Meaning of Interpretation

 “Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences

from the collected facts after an analytical and/or
experimental study”.

 Infact, it is a search for broader meaning of research

findings
 It is a also said to be a 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.
Reasons for required Interpretation
 Usefulness and utility of research findings lie in
proper interpretation
 Through interpretation researcher can understand the
abstract principle that works beneath his findings.
 Researcher would be able to link with the other
studies.
 Interpretation leads to the establishment of
explanatory concepts that can serve as a guide for
future research.
 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
Technique of Interpretation
 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.
 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
 Should consult someone having insight into to study
and is honest in pointing out omissions and errors in
logical argumentation before final interpretation.
 All relevant factors affecting the problem must be
considered to avoid false generalization.
Significance of Report Writing
 Research task remains incomplete till the report
with a proper format has been presented and/or
written.
 Even the most brilliant hypothesis, highly well
designed and conducted research study, and the
most striking generalizations and findings are of
little value unless they are effectively
communicated to others.
The purpose of research is not well
served unless the findings are made
known to others for sharing their
views and hence requires utmost
care.
Different steps in Writing Report
 Logical analysis of the subject matter
Preparation of the final outline
 Preparation of the rough draft
 Rewriting and polishing of the rough draft
 Preparation of the final bibliography
 Writing the final draft
Layout of the Research Report
 Preliminary pages:
 Title and date
 Acknowledgement in the form of ‘Preface’ or ‘Foreword’
 Table of contents
 List of tables and figures
 Abbreviations
 Main Text:
 Introduction
 Literature survey
 Research statement and the objectives
 Research methodology (including sample design,
method of data collection)
 Results
 Implications of the results
 Summary and conclusions
 End Matter
 (Bibliography, appendices, Index)
Types of Reports
 Technical Report: is used whenever a full written
report of the study is required whether for record
keeping or for public dissemination.
 Summary of Results
 Nature of the study
 Methods employed
 Data
 Analysis of data and presentation of findings
 Conclusions
 Bibliography
 Technical appendices
 Popular Report: is used if the research results have
policy implications. A general outline of a popular
report:
 The findings and their implications
 Recommendations for action
 Objective of the study
 Methods employed
 Results
 Technical appendices
Oral Presentation
 “Oral presentation is useful as it
provides an opportunity for give-and-
take decisions which generally lead to a
better understanding of the findings
and the implications. But it lacks of any
permanent record concerning the
research details”.
 Oral presentation is effective when
supplemented by various visual devices. Use
of slides, wall charts and blackboards is
quite helpful in contributing to clarity and
in reducing the boredom, if any.
Mechanics of Writing A Research Report
 Size and physical design
 Unruled paper 8 ½” * 11”
 Margin of at least one and one & half inch from the left
 Margins of one inch at the top and bottom
 Layout and Procedure:
 Depends on the objective and nature of the problem
 Treatment of Quotations:
 should be quotation marks and double space but if the
quotation is more than 4 lines than should be single
spaced.
 The footnotes
 Footnotes are meant for cross references, citation of
authorities and sources, acknowledgement and
explanation of a point of view.
 Footnote is not an end or a means of the display of
scholarship
 Footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page on which
the reference or quotation which they identify or
supplement ends.
 Footnotes should be numbered usually begins with 1 in
each chapter
Precautions for writing Research Reports
 A research report should not be dull; it should be such as to
sustain reader’s interest.
 2. Abstract terminology and technical terms should be
avoided in a research report. The report should be able to
convey the matter as simply as possible.
 3. Report must have a ready availability of the findings with
charts, graphs, statistical tables etc.
 4. The layout of the report should be well though out and
must be appropriate and in accordance with the objective
of the research problem.
 The reports should be free from
grammatical mistakes and must be prepared
strictly in accordance with the techniques
of composition of report-writing such as the
use of quotations, footnotes, documentation
proper punctuation and use of abbreviations
in footnotes and the like.
 The report must present the logical analysis of the subject
matter. It must reflect a structure wherein the different
pieces of analysis relating to the research problem fit well
 7. A research report should show originality and should
necessarily be attempt to solve some intellectual problem.
 8. Towards the end, the report must also state the policy
implications relating to the problem under consideration.
 9. Appendices should be enlisted in respect of all the
technical data in the report.
 Bibliography of sources consulted is a must for a good
report and must necessarily be given.
 11. Index is also considered an essential part of a good
report and as such must be prepared and appended at
the end.
 12. Report must be attractive in appearance, neat and
clean, whether typed or printed