MN 400: Research Methods

CHAPTER 10 Communicating Research Results

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Report parts

Prefatory parts Main body of the report Appended parts

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Prefatory parts

Title page

Letter of authorization

Table of contents Lists of Tables Lists of Figures

Objectives

Results

Conclusions

Recommendations

Executive Summary

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Main body of the report

Introduction

Final area

Area 1

Area 2

. .

Limitations

Conclusions and recommendations

Methodology

Literature

review

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Introduction Background of the problem Statement of research problem Significance of the research Objectives of the research Scope of research Limitation

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Chapter 2: Literature review

Secondary data study Theoretical framework Research model Operational definitions of the constructs Research hypotheses

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Chapter 3: Methodology

Type of research Research design Population, Sample & sampling Research tool (Questionnaire) development Reliability and validity of research tool Data collection method Proposed Data analysis

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Chapter 4: Data analysis and results

Qualitative data analysis i.e. depth interview, focus group interview report (if any)

Quantitative Data preparation Sample profile Descriptive data analysis Hypotheses testing

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Figures and Tables • Tables

– Presents lists of numbers/ text in columns • Figures

– Visual representation of results or illustration of concepts/methods (graphs, images, diagrams, etc.)

• Guidelines for Figures and Tables

– High resolution – Neat, legible labels but simple – Clearly formatted – Indicate error and Detailed captions

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Table 5-1: Brand equity rating

Table Number

Table Name

Foot note

Banner head

Subhead

Table: an example

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Figure: an example

Figure Number

Figure Name

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Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendation

Discussion of research results Academic and managerial implication Recommendation Suggestion for future research

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Discussion and data interpretation

The discussion is the essence of paper. The results and conclusions should flow smoothly and logically from the data.

Allow the readers to see the train of thought.

Discuss the main findings of the research.

Do not simply repeat the results: interpret them. Discuss how the data support or refute the proposed hypothesis.

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Discussion and data interpretation

Discuss the data with respect to at least two of the following questions:

1. Why did the results occur, i.e. what is the underlying mechanism?

2. How do the data fit in with previously published data? Do they essentially agree or are they contradictory? If they are contradictory, this should be discussed, and you should propose possible reasons for the apparent contradictions.

3. What were possible errors in the research?

4. What questions did these observations raise? What future research are planned?

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Research Discussion

• Interpret results – Did the study confirm/deny the hypothesis? – If not, did the results provide an alternative hypothesis?

What interpretation can be made? – Do results agree with other research? Sources of

error/anomalous data? – Implications of study for field – Suggestions for improvement and future research?

• Relate to previous research

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Research Discussion

• Common Mistakes – Combined with Results – New results discussed

– Broad statements – Incorrectly discussing inconclusive results

– Ambiguous data sources – Missing information

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Appended parts

Data collection forms

Detailed calculations

General tables

Bibliography

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References • Check specific referencing style of journal • Should reference:

– Peer-reviewed journal articles, abstracts, books • Should not reference:

– Non-peer-reviewed works, textbooks, personal communications

• Common Mistakes

– Format, Format, Format • (Figures & Tables, Equations, and References)

– Redundant Information • Text, Figures, Tables, and Captions

– Type of Reference

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References and Writing Style

Recommended online material for avoiding plagiarism and common citation formats: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/10314.html

Website related to a literature review paper: http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html

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Please Note Every University has the Common Format that you

need to follow, please to learn more with the Guideline of Cambodian

Mekong University

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What about time?

That depends... We usually say: 1/3 for planning the survey 1/3 for data collection 1/3 for the data processing, report writing and printing. Everyone wants fresh results/figures. Old results are not

interesting. All stages in a survey depend on one another and one stage must follow the plans if the next step is going to be on schedule. All you can do is a good job. Only if you have done your best, you can require efforts from those involved in the other stages of the process.

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