-Driven Structure\">Research-Question or Hypothesis-Driven Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Which_Structure_Works_Best_for_Mixed-Methods_Research\" title=\"Which Structure Works Best for Mixed-Methods Research?\">Which Structure Works Best for Mixed-Methods Research?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_Do_You_Organize_a_Long_Results_Chapter_into_Sections\" title=\"How Do You Organize a Long Results Chapter into Sections?\">How Do You Organize a Long Results Chapter into Sections?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Typical_Length_and_Proportions\" title=\"Typical Length and Proportions\">Typical Length and Proportions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Are_the_Best_Practices_for_Tables_and_Figures\" title=\"What Are the Best Practices for Tables and Figures?\">What Are the Best Practices for Tables and Figures?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Do_Tables_and_Figures_Need_to_Be_Cited_Separately_in_the_Text\" title=\"Do Tables and Figures Need to Be Cited Separately in the Text?\">Do Tables and Figures Need to Be Cited Separately in the Text?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Language_and_Phrasing_Work_Best_in_a_Results_Chapter\" title=\"What Language and Phrasing Work Best in a Results Chapter?\">What Language and Phrasing Work Best in a Results Chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_Do_Results_Discussion_and_Conclusion_Sections_Differ\" title=\"How Do Results, Discussion, and Conclusion Sections Differ?\">How Do Results, Discussion, and Conclusion Sections Differ?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Can_the_Results_and_Discussion_Chapters_Be_Combined\" title=\"Can the Results and Discussion Chapters Be Combined?\">Can the Results and Discussion Chapters Be Combined?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_Does_the_Results_Chapter_Differ_Across_Academic_Fields\" title=\"How Does the Results Chapter Differ Across Academic Fields?\">How Does the Results Chapter Differ Across Academic Fields?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Are_There_Two_Common_Approaches_Used_in_Humanities_and_Social_Sciences_Theses\" title=\"Are There Two Common Approaches Used in Humanities and Social Sciences Theses?\">Are There Two Common Approaches Used in Humanities and Social Sciences Theses?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Common_Mistakes_Should_You_Avoid_in_the_Results_Chapter\" title=\"What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in the Results Chapter?\">What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in the Results Chapter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Is_the_Single_Most_Common_Examiner_Criticism_of_Results_Chapters\" title=\"What Is the Single Most Common Examiner Criticism of Results Chapters?\">What Is the Single Most Common Examiner Criticism of Results Chapters?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_Final_Checks_Should_You_Run_Before_Submitting_the_Chapter\" title=\"What Final Checks Should You Run Before Submitting the Chapter?\">What Final Checks Should You Run Before Submitting the Chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_long_should_the_results_chapter_of_a_PhD_thesis_be\" title=\"How long should the results chapter of a PhD thesis be?\">How long should the results chapter of a PhD thesis be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_results_chapter_and_a_findings_chapter\" title=\"What is the difference between a results chapter and a findings chapter?\">What is the difference between a results chapter and a findings chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Should_the_results_chapter_be_organized_by_research_question_or_by_theme\" title=\"Should the results chapter be organized by research question or by theme?\">Should the results chapter be organized by research question or by theme?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Can_I_include_my_own_opinions_or_interpretation_in_the_results_chapter\" title=\"Can I include my own opinions or interpretation in the results chapter?\">Can I include my own opinions or interpretation in the results chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#How_many_quotations_should_I_include_for_each_theme_in_a_qualitative_results_chapter\" title=\"How many quotations should I include for each theme in a qualitative results chapter?\">How many quotations should I include for each theme in a qualitative results chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Do_I_need_a_statistician_to_help_write_the_quantitative_results_chapter\" title=\"Do I need a statistician to help write the quantitative results chapter?\">Do I need a statistician to help write the quantitative results chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#What_software_is_commonly_used_to_produce_tables_and_figures_for_a_thesis_results_chapter\" title=\"What software is commonly used to produce tables and figures for a thesis results chapter?\">What software is commonly used to produce tables and figures for a thesis results chapter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-results-chapter-of-a-thesis-a-complete-guide\/#Is_it_acceptable_to_combine_the_results_and_discussion_chapters_in_a_dissertation\" title=\"Is it acceptable to combine the results and discussion chapters in a dissertation?\">Is it acceptable to combine the results and discussion chapters in a dissertation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glossary_of_Key_Terms\"><\/span>Glossary of Key Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\"><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Results chapter<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">The section of a thesis that presents what was found during the study, in an objective and factual manner, without interpretation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Discussion chapter<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">The section that follows the results and interprets findings, compares them with existing literature, and explains their significance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-are-descriptive-statistics-types-choosing-reporting\/\">Descriptive statistics<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Summary measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation that describe the basic features of a data set.