How to describe research results in a diploma thesis?

First, prepare and check your data

Before analysis, remove duplicates, check for missing values, incorrect values ​​and the way the responses are coded. Write down your rules for excluding records so that you can later accurately describe the final sample size.

Variable and category names should be consistent. A separate code dictionary makes work easier, especially when multiple-choice questions or open answers are divided into several columns.

Structure by research problems

Start with the sample characteristics and then move through the research questions. For each part, recall the analyzed problem, show the most important data and end with a short answer resulting from the results.

The order of questions in the form serves the convenience of the respondent, not necessarily the logic of the chapter. Combine results from different items if together they describe the same construct or issue.

Table, chart or text description?

A table is good for exact values ​​and multiple categories, a chart for showing a trend or comparison, and text for a single simple result. Don't present the same data in three ways at the same time.

Each object should have a number, an informative title, a source, and an in-text reference. Describe the pattern, major differences, and values ​​relevant to the question rather than typing out all the cells.

Qualitative results and citations

In qualitative research, organize the material into categories and topics. Explain how they were identified, and then describe their meaning, similarities, differences, and outliers.

Quotes from interviews are intended to illustrate the conclusion, not to replace analysis. Select short, representative fragments, anonymize interlocutors and mark statements in accordance with the adopted system.

Interpretation, discussion and limitations

Interpretation answers the question of what the result might mean in the context of the problem and theory. Compare results with previous studies, but do not hide discrepancies. They often lead to interesting conclusions.

The scope of the proposals must correspond to the method of sampling and the quality of the tool. With a convenience sample, the results should not be automatically generalized to the entire population. Present the limitations factually, along with a proposal for further research.

Summary

A good results chapter takes the reader from the research question to a data-driven answer. Tables and graphs help you see patterns, but it's the text that explains their meaning and limitations. Select only information needed to achieve your goal, be consistent in your presentation, and do not draw broader conclusions than the sample allows. Thanks to this, the analysis remains clear and reliable.