What are the best practices for writing up results and findings in a thesis?

Certainly! Reporting your research results and findings effectively in a thesis is crucial for conveying the significance of your study. Here are some best practices to follow when help with thesis or dissertation writing up your results:

1. Use the Past Tense:
   • Write your results section in the past tense. Describe what you found, not what you are currently finding.

1. Be Concise and Relevant:
   • Keep your results section concise. Include only relevant findings that directly address your research questions or hypotheses.
   • Avoid unnecessary details or tangential information.
2. Avoid Interpretations:
   • Stick to reporting facts without interpreting them. Save interpretations and discussions for the appropriate sections (e.g., the discussion or conclusion).
   • Use objective language and avoid speculative words like “suggests” or “implies.”
3. Organize Your Results Logically:
   • Start with the most important or broadest findings first.
   • Follow a logical order that aligns with your research questions or hypotheses.
   • Use subheadings to organize different aspects of your results.
4. Use Tables and Figures Effectively:
   • Tables and figures (graphs, charts, diagrams) can enhance clarity.
   • Label and caption each table or figure clearly.
5. Quantitative Research Results:
   • Report statistical analyses, p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes.
   • Be transparent about any assumptions or limitations.
   • State whether each hypothesis was supported or rejected.
6. Qualitative Research Results:
   • Summarize key themes, patterns, or insights from your qualitative data.
   • Use quotes or excerpts from interviews or texts to illustrate your findings.
   • Provide context for each theme or category.
7. Include Descriptive Statistics:
   • If applicable, report means, standard deviations, frequencies, or other relevant descriptive statistics.
   • Use appropriate units of measurement.
8. Address Negative or Unexpected Results:
   • Don’t shy away from reporting findings that contradict your hypotheses.
   • Discuss unexpected results honestly and explore possible reasons.
9. Be Transparent About Limitations:
   • Acknowledge any limitations in your study (e.g., sample size, data collection methods, external validity).
   • Discuss how these limitations may impact the interpretation of your results.

See Also : Can you provide an example of a well-written thesis?