Unit – 4
Interpretation and Report Writing
Interpretation of data refers to the activity after an empirical and/or experimental analysis of drawing inferences from the collected evidence. It is, in reality, a quest for a wider interpretation of the research results. There are two main aspects of the role of interpretation.
- The effort to create research consistency by linking the findings of a given study with those of another study, and the creation of such explanatory principles.
In one sense, interpretation is concerned with relationships, partly overlapping research, within the collected data. Interpretation also stretches beyond the research data to include the findings of other studies, theories and hypotheses.1 Thus, interpretation is the instrument by which it is possible to better understand the variables that appear to clarify what the researcher has found in the course of the analysis, and it also offers a theoretical conception that can serve as a guide for further studies.
The interpretation technique also includes the following steps:
1. The researcher must provide clear descriptions of the relationships he has identified and must view the relationship lines in terms of the underlying processes and try to figure out the thread of uniformity under the surface layer of his diversified research findings.
This is, in fact, the technique of how to perform generalization and formulate concepts.
2. Extraneous information must be considered when interpreting the final results of the research study, if gathered during the study, because it may prove to be a key factor in understanding the problem under consideration.
3. Before embarking on final interpretation, it is best to consult someone who has insight into the study and who is truthful and frank and does not hesitate to point out omissions and errors in logical argumentation. Such a consultation will result in the right interpretation and, thus, will increase the usefulness of the findings of the study.
4. To prevent false generalization, the researcher must perform the task of interpretation only after taking into account all relevant factors affecting the problem. When analyzing findings, he must be in no rush, for very sometimes the conclusions, which seem to be all right at the beginning, cannot be correct at all.
Key Takeaways:
- Data interpretation refers to the task after an empirical and/or experimental analysis of drawing inferences from the information collected.
- Interpretation also extends to include the results of other research, theory and hypotheses beyond the study data.
- Before embarking on final interpretation, it is best to consult someone who has insight into the research and who is truthful and honest and does not hesitate to point out omissions and flaws in logical argumentation.
- Researcher must conduct the interpretation task only after taking into account all relevant factors affecting the problem to prevent false generalization
A study report is a well-crafted document detailing the procedures, facts, and results of a systematic investigation. It is an important document that serves as a first-hand account of the research process and is generally regarded as an accurate and objective source of data.
A research report can be regarded in many ways as a summary of the research process that clearly highlights findings, recommendations, and other significant details. You should be provided with all the information you need about the core areas of the research process by reading a well-written research report.
Importance of a Report on Research
- Transfer of Knowledge
One of the reasons for conducting research, as already stated above, is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and this is made possible with a research report. A study report serves as a means of effectively communicating the results of a systematic investigation to everyone
- Identification of gaps in knowledge
You'd be able to identify knowledge gaps for further inquiry with a research report. A study report demonstrates what has been done while pointing to other areas that need systematic investigation.
- A research report would help you to understand the market needs and peculiarities in market research at a glance.
- A research report allows you to present information in an accurate and concise way.
- It is time-efficient and practical because you do not need to spend time detailing the findings of your research work in person in a research report. You can easily send the report via email and have it looked at by stakeholders.
The five essentials of a perfect research report are listed below.
1. Precision of Facts
In quoting facts and statistical data, a report writer should be extra careful. Since the information provided in the report is research-based, the findings and analysis of which are used to make crucial decisions, a writer must collect information from academic and legitimate sources and must review the information at least twice in order to avoid incorrect information being presented.
2. Accuracy and Objectivity
Any academic subject should keep in mind that such a research paper should be objective in nature, i.e. free of the personal opinions of the writer, before writing a report. The actual aim of the report is also clear to a professional essay writer and does not drift away from it throughout the paper.
When it is written with precision, a writer can turn a report into a valuable research paper because it brings credibility and trust in the results or information provided in the report.
3. Pertinence
Relevance is another characteristic of a good quality report.A report writer must always provide certain scientific evidence, figures and facts which are important to the actual topic or purpose of the report. It may make the paper poor and its conclusions misleading by quoting details from irrelevant sources. The trick here is to check only for the relevant information from academic sources, such as journals, published papers, books, etc.
4. Clarity
For an academic paper, a student must prepare a rough description of the items that will be included in the text. Using pointers can aid in answering all the key points in the paper. Also the language of the report should be simple and straightforward. Try to avoid long sentences and complex words but at the same time, the language should be formal and academic.
