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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

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Discussions and Conclusions

Chapter 12


Discussion Topics

Purpose and structure of these sections of a report

Interpretation of the results Conclusions Criteria for evaluating discussion and

conclusions sections of a report


Purpose and Structure

The purpose of the discussion section is to present an interpretation of the results, the conclusions, and recommendations for further study

– An evaluation of the methodology and results to help readers understand what the results mean and how they can be used

– Integrates the research problem, review of the literature, and results

– Speculates about the implications of the results through a synthesis of the study reflecting the professional judgment of the researcher


Purpose and Structure

Loosely structured into two sections– Interpretation of the results– Conclusions


Interpretation of the Results

An analysis of the results focusing on factors that might help explain them

Interpretations related to the problem and/or hypothesis

– Restatement of the research question– Interpretation of how well the data answers the question– Importance of the reader’s critical analysis of these

interpretations Interpretations based on theory


Interpretation of the Results

Interpretations related to methodology– Selection of participants– Measurement of variables– Experimental interventions– Statistical procedures

Errors in reporting statistical results Violation of assumptions of the statistical procedures Use of appropriate statistical procedures, particularly in

multivariate studies Statistical and practical significance


Conclusions

Summary statements of the results as they pertain to the research problem– Can be found in various locations in the

discussion section– Should include indications of why the conclusions

are supported– See Trochim’s discussion of conclusion validity


Conclusions

Limitations– Seven factors or variables that need to be considered in

using the conclusions– Subject characteristics

Population validity - generalizability to other individuals– Comparison of the sample, sampling frame, and target population– Comparisons across subjects within the sample

– Situational characteristics Ecological validity - generalization to other settings, times,

treatments, or measures


Conclusions

– Seven factors (continued) Methodology

– Non-experimental designs drawing causal conclusions– Experimental studies drawing causal conclusions when

internal validity is weak Time Interventions

– Explication of the intervention– Hawthorne Effect - the effects of individual’s realizing they

are participating in a study


Conclusions

– Seven factors (continued) Measures

– Validity– Reliability

Concerns related to overly strict analysis of limitations


Conclusions

Recommendations and implications– Statements suggesting future action as a result of

the study Focus on methodological issues Focus on practice


Evaluation Criteria

The results should be adequately interpreted The conclusions should answer the research questions The conclusions should be limited by subject

characteristics and selection, the nature of the interventions, and measures

Statistical and practical significance are discussed separately


Evaluation Criteria

Failure to show statistical significance does not mean there is not relationship or difference

Limitations should be reasonable Recommendations and implications should be

specific

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