Science Research Project
Draft of Results and Conclusions
(Including Data/Statistical Analysis, Tables, Graphs)
Directions: Your results section should include data tables (mean or average values, NOT raw
data), as well as statistical tables and graphs.
RESULTS
The results section of your SRP Paper includes the 3 parts listed below:
SUMMARY












The Results section is a Summary of the data/statistical tests in paragraph form
and should include at least the following items:
Topic Sentence
Identification of Variables and Control Group
Whether the data (DV) was qualitative (continuous) or quantitative (nominal or ordinal).
A description of the statistics done (what tests did you do? T-test, ANOVA, Chi-square,
Pearson R correlation, etc.)
Include the numbers for the means (averages) for each group. Ex: “The means for
organic and inorganic fertilizer were 23.6 cm and 35.6 cm, respectively.”
The null hypothesis (remember this means that the IV will have no affect on the DV)
State whether the null hypothesis was accepted or rejected.
Remember hypotheses are accepted or rejected based on the P value only. “The means of
the experimental groups were significantly different (P<0.05).” “The __ group was
statistically different from the control with a P<0.01).” “There was no statistically
significant difference between the means of ____ and _____ (P>0.05).”
Whether the alternative hypothesis was supported or not supported. The alternative
hypothesis is your original hypothesis – Make sure you review your original
hypothesis and do not change it to match your experimental outcome.
You should refer to your statistical table(s) (no raw data) For example: “As shown in
Table 1……..”) Make sure your table is labeled Table 1 (or 2, etc.) with a descriptive
table mentioning the IV and DV. Ex: Table 1: Put title here…..
Refer to your graph in the same way, except graphs are called Figures and their titles are
on the bottom of the graph. Ex: Figure 1: Put title here…..
This section should be 1-2 pages (including your tables and graphs!).
TABLES
 Make a table(s) for your raw data as well as a summary of the statistics done
 Your raw data goes in the data section of your notebook, but NOT in the results section
of your SRP Paper. ONLY the summary of statistics goes in the results section of the
SRP Paper and on your Display Board. (Again, see Appendix B, page 91 for examples of
statistical tables.)
 Columns and rows must be straight and neat (typed).
 Headings (with UNITS) are required on all columns and rows.
 Titles go above the table, typed in ALL CAPS
Ex: TABLE 1: PLANT HEIGHT (cm) VERSUS LIGHT EXPOSURE.
GRAPHS
 Can be either a line graph or a bar graph. Line graphs show trends or relationships. Bar
graphs are used for comparison.
 Do not make line or bar graphs for RAW data. Only graph the means (averages) for each
variable or condition you are testing, as well as the control group (s).
 The independent variable goes on the X-axis, the dependent variable goes on the Y-axis.
Label axes with names and units. Include a key. Titles go below the graph, typed in
ALL CAPS
Ex: FIGURE 1: PLANT HEIGHT (cm) VERSUS LIGHT EXPOSURE
 Use software packages to create graphs when possible. No graphs are to be done on loose
leaf paper with hand drawn lines.
Tables and Graphs go after your Results Summary text.
CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions section of your SRP Paper includes the items listed below:
 What was the purpose/significance of the experiment?
 Claim: –Was the experimental (alternative) hypothesis supported or note supported?
(never proved!)
 Give Evidence for the claim—refer to the data and statistical tests. This is an important
explanation—the main purpose of the conclusion. Explain how the data support the
claim. Never leave it up to your reader to draw connections.
 Tell us the science behind why the IV had this effect (or lack thereof) on the DV.
Use the evidence in the Literature Review section of your SRP Paper to support
your conclusions. That is why you wrote the Literature Review…so, refer back to
it!!
 If applicable, stating and explaining the mathematical relationship between the IV and
DV.
 Brief analysis of uncertainty
 Systematic error?
 Random error?
 Analysis of limitations - limitations of the instrumentation/methods available
 Generalizability of results – can your results be generalized to all humans, all insects, all
types of sports balls, all foods that contain vitamin C, …?
 Future Directions.
 Improvements to the procedure, sample size, etc. (be realistic)
 Improvements to the statistical analysis
 Questions raised from your research (future direction for research in this area)
 This section should be 1-3 pages.
Tips:

Refer to your aims/hypothesis – don’t lose sight of the goal!

Never make a claim without evidence from your experiment or several other previous
experiments.

Take yourself out of it. No third person (No “I”), no subjective statements.

Don’t be afraid to admit that your hypothesis wasn’t supported! Some of the greatest
discoveries come when the results are unexpected.

If your hypothesis is not supported, do not use the evaluation purely to explain why the
experiment “failed;” instead, consider what might have gone wrong, or why the IV
really had no effect on the DV, as well as what new directions you might go in,
assuming that you didn’t “mess up.”

Don’t overstate the significance of your findings, but do admit to success!

Be concise. This is not creative writing class. Stick to the facts and findings and relate it
back to your Literature Review (what other experiments or research has documented in
the past).