Drafting ResultsDealing with Data

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. 

Fig. 2 Writing Errors. Source: Lauren Perry “Writing with Four Senses”

Table of Textual Features

Figure 1. Bill Clinton the Kitten Plays Peek-a-Boo

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

Example 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