Understanding Data – The Results Section Why is this so important? ✓ Solved

Communicating experimental lab results to other scientists and the broader world is a key part of the scientific enterprise. Therefore, developing students’ scientific communication skills should be an explicit goal of undergraduate degree programs in the sciences.

The results formula approach consists of five questions that anyone can ask about an experiment. Those five questions, when answered in a specific order, will lead to a clear, concise, complete and well-written results section. The results formula approach asks the following five questions:

1. WHY?

   Why was the experiment performed? What question was it trying to answer?

2. HOW?

   How was the question approached experimentally? What was actually done?

3. WHERE?

   In which figure or table are the data shown?

4. WHAT?

   Fully describe the actual results of the experiment.

5. SO WHAT?

   Based on the results, what is the answer to the original question?

The initial question ‘Why’ is essential. It prompts one to consider the question the researchers were trying to answer, emphasizing that one should not skip over this question to head straight to the methods. The ‘How’ concerns describing the methods employed to conduct the experiment, which must provide adequate information for interpretation of the data without delving into excessive detail.

The 'Where' indicates the specific table or figure illustrating experimental data, underscoring the importance of clarity in referring to data, especially in papers with multiple figures. ‘What’ is the crux of the results section, involving a thorough description of all facets of the data depicted in a chosen figure or table. Finally, ‘So What’ is often associated with the discussion section but plays a pivotal role in the results section as a means to connect observed results back to the original question, effectively summarizing the findings.

It is crucial to answer these questions in the specific order presented to ensure an articulate results narrative is crafted.

Paper For Above Instructions

The results section of a scientific paper serves as a critical component where researchers fulfill the obligation of communicating their findings. The structure of the results section, guided by the five essential questions—Why, How, Where, What, and So What—provides clarity and coherence to the narrative of the research. By organizing the results in this manner, researchers can convey complex information in a digestible format, enhancing the reader’s understanding and allowing for a more productive and informed discussion later in the paper.

1. Why Was the Experiment Performed?

The rationale behind conducting an experiment can be rooted in previous research gaps or existing hypotheses. For instance, a study investigating the impact of a new drug on a specific condition would start with articulating the limitations of current treatments and identifying the potential benefits of the new approach. Communicating this "Why" is vital as it establishes the relevance and urgency of the research, setting the stage for the methodology and findings that follow. This aligns with the view expressed by Hood-DeGrenier (2015) on the importance of scientific communication, where context fosters engagement and understanding.

2. How Was the Question Approached Experimentally?

After outlining the reasons for the experiment, it becomes imperative to delineate the methodology. The "How" should provide a concise overview of the experimental design, highlighting key actions taken such as sample selection, the implementation of specific procedures, and any materials used. This allows readers to appreciate the context of the findings and facilitates reproducibility, a cornerstone of scientific inquiry. While comprehensive details may reside in the methods section, the results section should succinctly summarize the approach to maintain clarity without overwhelming the reader.

3. Where Are the Data Shown?

In scientific writing, data presentation is essential. Researchers must guide readers to the relevant figures or tables that encapsulate their results. This "Where" invites readers to engage with the visual elements of the research, fostering a clearer understanding of the data's implications. Using clear citations to specific figures or tables (e.g., "As shown in Figure 1...") enhances the seamless flow of information and enables the reader to connect written descriptions with visual data effectively.

4. What Are the Actual Results of the Experiment?

The "What" encapsulates the heart of the results section, wherein the researcher describes the results in detail, encompassing all relevant aspects of the data presented. It is here that quantitative measures, statistical analyses, and qualitative observations are articulated. A comprehensive description of the findings without interpretation is crucial in this section, ensuring that readers can draw their own conclusions based on the presented results.

5. So What? The Significance of Findings

While the "So What" component may initially seem more suited to discussions, it serves an indispensable function in the results section by drawing a direct line from experimental observations to the initial questions posed. It emphasizes the conclusions that can be made based on the data and its implications for the broader scientific community or applications in practice. This reflection is critical for contextualizing findings and highlighting their contributions to ongoing scientific dialogues.

Conclusion

The Results section, structured around the five questions, not only enhances the clarity and coherence of scientific communication but also serves as a bridge connecting experimental results to their implications. As underscored by Hood-DeGrenier (2015), fostering these communication skills within scientific education is essential in cultivating effective scientists. A well-articulated results section is paramount in driving scientific advancement and ensuring research is comprehensible and impactful.

References

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