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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 the effort to establish continuity in research through linking the results of a given study with those of another the establishment of some explanatory concepts 2
Explanations Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the relations which he has found and he must interpret the lines of relationship. Extraneous information Extraneous information 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. 3
Guidance 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. Relevant Factors Researcher must accomplish the task of interpretation only after considering all relevant factors affecting the problem to avoid false generalization. 4
Researcher must pay attention to the following points for correct interpretation: Researcher must invariably satisfy himself that the data are appropriate, trustworthy and adequate for drawing inferences the data reflect good homogeneity proper analysis has been done through statistical methods The researcher must remain cautious about the errors that can possibly arise in the process of interpreting results. He should be well equipped with and must know the correct use of statistical measures for drawing inferences concerning his study. 5
The task of interpretation is very much intertwined with analysis and cannot be distinctly separated. He must never lose sight of the fact that his task is not only to make sensitive observations of relevant occurrences, but also to identify and disengage the factors that are initially hidden to the eye. 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
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A document giving summarized and interpretive information of research done based on factual data, opinions and about procedure used by the individual or group. RE+PORT = to carry information again. 8
To inform and convince Incomplete till presented and written Effectively communicated Tools for decision making 9
The usual steps involved in writing report are: 1. logical analysis of the subject-matter 2. preparation of the final outline 3. preparation of the rough draft 4. rewriting and polishing 5. preparation of the final bibliography 6. writing the final draft. 10
Preliminary Section Main TextEnd Matter 11
Title Page The title of the research study The name of the researcher The name of faculty and institution to which the report is submitted The degree for which the report is to be presented The data of presenting it. Acknowledgement In the process of carrying out any research, the researcher would have received help from different persons and organizations. So all those helps should be acknowledged under this heading. 12
Abstract Abstract give an overview of the research report outlining the title of research, objectives, short comings of the existing literature, need for further research, proposed measure of performance and research methods, result of comparison and highlights of inferences. Table of contents followed by list of tables and illustrations so that the decision-maker or anybody interested in reading the report can easily locate the required information in the report. 13
The main text of the report should have the following sections: Introduction Review of Literature Statement of findings and recommendations The results The implications drawn from the results The summary. 14
The purpose of introduction is to introduce the research project to the readers. It should contain a clear statement of the objectives of research. Purpose of the research must be stated The methodology adopted in conducting the study must be fully explained. To decide the method of data collection either by means of questionnaires or interviews. The statistical analysis adopted must also be clearly stated 15
This section reviews the important literature related to the study. Previous research studies are abstracted and significant writing of authors in the area under study is reviewed. 16
Statement of findings and recommendations shall be written in non-technical language, so that it can be easily understood by all concerned. If the findings happen to be extensive, at this point they should be mentioned in the summarised form. 17
A detailed presentation of the findings of the study, with supporting data in the form of tables and charts together with a validation of results. The result section of the report should contain statistical summaries and reductions of the data rather than the raw data. All the results should be presented in logical sequence and splitted into readily identifiable sections. 18
A statement of the inferences drawn from the present study which may be expected to apply in similar circumstances. The conditions of the present study which may limit the extent of legitimate generalizations of the inferences drawn from the study. The relevant questions that still remain unanswered or new questions raised by the study along with suggestions for the kind of research that would provide answers for them. 19
Summary of a research report includes a very brief summary, resting in brief the research problem, the methodology, the major findings and the major conclusions drawn from the research results. 20
Appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data such as questionnaires, sample information, mathematical derivations etc. Bibliography of sources consulted should also be given. Index (an alphabetical listing of names, places and topics along with the numbers of the pages in a book or report on which they are mentioned or discussed) 21
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