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/guide-to-types-of-inferential-statistics-for-biomedical-researchers\/\">Inferential statistics<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Statistical tests, such as correlation, regression, or t-tests, used to draw conclusions or make predictions from sample data.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-thematic-analysis-and-how-to-do-it-with-examples\/\">Thematic analysis<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">A qualitative method that identifies, organizes, and reports patterns or themes found across a data set.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/mixed-methods-research\/\">Mixed-methods research<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">A research approach that combines quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within a single study.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/effect-size\/\">Effect size<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">A statistic, such as Cohen&#8217;s d or eta-squared, that indicates the magnitude of a relationship or difference, independent of sample size.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Hierarchical structure<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">An organizational approach that presents results in order of importance, from the most central finding to supporting findings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Results_Chapter_of_a_Thesis\"><\/span>What Is the Results Chapter of a Thesis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The results chapter is the part of a <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/thesis-structure-outline-writing-tips\/\">thesis<\/a> that factually and concisely reports what was observed or measured during a study (follow <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-methodology-chapter-of-a-thesis-steps-outline-structure-examples\/\">the methods chapter<\/a>), without interpreting what those findings mean. It presents evidence in a logical order that answers the research questions or tests the hypotheses set out earlier in the thesis.<\/p>\n<p>This chapter forms the evidentiary core of the thesis. Because it carries so much weight, clarity, accuracy, and structure matter more here than in almost any other chapter. Examiners read this section closely to judge whether the research was conducted rigorously and whether the data genuinely support the claims made later in the discussion.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Structure_Matter_So_Much_in_This_Chapter\"><\/span>Why Does Structure Matter So Much in This Chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Structure matters because it determines whether examiners can follow complex findings without confusion. A clear structure helps you achieve several things at once.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Highlight important findings instead of burying them in raw data.<\/li>\n<li>Show direct, traceable connections to your research questions or hypotheses.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid overwhelming readers with unnecessary detail.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare a smooth, logical transition into the discussion chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate the scholarly maturity expected at thesis level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_the_Results_Chapter_Include_and_Exclude\"><\/span>What Should the Results Chapter Include and Exclude?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Knowing what belongs in this chapter, and what does not, prevents two common problems: an overloaded chapter that buries key findings, and a thin chapter that leaves out evidence examiners expect to see.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Include\"><\/span>What to Include<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>All relevant results presented as text, tables, or figures.<\/li>\n<li>Results of subject recruitment and data collection, including response rates and sample characteristics.<\/li>\n<li>For <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples\/\">quantitative studies<\/a>, both descriptive and inferential statistics for every test performed.<\/li>\n<li>For <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-qualitative-research-methods-types-examples\/\">qualitative studies<\/a>, data organized by theme, including representative quotations.<\/li>\n<li>Secondary findings, such as subgroup or sensitivity analyses.<\/li>\n<li>All results, including those that do not support the original <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-a-research-hypothesis-definition-types-examples\/\">hypothesis<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Exclude\"><\/span>What to Exclude<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Full interview transcripts; these belong in an <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/research-paper-appendix\/\">appendix<\/a>, not the main chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Raw, unprocessed data; summarized or analyzed data belongs in the chapter, and raw files belong in an appendix.<\/li>\n<li>Background or contextual information; this belongs in <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-introduction-chapter-for-a-thesis-steps-tips-examples\/\">the introduction<\/a> or literature review.<\/li>\n<li>Speculation about why a result occurred; this belongs in the discussion chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Repetition of everything already shown in a table or figure; the text should add value, not duplicate it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Present_Quantitative_Results\"><\/span>How Do You Present Quantitative Results?