What Is Data Interpretation?
Data interpretation refers to the process of using diverse analytical methods to review data and arrive at
relevant conclusions. The interpretation of data helps researchers to categorize, manipulate, and
summarize the information in order to answer critical questions.
The importance of data interpretation is evident and this is why it needs to be done properly. Data is
very likely to arrive from multiple sources and has a tendency to enter the analysis process with
haphazard ordering. Data analysis tends to be extremely subjective. That is to say, the nature and goal
of interpretation will vary from business to business, likely correlating to the type of data being
analyzed. While there are several types of processes that are implemented based on individual data
nature, the two broadest and most common categories are “quantitative and qualitative analysis”.
Q:How to measure Data Interpretation?
Data interpretation refers to the process of using diverse analytical methods to review data and arrive at
relevant conclusions. The interpretation of data helps researchers to categorize, manipulate, and
summarize the information in order to answer critical questions.
The importance of data interpretation is evident and this is why it needs to be done properly. Data is
very likely to arrive from multiple sources and has a tendency to enter the analysis process with
haphazard ordering. Data analysis tends to be extremely subjective. That is to say, the nature and goal
of interpretation will vary from business to business, likely correlating to the type of data being
analyzed. While there are several types of processes that are implemented based on individual data
nature, the two broadest and most common categories are “quantitative and qualitative analysis”.
Yet, before any serious data interpretation inquiry can begin, it should be understood that visual
presentations of data findings are irrelevant unless a sound decision is made regarding scales of
measurement. Before any serious data analysis can begin, the scale of measurement must be decided
for the data as this will have a long-term impact on data interpretation ROI. The varying scales include:
• Nominal Scale: non-numeric categories that cannot be ranked or compared quantitatively.
Variables are exclusive and exhaustive.
• Ordinal Scale: exclusive categories that are exclusive and exhaustive but with a logical order.
Quality ratings and agreement ratings are examples of ordinal scales (i.e., good, very good, fair,
etc., OR agree, strongly agree, disagree, etc.).
• Interval: a measurement scale where data is grouped into categories with orderly and equal
distances between the categories. There is always an arbitrary zero point.
• Ratio: contains features of all three.
For a more in-depth review of scales of measurement, read our article on data analysis questions. Once
scales of measurement have been selected, it is time to select which of the two broad interpretation
processes will best suit your data needs. Let’s take a closer look at those specific methods and possible
data interpretation problems.
Q:How To Interpret Data?
1)Qualitative Data Interpretation
Qualitative data analysis can be summed up in one word – categorical. With this type of analysis, data is
not described through numerical values or patterns, but through the use of descriptive context (i.e.,
text). Typically, narrative data is gathered by employing a wide variety of person-to-person techniques.
These techniques include:
• Observations: detailing behavioral patterns that occur within an observation group. These
patterns could be the amount of time spent in an activity, the type of activity, and the method
of communication employed.
• Focus groups: Group people and ask them relevant questions to generate a collaborative
discussion about a research topic.
• Secondary Research: much like how patterns of behavior can be observed, various types of
documentation resources can be coded and divided based on the type of material they contain.
• Interviews: one of the best collection methods for narrative data. Inquiry responses can be
grouped by theme, topic, or category. The interview approach allows for highly-focused data
segmentation.
2)Quantitative Data Interpretation
If quantitative data interpretation could be summed up in one word (and it really can’t) that word would
be “numerical.” There are few certainties when it comes to data analysis, but you can be sure that if the
research you are engaging in has no numbers involved, it is not quantitative research as this analysis
refers to a set of processes by which numerical data is analyzed. More often than not, it involves the use
of statistical modeling such as standard deviation, mean and median.
• Mean: a mean represents a numerical average for a set of responses. When dealing with a data
set (or multiple data sets), a mean will represent a central value of a specific set of numbers. It is
the sum of the values divided by the number of values within the data set. Other terms that can
be used to describe the concept are arithmetic mean, average and mathematical expectation.
• Standard deviation: this is another statistical term commonly appearing in quantitative analysis.
Standard deviation reveals the distribution of the responses around the mean. It describes the
degree of consistency within the responses; together with the mean, it provides insight into
data sets.
