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Quantitative Research Results

The aim of a quantitative research study is to classify features, count them, and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed. 

When reporting the results of a study: 

  1. Explain the data collected and their statistical treatment as well as all relevant results in relation to the research problem you are investigating. Interpretation of results is not appropriate in this section. 

  2. Report unanticipated events that occurred during your data collection. Explain how the actual analysis differs from the planned analysis. Explain how you handled any missing data and why it does not undermine the validity of your analysis. 
  3. Explain the techniques used to "clean up" your data. 
  4. Choose a minimally sufficient statistical procedure; provide a rationale for its use and a reference for it. Specify any computer programs used. 
  5. Describe the assumptions for each procedure and the steps you took to ensure that they were not validated. 
  6. When using inferential statistics, provide the descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and sample sizes for each variable as well as the value of the test statistic, its direction, the degrees of freedom, and the significance level [report the actual p value].
  7. Avoid inferring causality, particularly in nonrandomized designs or without further experimentation. 
  8. Use tables to provide exact values; use figures to convey global effects. Keep figures small in size; include graphic representations of confidence intervals whenever possible. 
  9. Always tell the reader what to look for in tables and figures. 

Note: If you are using pre-existing data: You should still explain the methods used to obtain the data, describe any missing data, and be able to explain why the missing data does not undermine the validity of your end product. You should be able to defend every part of your project. It may be helpful to look at your proposed research design or final product critically, as though you were trying to find problems with it. That way you can address those before you share your results. 

Contact us with questions: library@ucmerced.edu

Adapted by Paulina Allende, Bronwen K. Maxson, and Joe Ameen, UC Merced Library from a USC research guide on Quantitative Methods. 

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