Interpretation and report writing module 3
- 1. Module 3 Interpretation and Report Writing
- 2. MEANING OF INTERPRETATION • Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the collected facts after an analytical and/or experimental study. • The task of interpretation has two major aspects viz., (i) the effort to establish continuity in research through linking the results of a given study with those of another, and (ii) the establishment of some explanatory concepts. • Interpretation is the device through which the factors that seem to explain what has been observed by researcher in the course of the study can be better understood and it also provides a theoretical conception which can serve as a guide for further researches.
- 3. WHY INTERPRETATION? • Interpretation is essential for the simple reason that the usefulness and utility of research findings lie in proper interpretation. • It is being considered a basic component of research process because of the following reasons: (i) It is through interpretation that the researcher can well understand the abstract principle that works beneath his findings. (ii) Interpretation leads to the establishment of explanatory concepts that can serve as a guide for future research studies (iii) Researcher can better appreciate only through interpretation why his findings are what they are and can make others to understand the real significance of his research findings. (iv) The interpretation of the findings of exploratory research study often results into hypotheses for experimental research and as such interpretation is involved in the transition from exploratory to experimental research. Since an exploratory study does not have a hypothesis to start with, the findings of such a study have to be interpreted on a post-factum basis in which case the interpretation is technically described as ‘post factum’ interpretation.
- 4. TECHNIQUE OF INTERPRETATION Interpretation is an art that one learns through practice and experience. The researcher may, at times, seek the guidance from experts for accomplishing the task of interpretation. The technique of interpretation often involves the following steps: (i) Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the relations which he has found and he must interpret the lines of relationship in terms of the underlying processes and must try to find out the thread of uniformity that lies under the surface layer of his diversified research findings. (ii) Extraneous information, if collected during the study, must be considered while interpreting the final results of research study, for it may prove to be a key factor in understanding the problem under consideration. (iii) It is advisable, before embarking upon final interpretation, to consult someone having insight into the study and who is frank and honest and will not hesitate to point out omissions and errors in logical argumentation. Such a consultation will result in correct interpretation and, thus, will enhance the utility of research results. (iv) Researcher must accomplish the task of interpretation only after considering all relevant factors affecting the problem to avoid false generalization. He must be in no hurry while interpreting results, for quite often the conclusions, which appear to be all right at the beginning, may not at all be accurate.
- 5. PRECAUTIONS IN INTERPRETATION Researcher must pay attention to the following points for correct interpretation: (i) At the outset, researcher must invariably satisfy himself that (a) the data are appropriate, trustworthy and adequate for drawing inferences; (b) the data reflect good homogeneity; and that (c) proper analysis has been done through statistical methods. (ii) The researcher must remain cautious about the errors that can possibly arise in the process of interpreting results. Errors can arise due to false generalization and/or due to wrong interpretation of statistical measures, such as the application of findings beyond the range of observations, identification of correlation with causation and the like. Another major pitfall is the tendency to affirm that definite relationships exist on the basis of confirmation of particular hypotheses (iii) He must always keep in view that the task of interpretation is very much intertwined with analysis and cannot be distinctly separated. (iv) Broad generalisation should be avoided as most research is not amenable to it because the coverage may be restricted to a particular time, a particular area and particular conditions. Such restrictions, if any, must invariably be specified and the results must be framed within their limits. (v) The researcher must remember that “ideally in the course of a research study, there should be constant interaction between initial hypothesis, empirical observation and theoretical conceptions.
- 6. DIFFERENT STEPS IN WRITING REPORT The usual steps involved in writing report are: (a) logical analysis of the subject-matter; (b) preparation of the final outline; (c) preparation of the rough draft; (d) rewriting and polishing; (c) preparation of the final bibliography; and (f) writing the final draft.
- 7. LAYOUT OF THE RESEARCH REPORT A comprehensive layout of the research report should comprise (A) preliminary pages; (B) the main text; (i) Introduction; (ii) Statement of findings and recommendations; (iii) The results; (iv) The implications drawn from the results; and (v) The summary. (C) the end matter
- 8. TYPES OF REPORTS • A technical report is used whenever a full written report of the study is required whether for recordkeeping or for public dissemination. • A popular report is used if the research results have policy implications.
- 9. (A) Technical Report A general outline of a technical report can be as follows: 1. Summary of results: A brief review of the main findings just in two or three pages. 2. Nature of the study: Description of the general objectives of study, formulation of the problem in operational terms, the working hypothesis, the type of analysis and data required, etc. 3. Methods employed: Specific methods used in the study and their limitations. For instance, in sampling studies we should give details of sample design viz., sample size, sample selection, etc. 4. Data: Discussion of data collected, their sources, characteristics and limitations. If secondary data are used, their suitability to the problem at hand be fully assessed. In case of a survey, the manner in which data were collected should be fully described. 5. Analysis of data and presentation of findings: The analysis of data and presentation of the findings of the study with supporting data in the form of tables and charts be fully narrated. This, in fact, happens to be the main body of the report usually extending over several chapters. 6. Conclusions: A detailed summary of the findings and the policy implications drawn from the results be explained. 7. Bibliography: Bibliography of various sources consulted be prepared and attached. 8. Technical appendices: Appendices be given for all technical matters relating to questionnaire, mathematical derivations, elaboration on particular technique of analysis and the like ones. 9. Index: Index must be prepared and be given invariably in the report at the end.
- 10. (B) Popular Report a general outline of a popular report: 1. The findings and their implications: Emphasis in the report is given on the findings of most practical interest and on the implications of these findings. 2. Recommendations for action: Recommendations for action on the basis of the findings of the study is made in this section of the report. 3. Objective of the study: A general review of how the problem arise is presented along with the specific objectives of the project under study. 4. Methods employed: A brief and non-technical description of the methods and techniques used, including a short review of the data on which the study is based, is given in this part of the report. 5. Results: This section constitutes the main body of the report wherein the results of the study are presented in clear and non-technical terms with liberal use of all sorts of illustrations such as charts, diagrams and the like ones. 6. Technical appendices: More detailed information on methods used, forms, etc. is presented in the form of appendices. But the appendices are often not detailed if the report is entirely meant for general public.