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Quantitative results are usually presented through tables, figures, and a short narrative that draws attention to the most important numbers, following the order of your research questions.<\/p>\n<p>For each statistical test reported, include the following information.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The type of analysis used, for example, a Mann-Whitney U test or a multiple regression analysis.<\/li>\n<li>Descriptive statistics, such as means, medians, and standard deviations.<\/li>\n<li>Inferential statistics, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/pearson-correlation-coefficient-definition-examples\/\">correlation coefficients<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-regression-and-types-of-regression-for-biomedical-researchers\/\">regression values<\/a>, and p values, along with a statement of significance.<\/li>\n<li>Any trends or differences identified through comparisons between groups.<\/li>\n<li>Whether the finding supports or contradicts the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/hypothesis-testing-different-types-for-biomedical-researchers\/\">hypothesis being tested<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Statistics_Should_Each_Type_of_Test_Report\"><\/span>What Statistics Should Each Type of Test Report?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><strong>Test type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"240\"><strong>What to report<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"224\"><strong>Example wording<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Descriptive statistics<\/td>\n<td width=\"240\">Mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequency, percentage<\/td>\n<td width=\"224\">Participant age ranged from 22 to 67 years (M = 38.4, SD = 9.2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/t-test-definition-assumptions-formula-calculation\/\">t-test<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"240\">t-value, degrees of freedom, p-value, Cohen&#8217;s d<\/td>\n<td width=\"224\">t(148) = 3.42, p = .001, d = 0.56<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/anova-types-uses-assumptions-a-quick-guide-for-biomedical-researchers\/\">ANOVA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/anova-vs-ancova\/\">ANCOVA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/anova-vs-manova\/\">MANOVA<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"240\">F-value, degrees of freedom, p-value, eta-squared<\/td>\n<td width=\"224\">F(2, 147) = 8.94, p &lt; .001<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Regression<\/td>\n<td width=\"240\">R-squared, F-statistic, beta coefficients, p-values<\/td>\n<td width=\"224\">The model explained 34% of the variance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Correlation<\/td>\n<td width=\"240\">Pearson&#8217;s r or Spearman&#8217;s rho, p-value, sample size<\/td>\n<td width=\"224\">r(150) = .52, p &lt; .001<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Present_Qualitative_Results\"><\/span>How Do You Present Qualitative Results?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Qualitative results are usually organized by theme rather than by research question, since themes emerge from the data through coding and pattern recognition. Each theme should be supported with direct evidence from participants.<\/p>\n<p>For each theme presented, describe the following.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>General trends or patterns observed within the theme.<\/li>\n<li>Significant or representative responses from participants.<\/li>\n<li>Relevant quotations, using anonymized labels such as P1 or Participant A rather than real names.<\/li>\n<li>How many participants expressed the theme, for example, twelve of eighteen participants.<\/li>\n<li>Any sub-themes that emerged within the broader theme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When presenting quotations, brief demographic context in brackets helps readers understand who is speaking while preserving confidentiality, for example: (P7, female, senior manager, 12 years&#8217; experience).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Structure_Should_You_Choose_for_Your_Results_Chapter\"><\/span>Which Structure Should You Choose for Your Results Chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is no single correct structure; the right choice depends on the nature of your data and the story your findings tell. Five structures are commonly used, often in combination.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chronological_Structure\"><\/span>Chronological Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Best suited to longitudinal studies, historical analyses, or multi-stage experiments where results unfold over time. This structure clarifies progression and emphasizes development, for example, presenting results from Month 1, Month 3, and Month 6 of a language learning study.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hierarchical_Structure\"><\/span>Hierarchical Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Organizes findings by relative importance, moving from the most central evidence to supporting evidence. This works well when some data sources or themes anchor the research more heavily than others.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method-Based_Structure\"><\/span>Method-Based Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Groups results according to the methods or instruments used, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/questionnaire-survey-research\/\">surveys<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/types-of-experimental-research-designs\/\">experiments<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/types-of-research-interviews\/#What_Is_a_Research_Interview\">interviews<\/a>. This suits mixed-methods studies and projects with several distinct datasets.