Purpose of the Results Chapter
The results chapter (sometimes called "Findings") presents your data objectively. Its purpose is to report what you found — without explaining why or what it means. Think of it as the factual foundation upon which your discussion will build.
In the results chapter, you should include:
- Statistical test outputs with tables and figures (for quantitative research)
- Identified themes with supporting quotes (for qualitative research)
- Clear, logical organization aligned with your research questions
- Descriptions of patterns, trends, or unexpected findings
- No citations to external literature — this is purely your data
Purpose of the Discussion Chapter
The discussion chapter is where you interpret your results and explain their significance. It's the most analytical chapter of your dissertation and the one where you demonstrate your critical thinking skills.
In the discussion chapter, you should include:
- Interpretation of key findings in relation to your research questions
- Comparison with existing literature from your literature review
- Explanation of unexpected or contradictory results
- Discussion of practical and theoretical implications
- Acknowledgment of limitations and their impact on findings
What NOT to Include in Each
Don't Put in the Results Chapter:
- References to other authors' work (save for discussion)
- Your interpretation of why results occurred
- Recommendations or implications
- Lengthy explanations — keep it concise and factual
Don't Put in the Discussion Chapter:
- New data or results not previously presented
- Raw data tables or statistical outputs
- Detailed methodology descriptions
- Introduction of new themes not grounded in your results
Examiner Expectations
Examiners look for a clear boundary between reporting and interpreting. When results and discussion are blurred, it creates confusion about where data ends and opinion begins. Some dissertations combine both into a single "Results and Discussion" chapter — but even then, each finding should be clearly reported first and interpreted second.
Examiners also expect your discussion to explicitly address each research question, explaining how your findings answer (or fail to answer) them. Missing this connection is one of the most common weaknesses in submitted dissertations.
Summary
The results chapter presents your data objectively; the discussion chapter interprets it critically. Keep them distinct, organize both around your research questions, and ensure your discussion connects findings to existing literature. If you need help structuring either chapter, our expert academic team is here to help.