Reading the Results: Just the Facts

The Results section is where the study reveals what actually happened. Its question:

“What did they actually find?”

Remember from writing: results are the camera, not the judge — pure facts, numbers, figures, no interpretation yet. So when reading results, Maya focuses on the raw findings:

• The key numbers — the main comparison that answers the question. (Caffeine group: 15 words. Placebo group: 12 words.)
• The figures and tables — usually the fastest way in, as you learned on Page 6.
• The direction and size — did the thing go up or down, and by a little or a lot?

“Statistically significant” — a phrase to understand, not fear. When a paper says a result is statistically significant, it roughly means: this result is probably real, not just random luck. If it is not significant, the difference might just be chance. You don’t need the deep maths — just know that “significant” is the paper saying “we’re fairly confident this is a real effect.”

Watch the gap between “found” and “claimed.” The results section should be pure fact. But sometimes authors start sneaking in interpretation or hype early. Notice it. Keep the finding (what the data shows) separate from the spin (what they want it to mean). That separation is a reading superpower — and it becomes essential in the very next section.

“And here,” said Ravi, flipping the page, “is where authors are finally allowed to tell you what it all means. Which means it’s where you must be most careful.”