Keywords: how to write the summary of findings, writing chapter 5 in research, summary of findings in research, research results summary, chapter 5 thesis writing
How to Write the Summary of Findings
Writing the Summary of Findings can feel confusing if you’re not sure what to include and what to leave out. This section is your chance to present what your research actually discovered — short, clear, and focused.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to write the Summary of Findings, what goes into it, how to organize it, and what common mistakes to avoid.
What Is the Summary of Findings?
Before writing, it’s important to understand the purpose of this section.
The Summary of Findings is the first major part of Chapter 5 in a thesis or research paper. It provides a clear, objective report of the main research results — without explanation, interpretation, or analysis.
Specifically, this section:
- Presents the key findings from your study
- Answers each research question or hypothesis
- Summarizes results without discussing what they mean
- Matches the flow and format of your earlier chapters
- Serves as the foundation for your discussion and recommendations
Think of it as a highlight reel of your research results — nothing more, nothing less.
Step-by-Step: How to Write the Summary of Findings
Here’s a clear structure to follow when writing this section.
1. Begin With a Short Intro Sentence
Start with a short sentence or paragraph to introduce the section.
Example:
This chapter presents the summary of findings based on the research questions outlined in Chapter 1.
2. Restate Each Research Question or Objective
State each research question or objective, one by one, in the order you presented them in Chapter 1. This keeps your structure consistent.
Example:
Research Question 1: What is the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among senior high school students?
3. Present the Finding That Answers It
Follow each question or objective with a short, factual statement of the finding. No discussion, no opinions — just the result.
Example (Quantitative):
A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.63) was found between sleep quality scores and academic performance, suggesting that students with better sleep quality tend to have higher grades.
Example (Qualitative):
Participants identified three main factors influencing online learning success: self-discipline, access to stable internet, and instructor support.
4. Repeat for All Questions or Objectives
Do this for every question or objective. Use bullet points or numbered lists if needed, especially for clarity and readability.
Tips for Writing the Summary of Findings
- ✅ Be concise — 1–3 sentences per finding is usually enough.
- ✅ Use past tense — you’re reporting completed results.
- ✅ Use parallel structure — keep the format and tone consistent.
- ✅ Include important stats or themes — but don’t go deep.
- ✅ Stick to facts only — save interpretation for the discussion section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing lengthy explanations or interpretations
- ❌ Copy-pasting content from Chapter 4
- ❌ Adding findings that weren’t presented earlier
- ❌ Being too vague or general
- ❌ Changing the order of your research questions
Sample Paragraph (for Reference)
This study aimed to explore the impact of flexible working arrangements on employee productivity. Three research questions were addressed. First, 78% of respondents reported increased productivity when given the option to work remotely. Second, teams with hybrid work models completed 15% more tasks on average compared to fully in-office teams. Lastly, interviews revealed that autonomy, reduced commuting stress, and flexible scheduling were the most cited contributors to increased productivity.
Final Reminders
Your Summary of Findings is not a discussion, not an interpretation, and not a deep dive. It’s a results-focused summary, written to be clear, direct, and easy to match with your research questions.
Keep it clean. Keep it focused. Let the data speak for itself.
Would You Like Help With the Next Section?
Up next in Chapter 5: the Discussion Section — where you explain what your findings mean and how they connect to past research.
I can help you build that section too, with a full step-by-step writing guide and sample paragraphs.
Continue Learning: Explore Chapter 5 in Full
Want to see how the Summary of Findings fits into the rest of Chapter 5?
👉 Go to the Complete Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendations Guide
Includes full structure breakdowns, examples, and templates for every section — from findings to final recommendations.
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