How to Present and Report Results from Quantitative Analysis in Research Papers

Introduction

Presenting results from quantitative analysis requires more than just showing numbers. In research papers, results must be clear, accurate, logically structured, and supported with relevant statistics. A well-presented results section helps readers understand the significance and implications of your findings without misinterpretation.

1. Follow the Standard Research Paper Structure

In most academic formats (APA, AMA, Chicago), results are presented after methods and before discussion. This ensures that readers first understand how the data was collected and analyzed before seeing the outcomes.

2. General Guidelines for Reporting Quantitative Results

Report in a Logical Order
- Present findings in the same sequence as your research questions or hypotheses.
Include Key Statistical Values
- Means (M), standard deviations (SD), sample sizes (n).
- Test statistics (t, F, χ²), degrees of freedom (df), and p-values.
- Effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Avoid Interpretation in the Results Section
- Save explanations and implications for the discussion section.

3. Use Tables and Figures Effectively

Tables: Useful for presenting large amounts of numerical data.
- Example: Mean scores across multiple groups.
Figures: Graphs, bar charts, scatter plots to visualize relationships.
Always label axes, provide clear titles, and include legends where necessary.

4. Reporting Statistical Tests

Follow specific formatting rules depending on the style guide.

APA Example: t(28) = 2.45, p = .02, Cohen’s d = 0.65.
Confidence Interval Example: M = 54.2, 95% CI [50.8, 57.6].

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reporting p-values without effect sizes.
Using overly complex tables or figures without explanation.
Presenting raw SPSS/R output instead of clean, formatted results.

6. Example in Practice

Research Question: Does mindfulness training reduce stress levels compared to a control group?

Results Section:

An independent-samples t-test revealed that the mindfulness group (M = 18.4, SD = 3.2) reported significantly lower stress than the control group (M = 22.6, SD = 3.7), t(58) = -4.18, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.09, 95% CI [-6.28, -2.12].

Conclusion

Presenting quantitative results effectively involves clear structure, precise statistics, and visual aids where appropriate. A well-written results section enables readers to assess the validity and strength of your findings without confusion or bias.