Interpreting your findings

Check off  each of the following once you have addressed it in full. Cross out or delete any that do
not apply. Address any aspects that require more attention.

Preparing material for analysis
■	I have filtered the material/ data, eliminating anything that is unnecessary.
■	I have considered excluding
outlier data from either end of the
continuum (for numerical data).
■	I have used the best analytical programmes for interpreting my data (if relevant).
■	I have identified the most likely
key themes for organising my
material.
■	I have sorted material and data
against each theme.
■	Within each theme, I have organised material into the best sequence for analysis.
■	I have identified the most
appropriate statistical analyses for the data.
■	I have presented numerical data
in the best formats to assist my analysis and interpretation (graphs, tables, charts, maps, diagrams, ordered notes, etc.).
Answering the research
question
■	I have used the material to identify whether the research question is answered or not.
■	I have established whether the
findings support the research
hypotheses.
■	If the research hypotheses are supported, I have identified the level(s) of significance.

Establishing patterns and relationships
■	I have examined my material/data carefully for
patterns and trends.
■	I have looked for reasons for those patterns and trends,
both within my own data and in background literature.
■	I have established the nature of the relationships
within my data/material (such as circumstantial; cause and effect; developmental stages; no evident relationship, etc.).
Contextualising the findings
■	I have selected the most appropriate theoretical basis for interpreting my findings.
■	I have compared my own findings against those of
previous research, theory, or understandings within the discipline.
■	I am clear where my findings support published
research and theory.
■	I can provide a rationale for where my findings
diverge from published research or theory.
■	I am clear where there might be flaws in my own
processes and can specify how these might have
had an impact on my findings.
■	I am clear whether these are serious or minor flaws,
in relation to any conclusions or recommendations that could be made.
■	I am clear about what my findings add to previous
knowledge and understanding.
■	I am clear where my findings might challenge or
modify previous theory or understandings.
Critical selection
■	I understand what is most relevant and important within my findings.
■	I have worked out which are the most important
messages to communicate within my report, essay or dissertation.
■	I have identified the key points that I want to make
under each theme.
■	I have identified the best examples (if relevant).