NEOLAB QA WiKi

Writing the Analysis: How to Ensure Objectivity

Drafting the Results Section: How to Ensure Objectivity

The number crunching is complete, the findings are clear, and now you face the seemingly simple task of writing it up. However, this phase is a stylistic challenge. The primary purpose of the findings chapter is to factually describe what you found, not to discuss what it means. Straying into interpretation here confuses the logical flow of your dissertation. This guide provides a detailed framework for composing a precise and appropriately styled results section that faithfully reports your data while scrupulously resisting the temptation to explain it. external page

1. The Fundamental Distinction: Reporting vs. Interpreting

Understanding the essential distinction between the Results chapter and the Discussion chapter is non-negotiable. Think of it as a strict separation of powers.

The Results Chapter: This section is the “empirical evidence.” Its sole function is to present the data in a objective manner. It answers the question: “What did you find?” The Discussion Chapter: This is where you interpret the facts. Its job is to explain the meaning of those results, situate them in context, and answer the “so what?”. It answers the question: “What do these findings mean?”

Mixing these two reduces the impact of each. The reader gets confused, unsure if they are reading a observation or your opinion about that fact.

2. The Language of Objectivity

The diction of your writing is your primary mechanism for maintaining objectivity. Select your language to state rather than to imply.

Use Neutral Reporting Verbs:

Instead of: “The results show that the intervention was amazing.” (Subjective) Use: “The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in scores.” (Neutral) Other strong choices: “demonstrated,” “revealed,” “exhibited,” “was observed,” “was found.”

Avoid Value Judgments:

Avoid Subjective Adjectives: Clear.

Instead of: “A surprising negative correlation was found.” Use: “A negative correlation was found.”

Avoid Speculative Verbs: Points to (Save “suggests” for the Discussion chapter).

Instead of: “This finding suggests that the theory is correct.” Use: “This finding is consistent with the proposed theory.” or “This finding aligns with the predictions of Theory X.”

3. A Structure for Reporting Results

To ensure clarity and objectivity, follow a standard formula for presenting each statistical test or qualitative theme.

State the Purpose: Briefly note what you were testing. “To address the first hypothesis, an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores of Group A and Group B.” IGNOU project report the Key Statistics: Provide the relevant results. “The results indicated a significant difference between the groups (t(58) = 3.67, p = .001).” Describe the Outcome: Translate the numbers in a simple, factual statement. “The mean score for Group A (M = 85.2, SD = 4.3) was significantly higher than the mean score for Group B (M = 76.5, SD = 5.1).” Direct to the Visual: Point the reader to the accompanying table or figure. “See Table 1 for a summary of the group means and standard deviations.”

This formulaic approach keeps your writing focused and prevents you from adding extra interpretation.

4. The Power of Visuals

Clear and precise graphs and charts are the backbone of an objective results section. They display the numbers in its rawest state, allowing the reader to see the evidence for themselves.

Tables are for exact values: Use them to present descriptive statistics (e.g., means, standard deviations, p-values, coefficients). Figures are for trends and comparisons: Use graphs (e.g., bar charts, line graphs) to visually illustrate relationships and differences between groups. Ensure visuals are self-explanatory: A good table or figure should have a descriptive caption and be understandable with minimal reference to the text. This reduces the need for you to narrate the data in your writing.

5. Handling Negative and Non-Significant Results

An truly scientific report details all results, not just the expected ones. A result that fails to reject the null hypothesis is still a important finding.

Do not hide them: Including non-significant results is a mark of integrity and prevents publication bias. Report them neutrally: Use the same neutral tone as you would for a significant result.

Example: “The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in satisfaction scores between the two conditions (t(42) = 1.23, p = .225).”

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be on high alert for these common errors that can sneak interpretation into your results section:

Apologizing for Results: “Unfortunately, the results were not significant.” (This implies a desired outcome, which is subjective). Speculating on Causes: “The lack of significance was probably due to the small sample size.” (Save this for the Discussion chapter on limitations). Using Emotional Language: “It was exciting to find that…” (This is unprofessional and subjective). Overusing “Clearly” or “Obviously”: If it were clear and obvious, you wouldn't have needed to run the test. Let the data stand on its own.

Conclusion

Writing a powerful results section requires disciplinary restraint. It is an exercise in academic humility, where you cede the spotlight and let your hard evidence take center stage. By adhering to a neutral tone, following a structured reporting formula, using tables and figures, and including non-significant results, you construct a chapter that is credible and trustworthy. This creates a solid foundation of empirical facts upon which you can then, in the next chapter, construct a nuanced and persuasive interpretation of what those facts ultimately mean. The power of your argument depends on this clear separation.