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thematic_or_Pattern-Based_Structure\"><\/span>Thematic or Pattern-Based Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Groups findings into meaningful categories that represent major insights from the data. This is often the strongest approach for qualitative or exploratory dissertations, since it emphasizes meaning rather than method.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Research-Question_or_Hypothesis-Driven_Structure\"><\/span>Research-Question or Hypothesis-Driven Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Organizes the chapter so that each section addresses one research question or tests one hypothesis. Many examiners consider this the most coherent strategy, since it keeps the thesis tightly aligned from introduction through discussion.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Structure_Works_Best_for_Mixed-Methods_Research\"><\/span>Which Structure Works Best for Mixed-Methods Research?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best structure depends on whether quantitative or qualitative data dominate the study; equally weighted methods can alternate within shared themes, while a dominant method is usually presented first.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Separate quantitative and qualitative results into major sections if the two strands answer different questions.<\/li>\n<li>Integrate both within shared thematic categories if they jointly explain the same phenomenon.<\/li>\n<li>Alternate between methods within themes when both carry equal weight in the argument.<\/li>\n<li>Present the dominant method first when one method clearly leads the analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Organize_a_Long_Results_Chapter_into_Sections\"><\/span>How Do You Organize a Long Results Chapter into Sections?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Use consistent headings, numbering, and formatting to show hierarchy clearly throughout a long chapter.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Major headings for each method, theme, or research question.<\/li>\n<li>Subheadings for specific findings or datasets within that major area.<\/li>\n<li>Further subheadings for fine-grained detail where the data warrant it.<\/li>\n<li>A short introduction at the start of every table, chart, or graph, explaining what it shows before the reader encounters it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Typical_Length_and_Proportions\"><\/span>Typical Length and Proportions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As a general guideline, the results chapter occupies roughly 15-20% of total thesis length, though exact proportions vary by field and by the volume of data collected.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>Section<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"280\"><strong>Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"164\"><strong>Approximate length<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Chapter introduction<\/td>\n<td width=\"280\">Restate research questions; explain chapter organization<\/td>\n<td width=\"164\">300 to 500 words<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Findings for each research question or theme<\/td>\n<td width=\"280\">All data relevant to that question, with tables, figures, or quotations<\/td>\n<td width=\"164\">2,000 to 4,000 words each<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Chapter summary<\/td>\n<td width=\"280\">Brief, non-interpretive summary of overall findings<\/td>\n<td width=\"164\">400 to 600 words<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Best_Practices_for_Tables_and_Figures\"><\/span>What Are the Best Practices for Tables and Figures?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tables and figures should each stand alone, meaning a reader could understand them without reading the surrounding text at all.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Number tables and figures consecutively, in separate sequences, in the order they are mentioned in the text.<\/li>\n<li>Cite every table and figure in the text before it appears, for example, &#8220;As shown in Table 3&#8221; or &#8220;Figure 4 illustrates.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Give every table and figure a clear, descriptive title and a short legend explaining what it shows.<\/li>\n<li>Use consistent fonts, labels, and abbreviations across all figures, and define every abbreviation in a footnote or legend.<\/li>\n<li>Keep units of measurement consistent throughout the thesis; do not switch between, for example, &#8220;ml&#8221; and &#8220;mL&#8221; for the same unit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Common software used to prepare statistical tables and figures includes SPSS, R, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, SAS, GraphPad Prism, and Minitab; for the tables themselves, the built-in table function in Microsoft Word is usually the simplest option.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Tables_and_Figures_Need_to_Be_Cited_Separately_in_the_Text\"><\/span>Do Tables and Figures Need to Be Cited Separately in the Text?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, every table and figure must be referenced in the body text using its number, since examiners expect each visual to be clearly signposted rather than left to stand without comment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Language_and_Phrasing_Work_Best_in_a_Results_Chapter\"><\/span>What Language and Phrasing Work Best in a Results Chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Consistent, neutral, evidence-based phrasing helps keep the chapter descriptive rather than interpretive.