Key points at a glance
- Organise results around the research question or analysis plan, not the order in which you happened to work.
- Describe what the data show before explaining why it matters.
- Use tables and figures selectively and refer to each one in the text.
- Report uncertainty, missing data and unexpected findings instead of hiding them.
Separate results from discussion
The results chapter answers what your analysis produced. The discussion explains how those findings relate to theory, prior research and limitations. Some fields combine them, but the distinction should remain visible.
Avoid repeating the entire method or turning a table into an unexplained data dump. Give each result a clear purpose in the argument.
Organise findings around the question
Use research subquestions, hypotheses, variables, themes or analysis steps as a structure. Introduce the result, show the relevant evidence and state the immediate observation before moving on.
Use consistent terminology and order. Readers should be able to map a reported finding back to the method and forward to the discussion.
Use tables and figures as evidence
A table or figure should make a pattern easier to inspect, not repeat every sentence. Give it a descriptive caption, cite the source where required and explain the relevant pattern in the text.
Choose scales, categories and rounding carefully. Do not imply precision that the data or measurement support cannot justify.
Use precise and cautious wording
Distinguish description from inference. Terms such as “is associated with” and “the sample suggests” may be more accurate than causal language when the design is observational.
Report relevant missing data, exclusions, effect sizes or themes and uncertainty. Explain surprising results instead of selecting only the findings that confirm your expectation.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- The results structure follows the question or analysis plan.
- Every table and figure has a purpose and is mentioned in the text.
- Observation and interpretation are clearly separated.
- Missing data, exclusions and unexpected findings are reported.
- Terms, units, rounding and categories are consistent.
- The final results chapter answers the planned subquestions.
Common mistakes
- Copying raw output into the thesis without explanation.
- Interpreting causes in a design that only shows association.
- Repeating every table value in prose.
- Reporting only significant or convenient findings.
- Using captions and scales that readers cannot interpret.
Prepare the results chapter for final printing
After tables, figures and wording are checked in the final PDF, choose the printing and binding option for your submission.
View thesis printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can results and discussion be one chapter?
Some fields combine them. If you do, signal clearly which sentences report findings and which interpret them.
Should every result have a table?
No. Use a table or figure when it improves comparison or overview. Small, simple findings may be clearer in prose.
Can I mention unexpected findings?
Yes. Report them transparently and discuss plausible explanations and limitations rather than removing them.
How do I avoid overstating results?
Match the wording to the design, sample and uncertainty. State what the data support and avoid claims beyond that scope.