Finals: INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Question 1

Explaining the story behind your data. Connecting findings to your research question.
Answering:
What does the data mean?
Why is it important?

Answer 1

Interpretation

Question 2

Briefly summarize the key findings from your data analysis.
Use precise numbers or themes where applicable.

Answer 2

Step 1: Start with a Restatement of Results

Question 3

Explain how your findings address the research question or hypothesis.
Highlight whether the results support or contradict your expectations.

Answer 3

Step 2: Link Results to Research Questions or Hypotheses

Question 4

● Compare your findings with previous studies or theories.
● Emphasize similarities or differences.
● Example:
“This finding aligns with Smith et al.’s (2020) study, which reported similar reductions in stress levels following an 8-week mindfulness program. However, our results show a slightly higher improvement, possibly due to the inclusion of daily mindfulness exercises.”

Answer 4

step 3: Provide Context with Literature

Question 5

● Discuss the practical or theoretical significance of the findings.
● Suggest how the results might influence future practices or policies.
● Example:
“The improvement in sleep quality among the exercise group highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into college wellness programs to promote better mental health and academic performance.”

Answer 5

Step 4: Highlight the Implications

Question 6

● Acknowledge any results that deviate from expectations.
● Offer possible explanations or hypotheses.
● Example:
“Contrary to our expectations, students who slept more than 8 hours had lower test scores than those with 6-8 hours of sleep. This may be due to oversleeping, which has been associated with reduced cognitive efficiency in some studies.”

Answer 6

Step 5: Address Unexpected Results

Question 7

● Point out limitations that might have influenced the results.
● Use this section to show critical thinking without undermining your study.
● Example:
“A limitation of this study is the reliance on self-reported sleep data, which may be subject to recall bias. Future research could incorporate objective measures like actigraphy.”

Answer 7

Step 6: Discuss Limitations

Question 8

● Recommend areas for further investigation based on your findings.
● Example:
“Future research could explore whether combining mindfulness with exercise results in greater benefits for stress reduction and academic performance.”

Answer 8

Step 7: Suggest Future Research Directions