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\"><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"404\"><strong>Recommended phrasing<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Introduce a finding<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;The data revealed that&#8230;&#8221;, &#8220;The analysis identified&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Refer to a table or figure<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;As shown in Table 3&#8230;&#8221;, &#8220;Figure 4 illustrates&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Report statistical significance<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;A statistically significant difference was found&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Describe frequency<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;The majority of participants (n = 15, 83%)&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Note absence of an effect<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;No significant relationship was found&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"220\">Summarize a theme<\/td>\n<td width=\"404\">&#8220;This theme suggests&#8230;&#8221;, &#8220;Participants consistently described&#8230;&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you must blend a small amount of interpretation into a results section, for instance to clarify an unusual pattern, use clearly tentative language such as &#8220;seems,&#8221; &#8220;appears,&#8221; &#8220;may,&#8221; or &#8220;probably&#8221; so the line between fact and speculation remains visible to the reader.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Results_Discussion_and_Conclusion_Sections_Differ\"><\/span>How Do Results, Discussion, and Conclusion Sections Differ?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Results are presented across three different sections of a thesis, and each one has a distinct role that should never be blurred.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>Section<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"444\"><strong>Role<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Results<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Data presented simply and objectively, with no speculation or interpretation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Discussion<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Meaning of results interpreted and compared with existing literature; significance assigned.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Conclusion<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Results and main conclusions summarized at a higher level for the whole thesis.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_Results_and_Discussion_Chapters_Be_Combined\"><\/span>Can the Results and Discussion Chapters Be Combined?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, some qualitative or mixed-methods theses combine results and discussion into one &#8220;Findings and Discussion&#8221; chapter, but this should be confirmed with a supervisor and checked against institutional guidelines first.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Results_Chapter_Differ_Across_Academic_Fields\"><\/span>How Does the Results Chapter Differ Across Academic Fields?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The presentation of results varies considerably across disciplines, even when the underlying methods are similar, because each thesis is answering a different research question with different evidence.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Science theses typically separate results and discussion fully, presenting experiments and statistical tests in a dedicated chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Humanities and social sciences theses, particularly qualitative ones, sometimes combine results and discussion into a single chapter.<\/li>\n<li>Two studies using the same method, such as interviews, may still present results very differently if they are answering different kinds of questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Despite these differences, results should always be presented logically and should always reflect the research questions and hypotheses set out earlier in the thesis.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_There_Two_Common_Approaches_Used_in_Humanities_and_Social_Sciences_Theses\"><\/span>Are There Two Common Approaches Used in Humanities and Social Sciences Theses?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, writers in these fields generally choose between leading with a synopsis of all findings or presenting one result at a time, each followed by its own brief explanation.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Present a synopsis of the results first, then explain the key findings in more depth, useful when a few findings matter most.<\/li>\n<li>Present one result, explain it, then present the next result and explain that, concluding with an overall synopsis, useful when several findings carry roughly equal weight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Common_Mistakes_Should_You_Avoid_in_the_Results_Chapter\"><\/span>What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in the Results Chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\"><strong>Mistake<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"344\"><strong>How to fix it<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\">Interpreting results within the chapter<\/td>\n<td width=\"344\">Move any &#8220;because,&#8221; &#8220;therefore,&#8221; or &#8220;this shows&#8221; sentence to the discussion chapter.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\">Tables or figures not referenced in the text<\/td>\n<td width=\"344\">Add a phrase such as &#8220;as shown in Table 4&#8221; before every visual appears.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\">Missing effect sizes in quantitative reporting<\/td>\n<td width=\"344\">Report Cohen&#8217;s d, eta-squared, or R-squared alongside every p-value.