Interpreting Research

HOW TO PRESENT RESEARCH RESULTS: 

• Research results are presented in the research report in either graphs, tables, or written summary dot points 

• The method of presenting data is up to the researcher, and depends on the TYPE of data collected 

• QUANTITATIVE data is presented in graphs or tables 

• QUALITATIVE data is presented in either written dot point summaries or tables 

Graphs

• Graphs are used to present QUANTITATIVE data. They create a visual representation of the data 

• They allow the researcher to present statistics, and show trends and patterns  in the reserach data. 

• Types include bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, scatter plots

• Choose the right graph type based on the data and the message you want to convey.

• Label axes clearly and include a title 

• Use colors and legends to enhance understanding.

• Avoid clutter and ensure the graph is easy to interpret.

Tables

• The purpose of displaying primary data in tables is to present information in a structured, clear, and efficient manner, where the data can be easily compared. 

• Organize data in rows and columns.

• Useful for displaying precise values and facilitating comparisons.

• Clearly label columns and rows.

• Use formatting, such as bold headers or shading, to distinguish elements.

• Keep tables concise and avoid unnecessary detail.

• Include units of measurement where applicable.

• Ensure consistency in data presentation throughout the table.

Qualitative Information - Dot point summaries 

• If you have qualitative questions the information needs to be summarised into dot points. 

• The purpose is to summarise key findings and insights

• When people respond to qualitative questions they may write similar answers but use different wording. 

eg Person 1- I agree that parents should not smack children as it may encourage them to smack others who they think are wrong. 

Person 2- I agree. If parents use violence against their kids they will see it as acceptable.

• Both of these can be summarised as 2 respondents agreed that smacking is not the right way to deal with your children because it can lead to the child also using violence.

• If you have some responses that are different you should also add them in summarise them separately or write them in your own words always indicate the amount or percentage of responses for each of your summaries. If there are a lot of different responses you can just say the responses included these ideas......

• Organize data logically, using headings and subheadings.

In your analysis you are attempting to provide an understanding of the results of your research, and draw conclusions. 

YOU DO NOT JUST EXPLAIN WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND IN YOUR RESULTS!

• Throughout the analysis, the researcher needs to make connections between the primary research to the secondary research (literature review). 

• These connections show similarities and differences between the information that the articles in the literature review included and  what the researcher has found through conducting their own research methods

If there are differences make sure that you suggest reasons why the differences may have occurred. Eg

• If you had a smaller or less diverse sample group

• If you asked questions in a way that people have not clearly understood so they have responded differently than intended

• If you there is some other variable that you had not anticipated. eg during the time of corona virus people's ideas and opinions may have become more pronounced over the powers Government has or the use of vaccines to protect the community. 

• Or any other relevant reason for the differences

You need to make reference to the article and link to a graph, table or qualitative summary from your results. 

Steps: 

1. Review your research by asking yourself the following questions: 

• What are the most common responses?

• What feeling/s was expressed by most of the people?

• Were there any differences/ similarities between the age groups, gender groups, cultural groups in my sample?  

• What were the most frequent results?

• What did I find compared to what I expected?

2. You then need to interpret your findings by making comparisons and describing patterns and relationships that relate to your research question. Consider using the following prompts to get you started… 

The results indicate that …

• The evidence for this can be seen in Figure A … 

• A trend that exists in the data is … 

• Subjects in the age group of 20-15 were more likely to favour …

3. You also need to compare your findings with the literature. 

• This aligns with Bailey’s (2017) which states that … 

• The result of this study contrast that of Bailey (2017). Bailey (2017) stated that … The reasons for these differences can be attributed to… 

• ** For any major differences between your research findings and the literature your need to account for why. For example, did you use a smaller sample size? Did you survey mostly one gender? Could the age of your participants impact on their level of knowledge? Did you limit your samples to a particular geographic location? Were your questions clear and easy for participants to understand and interpret? 

For example: The data collected suggest that part time work does have a large effect on students studies. Figure 1 shows that 70% of students stated that work occasionally affected their studies, with 37% of students stating that it had a negative effect. 70% of students state that work occasionally causes them to become too tired to concentrate on their studies and 56% of students said that occasionally their standard of study dropped. This research aligns with the findings of Bailey (2017) who states that “.........”. Thus, these results indicate that part time work has a negative impact on a student's studies. 

When comparing the primary and secondary data, you need to make sure that you are making research CONCLUSIONS 

--> stating what you have actually found 

 The final step is to make recommendations/ suggestions for further research. 

EG: 

• What could be done to improve the quality of the study? (eg. in future use a larger sample size, in future use a more diverse sample of the population; use a different research method...)

• Is there a specific area of your reserach that could be resrach more in depth in the future? Or a different direction that could be researched? 

WHAT A GOOD ONE LOOKS LIKE  - Take a look at an effective analysis HERE! 

Bibliography

• You need to include all sources of data utilised for your research project, this is an important ethical behaviour. By acknowledging the sources you are crediting the work of people whose work you have used to inform your research. 

• Use the correct APA format for our school IRP.

Appendix

• An appendix is a raw data or extra information, generally provided at the end or after the citation page of the document with references in the main text. Sometimes, its placement is suggested by the teacher or professor when you are writing an assignment for your school. It is used to provide your readers the additional insights on the topic being discussed in that document.  

Why is it included in the end and not within the main body of the paper? Because it contains the extra information, it may not be useful to the entire audience or the time and space may not allow you to include in the main body. It supports the important points in your paper, but not everybody would be interested in reading that extra information. So including it in the main body would make it irrelevant when it is not useful for everybody.

What can you include in an appendix?

You can include any or all of the types mentioned below as part of your appendix in a paper depending on the need.

1. Texts or paragraph

2. Graphs or Charts

3. Examples with images, photographs, and illustrations

4. Drawings, diagrams, and maps

5. Links to websites

6. List of suggested reading

7. Complete text of interviews, observation notes and/or all raw data from questionnaires.