ABSTRACT
Chapter 15 describes the process of interpreting the data, and differentiates between drawing conclusions, stating implications, and offering recommendations. This chapter highlights step 9 of the research process, which involves interpretation, or decoding and translating the data into meaningful findings. The authors emphasize that the process of drawing conclusions is evident in all research projects, but discussing implications and/or offering recommendations are not necessary to include in all research reports. Researchers draw conclusions only after careful examination of the data and must be logically connected to the research question(s) posed in the study. It is emphasized in this chapter that not all results need to be discussed in the conclusions section; and that it is critically important that if a conclusion is drawn it must be supported by sufficient evidence. Implications are different from conclusions in that they are speculations made by the researcher when the data don not necessarily confirm the result, but may have a strong connection to a potential finding or an area for future research. Finally, recommendations may be offered to members of the audience who are potentially interested in taking future action based on conclusions drawn from the research. This chapter is particularly helpful for people who seek guidance on writing the research report, as it offers steps to write up the research report after displaying the data and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
