Guidelines for Writing Results and Discussions in Qualitative Research

Writing the results and discussion sections in qualitative research requires a structured approach, focusing on presenting findings and interpreting their significance. This article provides a comprehensive guide to structuring these two critical sections, adhering to best practices for clarity and effectiveness.

Results Section: Presenting Findings

The results section is where you present your findings in a clear, detailed, and organized manner. Here’s how to approach each step:

Presentation of Findings

Evaluating and describing the findings accurately is crucial. Here are some tips:

- Ensure that your findings are presented in a logical order, often by themes or categories that emerged from your analysis. - Use subheadings to break up information and provide structure for the reader.

Organize by Themes

Organizing the results by themes or categories helps the reader understand the main findings quickly:

- Use subheadings to clearly delineate different themes. - This structure makes it easier for readers to follow the flow of your arguments.

Use Quotes

Including direct quotes from participants provides evidence for your interpretations:

- Choose quotes that best represent the themes or categories. - Remember to anonymize participants to maintain confidentiality.

Visual Aids

Using tables or figures can enhance the reader’s understanding of complex findings:

- Summarize themes or patterns with visual aids if they improve comprehension. - Ensure visual aids are labeled clearly and are accessible to all readers.

Descriptive Detail

Providing detailed descriptions of the findings ensures clarity and depth:

- Explain the context of the quotes and how they relate to the themes. - Focus on explaining what the data shows rather than interpreting it prematurely.

Clarity and Conciseness

Writing clearly and concisely is essential to maintaining the reader’s interest:

- Avoid the use of jargon if it is not common in your field or necessary for understanding. - Use clear and accessible language to facilitate comprehension.

Discussion Section: Interpreting Findings

The discussion section is where you delve into the implications of your findings. Here’s how to structure this section:

Interpretation of Findings

Discussing the significance of your results enhances the depth of your research:

- Address how your findings relate to the research questions. - Highlight agreements or discrepancies with previous studies and literature.

Implications

Delineate how your findings contribute to existing knowledge and practice:

- Discuss the implications for practice, policy, or further research. - Consider the broader context and potential applications of your findings.

Limitations

Acknowledging the limitations of your study is crucial for credibility:

- Discuss how these limitations might affect the interpretation of your findings. - Be honest and transparent about the constraints of your research.

Future Research

Suggesting areas for future research based on your findings keeps the door open for further investigation:

- Identify questions that were not addressed in your study. - Highlight new questions that emerged from your research.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize the main findings and their significance:

- Reinforce the contribution of your research to the field. - End with a strong, concise conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Tips for Both Sections

To write effectively, keep the following tips in mind:

- Use clear and accessible language to ensure readability. - Stay objective in the results section and provide a balanced interpretation in the discussion. - Engage deeply with your data, showing how it informs your understanding of the research questions.

By following these guidelines, you can communicate your qualitative research findings and their implications clearly and effectively. These sections should not only present your data but also shed light on the broader implications and potential advancements in the field.