Results vs Discussion: What is the Difference?

When writing a research paper, many students and early-career researchers struggle to distinguish between the results and the discussion sections. Some merge them into one, while others repeat the same content in both.
So what is the difference between results and discussion? Simply put:

Results show what you found.
Discussion explains what those findings mean.

This article breaks down the differences, common mistakes, and best practices for writing each section effectively.

The Results Section: What Did You Find?

The results section is objective, factual, and focused only on presenting data.

Main purposes:

Report findings without interpretation.
Present data in a logical sequence.
Highlight evidence that answers your research questions.

Key characteristics:

Written in past tense.
Includes tables, figures, or charts for clarity.
Avoids subjective language or speculation.

The Discussion Section: What Do the Results Mean?

The discussion section is interpretive, analytical, and focused on significance.

Main purposes:

Explain the meaning of your results.
Compare findings with existing literature.
Highlight theoretical and practical implications.
Acknowledge limitations and suggest future research.

Key characteristics:

Written in present tense (interpretation) or past tense (referring to results).
Uses cautious, academic language ("suggests," "indicates," "provides evidence").
Connects findings to the broader field.

Results vs Discussion: Key Difference

Feature	Results Section	Discussion Section
Purpose	Present findings objectively	Interpret and explain findings
Tone	Neutral, factual	Analytical, interpretive
Content	Data, figures, tables, statistics	Meaning, significance, implications
Language	Past tense, precise	Present/past tense, cautious, evaluative
Common Mistake	Adding interpretation	Repeating raw data

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing content: Don't explain results in the results section or restate data in the discussion.
Repetition: Avoid copy-pasting numbers or phrases between the two sections.
Skipping one section: Both are essential—results without discussion lack meaning, while discussion without results lacks evidence.

Conclusion

The results and discussion sections work hand in hand to answer your research question and situate your study within the academic conversation. Think of them as two parts of a single story:

The results reveal the evidence.
The discussion reveals the significance.

By keeping them distinct yet complementary, you ensure your research paper is both rigorous and impactful.