5. Perfect Format
Your report should follow a standard format which includes abstract, introduction, study or review, results/findings, conclusion and references.
Structure of a Research Study
- Title
The title of your systematic investigation is this. Your title should be concise and point to a research report's aims, goals, and findings.
- The Contents Table
This is like a compass that makes the research report easier for readers to navigate.
- Abstract
An abstract is an overview that highlights all the important aspects of the study, including the method of research, the process of data collection, and the results of the research. Think of an abstract as a summary of your research report that concisely presents relevant information.
An abstract is always brief; 100-150 words are typical and goes straight to the point.
- Presentation
Here, the researcher highlights the systematic investigation's priorities and objectives as well as the issue to be solved by the systematic investigation. It is also important to show whether the purposes of the study were accomplished or would need further work while writing the report introduction.
The researcher specifies the research issue in the introduction section and also explains the importance of the systematic investigation. The researcher is also expected to detail any jargons and terminologies in the report.
- Study of Literature
A published analysis of current expertise in the field of research is a literature review. In other words, it is the segment where you have a summary and review of various research papers related to your systematic research.
It highlights current research expertise and areas that your research has tried to fill in need of further investigation.
At this stage, you can also hint at your research hypothesis and its possible implications for the existing body of knowledge in your field of study.
- An Account of Investigation
This is a detailed account of the research process, including the methodology, sample, and research subjects. Here, you are expected to provide in-depth information on the research process including the data collection and analysis procedures.
In a quantitative research report, you'd need to provide information surveys, questionnaires and other quantitative data collection methods used in your research. In a qualitative research report, you are expected to describe the qualitative data collection methods used in your research including interviews and focus groups.
- Findings
In this section, you are expected to present the results of the systematic investigation.
- Discussion
This section further explains the findings of the research, earlier outlined. Here, you are expected to present a justification for each outcome and show whether the results are in line with your hypotheses or if other research studies have come up with similar results.
- Conclusions
This is a summary of all the information in the report. It also outlines the significance of the entire study.
- References and Appendices
This section contains a list of all the primary and secondary research sources.
Types of Research Report
The research report is classified based on 2 things; nature of research and target audience.
Nature of Research
Qualitative Research Report
This is the type of report written for qualitative research. It outlines the methods, processes, and findings of a qualitative method of systematic investigation. In educational research, a qualitative research report provides an opportunity for one to apply his or her knowledge and develop skills in planning and executing qualitative research projects.
A qualitative research report is usually descriptive in nature. Hence, in addition to presenting details of the research process, you must also create a descriptive narrative of the information.
Quantitative Research Report
A quantitative research report is a type of research report that is written for quantitative research. Quantitative research is a type of systematic investigation that pays attention to numerical or statistical values in a bid to find answers to research questions.
In this type of research report, the researcher presents quantitative data to support the research process and findings. Unlike a qualitative research report that is mainly descriptive, a quantitative research report works with numbers; that is, it is numerical in nature.
Target Audience
Also, a research report can be said to be technical or popular based on the target audience. If you're dealing with a general audience, you would need to present a popular research report, and if you're dealing with a specialized audience, you would submit a technical report.
Technical Research Report
A technical research report is a detailed document that you present after carrying out industry-based research. This report is highly specialized because it provides information for a technical audience; that is, individuals with above-average knowledge in the field of study.
In a technical research report, the researcher is expected to provide specific information about the research process, including statistical analyses and sampling methods. Also, the use of language is highly specialized and filled with jargon.
Examples of a technical research report include legal and medical research reports.
Popular Research Report
A popular research report is one for a general audience; that is, for individuals who do not necessarily have any knowledge in the field of study. A popular research report aims to make information accessible to everyone.
It is written in very simple language, which makes it easy to understand the findings and recommendations. Examples of popular research reports are the information contained in newspapers and magazines.
Key Takeaways:
- A research report is a well-crafted document that outlines the processes, data, and findings of a systematic investigation.
- It is an important document that serves as a first-hand account of the research process, and it is typically considered as an objective and accurate source of information.
- As already stated above, one of the reasons for carrying out research is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and this is made possible with a research report.
- A popular research report is one for a general audience; that is, for individuals who do not necessarily have any knowledge in the field of study
Reference Books:
1) Research Methods in Accounting, Malcolm Smith
2) Research Methods and Methodology in Finance and Accounting, by Viv Beattie and Bob Ryan
