Reporting Results for a Behavior-Science Audience

When disseminating research in the form of a manuscript, researchers showcase their outcomes in the Results section. Data are the foundation of any healthy scientific discipline, and scientific progress depends on the effective communication of data. Inasmuch, the potential impact of a manuscript depends heavily on the quality of its Results section. In this chapter, we will explore topics that authors must consider when they set out to write a Results section. These include identifying which data to display, selecting appropriate data-analysis strategies, graphically displaying data, and ensuring integrity in data reporting. Much of the material that we cover may be considered standard fare when writing a Results section, but we also provide aspirational recommendations to enhance research transparency and to encourage healthy scientific behavior on the part of authors. This chapter was written by behavioral scientists with an audience of behavioral scientists in mind, so we will present material in a manner that is tailored for a behavioral audience. Nevertheless, our recommendations would also be helpful to scientists from a wide range of disciplines.