Results

The results section of a lab report includes a written description of the major findings, as well as tables and/or figures summarizing key experimental results.

What information is put in the Results section?

The written section of a results section summarizes the experimental findings (i.e., the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable that you measured in the experiment). The written portion should identify any important trends and refer to any figures and tables presented.

Include the following in the written summary:

• • Summarize the most important results.
  • When describing your findings, include key quantitative values highlighting the major trends observed.
  • Include the correct units of measure for all quantitative values.
  • The results summary should include a description of what is depicted in the table(s) and/or figure(s) – along with a reference to the figure/table, e.g., (Figure 1).

Data Tables & Figures

Include the following:

• • Key experimental results depicted in a figure(s). Figures may be graphs, drawings, diagrams, and/or photographs.
  • Important data summarized in a table(s).
  • Data tables and figures should be embedded in the Results section after they have been referenced in the written summary.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered with a proper caption (the caption should be detailed enough that the figure/table can be understood without the reader needing to go back to the text of the paper.