The Results section of a Lab Report is descriptive. It tells what is observed without analysis of the content. Graphical aids can help summarize the data. We often see the summaries as tables and graphs. Below is a common tabular summary of data that we come across on a daily basis.

The nutritional informational table from this box of Mac & Cheese provides a quick comparison of the contents in a serving and the recommended daily values. While a paragraph stating these values would be descriptive, the tabular form is much more effective at summarizing the information that is pertinent. As always, all figures (pictures, graphs and titles) should have proper labeling. Legends are also important to indicate abbreviations and symbols that pertain tot he data. The titles should be descriptive and all figures should be numbered in numerical sequence so the accompanying text can readily refer to the specific figure of interest. Titles and legends of graphical or tabular data should be informative so that they could be parsed readily without needing to search through the text of the Results section.

Results are written in the third person. They explain what was observed and should be stated in a fashion such as: “This happened…. The color changed to this…. Something happened in response to that…” Methodology does not play a role unless it is a result of the method. Simply re-iterating the methods is not appropriate.

That’s Empirical

Remember that observations are empirical. The scientific method is based on an existing corpus of knowledge. When we test our hypotheses formulated on a series of observations, we utilize experimentation to identify new observations. The use of our senses and experimentation yields data in the form of our observations. The Results section is about empiricism. It doesn’t take into account the analysis. If a tree fell in the woods, it is reported that a tree has fallen. How it might have fallen or why is irrelevant unless that was directly observed as well or a part of the experimental paradigm. Deciphering if it made a sound as it fell when no one was around to hear it would be a conclusion left for analysis and is not an observable report.