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\">Too many minor findings cluttering the chapter<\/td>\n<td width=\"344\">Move non-essential results to an appendix and keep the focus on findings that answer the research questions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"280\">Uneven coverage of qualitative themes<\/td>\n<td width=\"344\">Include at least two to three supporting quotations for every theme discussed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Single_Most_Common_Examiner_Criticism_of_Results_Chapters\"><\/span>What Is the Single Most Common Examiner Criticism of Results Chapters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most common criticism is mixing results with discussion, since examiners expect this chapter to describe findings only and to leave all interpretation for the following chapter.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Final_Checks_Should_You_Run_Before_Submitting_the_Chapter\"><\/span>What Final Checks Should You Run Before Submitting the Chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Have all data collection procedures been completed and all results analyzed?<\/li>\n<li>Are all relevant results included, even those that do not support the hypothesis?<\/li>\n<li>Are results reported objectively, with no interpretation or speculation?<\/li>\n<li>For quantitative work, are both descriptive and inferential statistics included, with significance clearly stated?<\/li>\n<li>Are tables and figures used to present all major results, and are they correctly labeled and numbered?<\/li>\n<li>Does every result correspond to a method described earlier in the thesis, with no orphaned methods or results?<\/li>\n<li>Does the chapter end with a brief, non-interpretive summary that leads naturally into the discussion?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_the_results_chapter_of_a_PhD_thesis_be\"><\/span>How long should the results chapter of a PhD thesis be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The results chapter typically makes up 15 to 20 percent of the total thesis word count, for example, around 12,000 to 16,000 words in an 80,000-word PhD thesis, or 2,000 to 3,000 words in a 15,000-word master&#8217;s dissertation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_results_chapter_and_a_findings_chapter\"><\/span>What is the difference between a results chapter and a findings chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The terms are generally used interchangeably, though &#8220;findings&#8221; is more common in qualitative research, while &#8220;results&#8221; is more common in quantitative and experimental work; both describe data objectively without interpretation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_the_results_chapter_be_organized_by_research_question_or_by_theme\"><\/span>Should the results chapter be organized by research question or by theme?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Quantitative chapters are usually organized by research question or hypothesis, while qualitative chapters are usually organized by theme; mixed-methods studies often combine both approaches depending on which method dominates.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_include_my_own_opinions_or_interpretation_in_the_results_chapter\"><\/span>Can I include my own opinions or interpretation in the results chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, opinions and interpretation belong in the discussion chapter; the results chapter should remain factual, and any necessary qualification should use tentative language such as &#8220;appears&#8221; or &#8220;may.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_quotations_should_I_include_for_each_theme_in_a_qualitative_results_chapter\"><\/span>How many quotations should I include for each theme in a qualitative results chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most guidance recommends at least two to three representative quotations per theme, supported by a note on how many participants expressed that theme, so that the evidence base for each theme is visible to examiners.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_statistician_to_help_write_the_quantitative_results_chapter\"><\/span>Do I need a statistician to help write the quantitative results chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many doctoral candidates do consult a statistician, particularly for complex designs, and it is best to seek that help early so you fully understand your results before attempting to write about them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_software_is_commonly_used_to_produce_tables_and_figures_for_a_thesis_results_chapter\"><\/span>What software is commonly used to produce tables and figures for a thesis results chapter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Common options include SPSS, R, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, SAS, GraphPad Prism, and Minitab for statistical analysis, with the built-in table tool in Microsoft Word often used to build the tables themselves.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_acceptable_to_combine_the_results_and_discussion_chapters_in_a_dissertation\"><\/span>Is it acceptable to combine the results and discussion chapters in a dissertation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, this is acceptable at some institutions, particularly for qualitative or mixed-methods studies where findings and interpretation are closely linked, but the decision should always be confirmed with a supervisor first.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways The results chapter must describe findings factually and objectively; interpretation, speculation, and comparison with literature belong in the discussion chapter. Choose an organizing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":13314,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[488,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-writing","category-researcher-life"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write the Results Chapter of a Thesis: A Complete Guide -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn to write the results chapter of a thesis, with tips for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, structure and examples.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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