Analysing, interpreting and research reports
After collecting information, researchers have to make sense of their research findings. Their analysis will depend on whether the data collected was qualitative Qualitative research seeks to answer questions about why and how people behave in the way they do. It provides in depth information about human behaviour. or quantitativeQuantitative research is explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data. This data is then analysed using mathematically based methods. information.
Once the information is analysed, the researcher will revisit the aims and objectives and directly address their original research question.
Written report formats
Written research projects usually follow very similar formats.
Title
Make sure your title has a clear focus and allows enough scope The extent of the area or subject matter which is relevant. for both primary and secondary research.
Introduction
This should set the context and purpose of the work. There should be a personal explanation as to why the title has been chosen. This could be an area of interest, a topic related to future study or a connection to today’s society. The introduction is an overview of the topic and any expected conclusions.
Aims and objectives
Aims are general statements describing what will be explored in order to answer or fulfil the title.
Objectives are specific statements which refer to how the aims will be achieved. These should be practical, measureable and achievable.
Research methods
This section should include a description of how the data was collected.
Results
The results section is for displaying the data collected and an analysis of the results. Often this includes tables, graphs and charts to show a summary of the findings with a commentary.
Conclusion
This will include a statement of the findings, together with possible explanations and conclusions. It will also include an evaluation of the research carried out and the methodology. Future research opportunities may also be mentioned in this section.
Bibliography
This is a detailed description of the sources of information used. References within a bibliography will include:
- author's name
- date of publication
- title
- place of publication
- publisher's name
Here is an example of how to lay out a bibliography.
Paterson, L. (2003). Scottish Education in the Twentieth Century. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
An annotated bibliography also includes a brief description of the content, quality and usefulness of the source.
Appendix
An appendix includes anything that has been mentioned in the report, but does not need to be in the main body. This may be because it is too long or contains information that is not essential to the research, but could be interesting if someone wishes to learn more.
A typical appendix might include a clean or empty template of any questionnaire used (completed questionnaires are not required), the transcript of any interviews undertaken or a record sheet of observations.