• Frequency distribution: this is a measurement gauging the rate of a response appearance within
a data set. When using a survey, for example, frequency distribution, it can determine the
number of times a specific ordinal scale response appears (i.e., agree, strongly agree, disagree,
etc.). Frequency distribution is extremely keen in determining the degree of consensus among
data points.
Q: what are the precautions for writing of research report?
1. Research report must be prepared by keeping the following precautions in view:
1. Length of the report: While determining the length of the report (since research reports vary
greatly in length), one should keep in view the fact that it should be long enough to cover the
subject but short enough to maintain interest. In fact, report writing should not be a means to
learning more and more about less and less.
2. Interesting: A research report should not, if this can be availed, be dull, it should be such as to
sustain reader's interest.
3. Use of abstract terminology and Jargon: Abstract terminology and technical Jargon should be
avoided in research report. The report should be able to convey the matter as simply as
possible. This in other words, means that report should be written in and objective style in
simple language, avoiding, expression such as, "it seems", "There may be" and the like.
4. Presentation of the findings: Readers are often interested in acquiring a quick knowledge of the
main findings and as such the report must provide a ready availability of the findings. for this
purpose, charts, graphs and the statistical tables may be used for the various results in the main
report in addition to the summary of important findings.
5. Presentation of the report: The layout of the report should be well though out and must be
appropriate and in accordance with objective of the research problems.
6. Writing of the Report: The reports should be free from grammatical mistakes and must be
prepared strictly in accordance with the techniques of composition footnotes, documentation,
proper punctuation and use of abbreviations in footnotes.
7. Logical presentation of the report: The report must present the logical analysis of the subject
matter. it must reflect a structure wherein the different pieces of analysis relating to the
research problem fit well.
8. Originality in writing report: A research report should show originality and should necessarily be
an attempt to solve some intellectual problem. it must contribute to the solution of a problem
and must add to the store of knowledge.
9. Plan for future research and implications: Towards the end, the report must also state the policy
implications relating to the problem under consideration. It is usually considered desirable if the
report makes a forecast of the probable future of the subject concerned and indicates the kinds
of research still needs to be done in that particular field.
10. Appendices: Appendices should be enlisted in respect of all the technical data in the report.
11. Bibliography: Bibliography of sources consulted is a must for a good report and must necessarily
be given.
12. Index: Index is also considered an essential part of a good report and as such must be prepared
and appended at the end.
13. Appearance: Report must be attractive in appearance, neat and clean, whether types or printed.
14. Stating confidence limits: Calculated confidence limits must be mentioned and the various
constraints experienced in conducting the research study may also be stated in the report.
15. Introduction: Objective of the study, the nature of the problem, the methods employed and the
analysis techniques adopted must all be clearly stated in the beginning of the report in the form
of introduction
Q: What is a research report?
A research report is an important document that is well-crafted by outlining the process and findings of
a systematic investigation. A research report typically serves as a first-hand document account of the
investigation process and is considered an accurate source of information. A well-written research
report provides a summary of the research process that provides with all the information about the
main areas in the research process.
Q:Importance of report writing in research methodology
Report writing in research methodology must be considered an integral part of the whole research
process. Once writing a research report becomes a part and parcel of the process, the essence of
research is effectively communicated.
1. A detailed oral or written presentation that is readily understood by and accessed by the
researchers and other communities.
2. Conveys the purpose, findings and whole result of the study to interested persons.
3. Considered one of the major components of the research study that aims at knowledge transfer.
4. Well serves the purpose of research by effectively communicating to others.
5. Perfect to identify the knowledge gaps that can be investigated in the future.
6. A brief report that drafts the important information precisely and accurately so that it doesn’t
take much time to write a research report.
Q: Explain Various Types of Research Reports
Research reports are mainly classified into two types.
1. Technical Research Report
The technical report is a research report that drafts information emphasizing the tools used,
assumptions made, and finding along with knowledge gaps and limitations. This complete written report
key results are defined properly as it is needed for record-keeping
2. Popular Research Report
Popular report is written in a clear and detailed manner using charts and diagrams. It minimizes
technical aspects and includes many sub headings and large prints as popular report focuses on
attractiveness too. This report is used when the findings of the research will have policy implications.
