Discussions and ConclusionsDiscussion TopicsPurpose and StructureSlide 4Interpretation of the ResultsSlide 6ConclusionsSlide 8Slide 9Slide 10Slide 11Evaluation CriteriaSlide 13Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008ThisDiscussions and ConclusionsChapter 13This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program.Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Discussion TopicsPurpose and structure of these sections of a reportInterpretation of the resultsConclusionsCriteria for evaluating discussion and conclusions sections of a reportCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Purpose and StructureThe 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 researcherCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Purpose and StructureLoosely structured into two sections–Interpretation of the results–ConclusionsCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Interpretation of the ResultsAn analysis of the results focusing on factors that might help explain themInterpretations 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 interpretationsInterpretations based on theoryCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Interpretation of the ResultsInterpretations related to methodology–Selection of participants–Measurement of variables–Experimental interventions–Statistical proceduresErrors in reporting statistical resultsViolation of assumptions of the statistical proceduresUse of appropriate statistical procedures, particularly in multivariate studiesStatistical and practical significanceCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008ConclusionsSummary 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 validityCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008ConclusionsLimitations–Seven factors or variables that need to be considered in using the conclusions–Subject characteristicsPopulation validity - generalizability to other individuals–Comparison of the sample, sampling frame, and target population–Comparisons across subjects within the sample–Situational characteristicsEcological validity - generalization to other settings, times, treatments, or measuresCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Conclusions–Seven factors (continued)Methodology–Non-experimental designs drawing causal conclusions–Experimental studies drawing causal conclusions when internal validity is weakTimeInterventions–Explication of the intervention–Hawthorne Effect - the effects of individual’s realizing they are participating in a studyCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Conclusions–Seven factors (continued)Measures–Validity–ReliabilityConcerns related to overly strict analysis of limitationsCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008ConclusionsRecommendations and implications–Statements suggesting future action as a result of the studyFocus on methodological issuesFocus on practiceCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Evaluation CriteriaThe results should be adequately interpretedThe conclusions should answer the research questionsThe conclusions should be limited by subject characteristics and selection, the nature of the interventions, and measuresStatistical and practical significance are discussed separatelyCopyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008Evaluation CriteriaFailure to show statistical significance does not mean there is not relationship or differenceLimitations should be reasonableRecommendations and implications should be
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