The American Sociological Association (ASA) format is widely used in sociological research papers. The results section is a critical component where researchers present their findings in a clear and structured manner. This section typically includes statistical analyses, tables, and figures that support the research hypotheses. Here are three diverse examples illustrating how to effectively write the results section in ASA format.
This example presents findings from a study investigating the effects of online learning platforms on high school students’ academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The analysis utilized standardized test scores before and after the implementation of online learning. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in student performance.
In the analysis of the impact of online learning on student performance, a paired t-test was conducted comparing the standardized test scores of 200 students from Fall 2019 (M = 75.4, SD = 10.2) to Spring 2021 (M = 82.1, SD = 9.8). The results indicated a statistically significant increase in scores (t(199) = 6.43, p < .001). Furthermore, 65% of students reported feeling more engaged in their studies when using online platforms, as illustrated in Table 1.
| Group | Fall 2019 Mean | Spring 2021 Mean | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 75.4 | 82.1 | < .001 |
This example includes statistical analysis, descriptive statistics, and a table for clarity. Researchers should ensure that the presentation of results aligns with the study’s objectives.
This example examines gender differences in social media usage among adults aged 18-30 using survey data collected from 500 participants.
The study analyzes how often participants engage with various platforms, revealing significant differences in usage patterns based on gender.
The results of the survey indicated that female participants reported higher usage of social media than male participants. Specifically, 78% of females reported daily usage of social media platforms compared to 62% of males (χ²(1, N = 500) = 12.34, p < .001). Table 2 summarizes the frequency of social media usage across genders.
| Gender | Daily Usage (% of Participants) |
|---|---|
| Female | 78% |
| Male | 62% |
This example highlights the use of chi-square tests for categorical data analysis. The use of tables enhances readability and provides a quick reference for key findings.
This example explores the relationship between regular physical exercise and mental health outcomes in adults aged 30-50, based on a longitudinal study of 300 participants.
The results focus on self-reported improvements in mental health metrics after a 12-week exercise program.
The study utilized a repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes in mental health scores before and after the 12-week exercise intervention. Results showed a significant improvement in mental health scores (F(1, 299) = 15.67, p < .001) with a mean increase of 10.5 points (M_pre = 65.0, SD = 12.0; M_post = 75.5, SD = 10.5). The findings are illustrated in Figure 1, which depicts the mean mental health scores over time.
This example incorporates a repeated measures ANOVA, showcasing the importance of using appropriate statistical methods. Visual aids like figures can effectively convey trends in the data.
By adhering to these structured examples of ASA format results section, researchers can present their findings clearly and concisely, facilitating better understanding and engagement with their audience.