Results and discussion – the section in which a scholar presents the data and explains its significance. The quality of this part directly affects the reviewer’s decision on whether to accept the manuscript. Mixing facts with their interpretation is one of the most common reasons an article is sent back for revision.
What is the difference between results and discussion in a scientific article?
The IMRAD standard (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) allocates two separate sections to results and their discussion, although in a number of journals – particularly in the social sciences and humanities – the two are combined into a single block. The underlying logic does not change: the “Results” section answers the question of what was obtained during the research, while the “Discussion” section answers the question of what these data mean for the chosen field of knowledge.
Results represent the most objective and data-rich part of the article. This section should not include interpretation, an assessment of significance, or comparison with the work of other scholars – these elements belong in the discussion. Data are presented in a logical sequence – usually following the structure of the “Methods” section – so that readers can more easily match each result to the method used to obtain it.
Rules for structuring the “Results” section
When preparing the “Results” section, a scholar should follow several principles that make the data easier for reviewers and readers to follow:
- present data in the past tense and in a sequence that matches the aims of the study
- use tables and figures for large volumes of data, reserving the text for highlighting the key figures
- avoid repeating every value already shown in a table, and instead point out the most significant ones
- avoid evaluative wording and conclusions, which belong in the “Discussion” section
- indicate the statistical significance of results where this is required by the methodology used
Particular attention should be paid to the presentation of visual material: every table and figure should be numbered, given a precise caption and, where necessary, accompanied by a note explaining abbreviations or units of measurement.
What should be included in the discussion of research results?
The “Discussion” section is built on the interpretation of the data presented earlier and, unlike the results, may be organised thematically rather than sequentially. Its purpose is to explain whether the data obtained support the original hypothesis, how they relate to the findings of other scholars, and what significance they hold for further research in the field.
The process of working on this section can be broken down into several consecutive steps:
- Briefly summarise the main results without repeating them in detail.
- Compare the data obtained with the findings of previously published studies.
- Explain possible reasons for discrepancies or unexpected results.
- Indicate the limitations of the study and how they affect the interpretation of the data.
- Outline the theoretical or practical significance of the results obtained.
Wording in this section should remain measured: even when the data are unambiguous, it is best to avoid overly categorical statements, since every study has its own limitations of sample, methodology or conditions.
Common mistakes when writing results and discussion
Mixing results with their interpretation remains one of the most frequent reasons reviewers send an article back for revision: if conclusions already appear in the “Results” section, readers may get the impression that the data have been adjusted to fit an expected outcome rather than described objectively. Beyond this, reviewers most often pay attention to the following shortcomings:
- no comparison with earlier research on the topic
- disregarding data that do not support the original hypothesis
- no discussion of the study’s limitations
- repeating information from the introduction or literature review instead of analysing it
- overgeneralising conclusions beyond the data actually obtained
Each of these mistakes can reduce a reviewer’s confidence in the article as a whole, even when the results themselves are reliable and methodologically sound.
Results and discussion – the section in which a reviewer forms an overall impression of the quality of the research conducted. A logical presentation of data, measured interpretation and awareness of the study’s limitations help a scholar present their conclusions convincingly and improve the chances of successfully passing peer review.
Need help preparing the results and discussion section, or an entire scientific article? Specialists at Scientific Papers will prepare the text in line with the requirements of the chosen journal, help structure the data and format the work according to publication standards. To receive a free consultation, leave a request on the website and our manager will contact you shortly. Onward to new scientific achievements!
