Results

Results are the outputs produced by a process, experiment, calculation, or action. They indicate what occurred after applying methods or inputs and serve as the basis for interpretation, decision-making, and theory testing.

In research and science, results are the recorded observations or measurements obtained from experiments, surveys, or simulations. They are typically organized into descriptive summaries and inferential analyses, including means, variability, and, where appropriate, statistical tests, p-values, and confidence intervals. Clear reporting includes the sample size, conditions, units, and any data processing steps. The results are distinct from conclusions, which interpret what the results imply about hypotheses or theories.

Results must be reported with transparency about uncertainty and potential sources of bias, and they should be reproducible when enough information about methods and data is provided. Visual representations, such as tables and figures, are common to convey results efficiently.

In other domains, results refer to observable outcomes of actions: sports results (scores and standings), business or project performance (revenue, growth, key performance indicators), and information retrieval (search results with ranking and relevance). In computing, results may refer to outputs of algorithms or computations, including numerical results, classifications, or predictions.

Understanding results involves interpreting their significance in context, assessing practical impact, and acknowledging limitations. Properly framed results distinguish what was found from what it means, guiding subsequent research, policy, or practice.