Chapter 17
Reading and Writing the Quantitative Research Report
A quantitative study is not complete until the research report is written Typical audience
Communication scholars Communication students
Most reports use a basic format for presenting research results
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The Literature Review
The framework of the research investigation Based on the literature used to design and develop the research study
Puts the present study into perspective
Historical overview of the variables studied Goes beyond description of literature includes analysis, synthesis, and critique
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The Problem Statement
Positioned near or at the beginning of literature review A few sentences that identifies the research objective
What is the problem?
Why is this problem worthy of study? Explain why the researchers conducted the study Explain why consumers should be interested
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Types of Material In the Literature Review
Findings from empirical research reports Articles that evaluate or propose theory Literature reviews that summarize an expanse of literature on a topic, issue or theory How many articles?
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Organizing the Literature Review
1. Chronological order
2. General to specific
3. Contrast-comparison
4. Trend identification
5. Methodological focus 6. Problem-cause-solution 7. Topical order
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Characteristics of the Literature Review
First paragraph should be a road map of the rest of the literature review When presenting others research distinguish between assertions and conclusions supported with data Use signposts, headings, and transitions
Usually written in third person
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Research Questions and Hypotheses
Placement
At end of literature review As they emerge from the literature reviewed
Each stated separately as a simple question or sentence
Use H1, H2, or RQ1 or H1, H2, or RQ1
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The Methods Section
How was the research study executed?
Description of participants
Demographic information Sampling techniques and sample size
Description of the research procedure
What did the researcher do to collect data?
Description of variables
Operationalizations
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The Results Section
Presented in the order of the research questions and hypotheses For each RQ or H
Statistical test used Results of the test Significance level of the test Description connecting statistical results to support for or rejection of H or to answer RQ
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The Discussion Section
Researchers interpretation of the results
Reconcile the findings as a whole
Not a restatement of the findings
What do these results mean? Implications of the results
Link conclusions back to the literature Limitations Future research
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Finishing the Quantitative Research Report
Title Title page Abstract
State overall objective Brief explanation of research method Brief summary of results
References
Alphabetical by authors last names Must adhere to stylistic standards
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Using APA Style
Citing others work
Direct citation Indirect citation
Creating the reference list
Complete alphabetical list by authors last names Includes all literature cited in the report Accuracy
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Issues in Writing
Presentation affects how report is received Common writing problems
Careless writing Unspecified assumptions Failure to place study within published research Unclear hypotheses and research questions Vague and undefined terms
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