drafting results
TRANSCRIPT
Detailed descriptions of primary research Methods.
Include specifics about how you gathered the data: who, where, when.
Explain rationale for choices Discuss limitations. If you are not using IMRD, you may instead
discuss why theories and texts were chosen, relevant, significant.
Drafting Methods Section
Use two strategies for presenting results:◦ Visuals: Share data in graphical form (e.g.,
tables, charts, graphs, photographs). Provide a descriptive title, clear headings and labels,
units of measurement, etc. ◦ Written: Draw attention to major observations
and key trends in paragraph form. Don’t interpret or give reactions yet if you are using IMRD.
Presenting Results
Table: Arranges data in rows and columns to show intersections of two factors. Includes Numerical (amounts, percentages) and Text (uses words, phrases).
Graph: Shows relationships between numbers. Includes Line (change in quantity over time), Bar (compare amounts), and Pie (pieces of the whole)
Chart: Shows relationships between parts, steps, or stages.
Images: Maps, Photos, Drawings, Screenshots. See EW 32-33 for examples
Types of Visuals
What kind of data have you collected? What sorts of relationships do you need to
show? What kinds of visuals will illuminate the
topic? What types of visuals are used by your
sources? Why were they chosen? How are they used?
Choosing Your Visuals
Aim for simple and uncluttered Include a Title for each visual (e.g. “Table 1.
Women Vs. Men in Cleaning Commercials”) Use appropriate headings, units of
measurement, intervals, etc. Cite any visual you did not create (See EW
page 378-79) Consider size and placement carefully
Formatting Your Visuals
Figure 6. Running Speed of Common Farm Animals
Bar Graph
•Title at Bottom•Units of
Measurement•Starts at zero•Appropriate
intervals
Figure 3. Bailout Rates for Different Sections of Our Web Site
Pie Chart• Slices are
arranged from biggest to smallest.
• Labels are included inside the slices to show both
the category and the percentage that
each slice represents.
Don’t overly rely on your visuals. Type up the most important results in paragraph
form. If multiple forms of primary research were used,
follow the organization you used in your methods section (e.g., first observations, then surveys).
For interviews, summarize answers and include a few select quotes from transcript that were most important, not the whole thing.
When discussing data presented in a visual, direct reader’s attention to chart or graph with a parenthetical: (Fig. 1).
The Results Write Up
Some projects may not lend themselves as readily to the IMRD method. If presenting your results without discussing them seems like it doesn’t work, you may decide to integrate the results (findings) and discussion (interpretations).
Make it work for you
On a piece of paper:◦Write your name at the top in large
letters.◦Underneath, write a brief description of
your research--just enough to help others make sense of your data.
◦Leave space under the description for others to write.
Let’s Collaborate
On your desk, place:◦ All your data◦ The piece of paper with your name at the top and
description Rotate around the room and look at each
others’ data. You will write a comment on at least three people’s piece of paper. ◦ Describe what you found most interesting◦ Comment on possible use or revisions of visuals
Share Your Data
Return to your desk. Read the comments. Add one more comment: what did you find
most interesting about your data?
Look at Comments
Make Writing Center Appointments 5 points participation Extra Credit on Final Research Article (print and attach e-mailed notes from appointment). You may attend up to two consultations for up to 10 points.
Finish Any Primary Research. Revise Literature Review/Introduction and
Methods section. Draft Results and Discussion sections (or
equivalent). Include visuals. Bring Draft of Research Article for Tuesday 4/9.
Next Steps