How to Write a Dissertation Results Chapter: UK Student Guide

What Is the Dissertation Results Chapter?

The dissertation results chapter (also called the findings chapter) presents the data you collected during your research. It reports your findings objectively and systematically, without interpretation — that comes in the discussion chapter. The results chapter is one of the most important parts of your dissertation.

How Long Should the Results Chapter Be?

The results chapter is typically 15–25% of your total word count. For a 10,000-word dissertation, aim for 1,500–2,500 words. The length depends on the volume and complexity of your data.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Results Chapters

The structure of your results chapter depends on your research methodology. A quantitative results chapter presents numerical data, statistical tests, tables, and graphs. A qualitative results chapter presents themes, patterns, and excerpts from interviews or documents. Mixed-methods dissertations combine both approaches.

How to Structure Your Results Chapter

1. Begin with an overview: Briefly remind the reader of your research questions and how your data was collected.
2. Present findings systematically: Organise results by research question, theme, or hypothesis — whichever makes most logical sense.
3. Use tables and figures: Visual representations make quantitative data easier to understand. Always label tables and figures clearly.
4. Report themes for qualitative data: Identify recurring patterns across your data and use direct quotes to illustrate them.
5. Be objective: Present data as it is. Do not interpret or discuss implications in this chapter.
6. End with a summary: A brief paragraph summarising the key findings before transitioning to the discussion.

Common Mistakes in Results Chapters

Students often mix results and discussion together, omit data that contradicts their hypothesis, present too much raw data without organisation, or use inconsistent formatting for tables and figures. Plan your structure carefully before writing.

Key Takeaways

• The results chapter presents findings without interpretation.
• Organise results by research question, theme, or hypothesis.
• Use tables and figures for quantitative data; themes and quotes for qualitative data.
• The chapter is typically 15–25% of your total word count.

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