A Comprehensive Guide to Writing an Effective Results Chapter for Qualitative Research

Congratulations on successfully collecting and analysing your qualitative data! Now, it's time to dive into the exciting process of crafting your results chapter. 

But where should you start? Our post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on structuring your qualitative results chapter, also referred to as the findings chapter. 

Understanding the Purpose of the Results Chapter: 

The results chapter in your dissertation or thesis, or any formal academic research, serves as the platform where you present the findings of your qualitative analysis. It's important to maintain objectivity and neutrality while presenting these findings. Depending on your university's guidelines, the results chapter may be combined with the discussion chapter, although for clarity, we'll consider them separately in this guide. 

Unlike quantitative results chapters that rely on numbers and statistics, a qualitative results chapter primarily presents data using words. However, it's worth noting that even in qualitative research, quantitative elements can be incorporated. For example, you might choose to include statistics such as the frequency of specific themes or topics in your data, depending on your chosen analysis methods. While quantitative elements can add rigour to your study, remember that the essence of qualitative research lies in exploring depth, richness, and nuances, so don't become overly fixated on numbers; they should complement your qualitative analysis. 

Critical Components of the Results Chapter: To summarise, the results chapter is where you objectively present your analysis findings without interpreting them, saving interpretation for the discussion chapter. Now, let's delve into what you should include in your results chapter. 

What to Include in the Results Chapter: As mentioned earlier, the results chapter's primary purpose is to present and describe your findings, not to interpret them in the context of existing literature or research questions. Any discussions or speculations regarding the implications of your results should be reserved for the discussion chapter. Within your results chapter, you should address your analysis findings and their alignment (or lack thereof) with your research hypotheses, if you have any. The specific content of your results chapter will depend on the qualitative analysis method(s) you've employed. 

For instance, if you conducted a thematic analysis, you'll detail the identified themes, providing supporting extracts from your transcripts or text. While presenting your analysis findings, refrain from overwhelming your readers with extensive raw data. Focus on conveying the essential findings and use a selection of pertinent quotes or text excerpts to substantiate each finding. Detailed data and analyses can be relegated to the appendices. Resist the urge to include every detail you uncovered in your qualitative analysis. Ensure you report only what is relevant to your research aims, objectives, and questions. Keep these elements and any hypotheses you have at the forefront of your mind when composing the chapter. Utilise them as filters to discern relevance. 

Structuring the Results Chapter: With the foundational understanding, let's discuss how to structure your results chapter. The results chapter consists of three core sections: the introduction, the body, and the concluding summary. 

Each plays a unique role in presenting your findings effectively.

•  Section 1: Introduction 

Begin with a concise introduction to set the stage for your findings. Reiterate your problem statement, research questions, and research purpose. Clarify these aspects for your readers to provide context for the subsequent content. Outline the structure of your results chapter briefly. Explain what readers can expect to find in the chapter to ensure coherence and logical flow in your storytelling. Keep the introduction brief, comprising two to three short paragraphs. It serves as an overview, not a comprehensive summary. 

Pro Tip: Consider using initial draft subsection headings to facilitate structuring your chapter. This aids in organising your content and helps readers navigate your results smoothly. It is advisable to use heading styles based on levels such as Heading 1, Heading 2 and Heading 3 to differentiate between levels available in word processing software visually. 

• Section 2: Body 

Before delving into the body of your chapter, remember that the results section should remain entirely objective and descriptive, avoiding interpretation. Avoid using terms like "suggests" or "implies," as these typically accompany interpretations that belong in the discussion chapter. Structure is crucial in the body section, so plan it carefully. Create sections and subsections to maintain the narrative's flow when structuring your qualitative results chapter. Adopt a standardised structure for each portion to ensure consistency throughout the chapter. In qualitative studies, results chapters often follow a thematic structure, making it easier for readers to follow the narrative. 

However, the structure can vary based on the nature of your study and research questions. For instance, a longitudinal study may have a chronological structure, while one grounded in a theoretical framework may adopt a different approach. Support your claims with quotes to substantiate them, using italics to distinguish them from your statements. Aim for at least two pieces of evidence per claim directly linked to your data. Include all relevant results, not just those that align with your assumptions or initial inclinations. Reference your claims to the data through appendices, including the appendix's name/number and the specific line(s) from which you drew your data. Throughout the chapter, be consistent with your university's prescribed referencing style, such as APA or Harvard. 

• Section 3: Concluding Summary 

The concluding summary is important as it summarises your key findings and lays the groundwork for the discussion chapter. Remember that some readers may skip directly to this section from the introduction, so it should be understandable in isolation. In this section, reiterate the key findings related to your research questions, which you'll elaborate on in the discussion chapter. Keep the summary concise, focusing solely on what you've already presented in the chapter. Avoid introducing new information. 

Tips and Tricks for an Outstanding Results Chapter: 

After gaining a comprehensive understanding of the results chapter, here are some quick tips and reminders to help you create a high-quality chapter: 

• Write in the past tense as you report what you found during your research. 
• Ensure each claim is backed up by at least two pieces of evidence and use appendices for referencing. 
• Concentrate on relevant data aligned with your research objectives and questions. 
• Employ headings and subheadings for an organised and reader-friendly presentation. 
• Use tables and figures for numerical data, ensuring they are comprehensible independently. 
• Differentiate topics and themes with colour coding for clarity and coherence. 

By following these guidelines and paying attention to detail, you'll create a results chapter that effectively communicates your qualitative findings, setting the stage for a robust discussion in the subsequent chapter. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We are here to assist you in every possible way. You can check out our private dissertation consultation service if you need personalized help with your results chapter or any chapter of your thesis or dissertation. You can also book a free initial consultation with us to discuss how we can help you.