Research Methodology

1. DATA INTERPRETATION

2. Introduction
After collecting and analyzing the data, the researcher has to
accomplish the task of drawing inferences followed by report writing.
This has to be done very carefully, otherwise misleading conclusions
may be drawn and the whole purpose of doing research may get
vitiated. It is only through interpretation that the researcher can expose
relations and processes that underlie his findings.

3. Meaning
• Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the
collected facts after an analytical and or experimental study.
• In fact, it is a search for broader meaning of research findings.
• The task of interpretation has two major aspects viz.,
(i) the effort to establish continuity in research through linking the
results of a given study with those of another and
(ii) the establishment of some explanation concepts.

4. Definition
“In one sense, interpretation is concerned
with relationships within the collected data,
partially overlapping analysis. Interpretation
also extends beyond the data of the study to
include the results of other research, theory
and hypotheses.”
- C. William Emory

5. Interpenetration is the device
• Interpenetration is the device through
which the factors that seem to explain
what has been observed by researcher in
the course of the study can be better
understood and it also provides a
theoretical conception which can serve as
a guide for further researches.

6. Need for Interpretation
Interpretation is essential for the simple reason that the usefulness and utility of
research findings lie in proper interpretation. It is being considered a basic
component of research process because of the following reasons:

7. I. Through interpretation
• It is through interpretation that the researcher can well understand the
abstract principle that works beneath his findings.
• Through this he can link up his findings with those of other studies. having
the same abstract principle, and thereby can predict about the concrete
world of events. Fresh inquiries can test these predictions later on.
• This way the continuity in research can be maintained.

8. II Interpretation leads to establishment
• Interpretation leads to the establishment of explanatory concepts that can serve
as a guide for future research studies
• It opens new avenues of intellectual adventure and stimulates the quest for more
knowledge.

9. III. Interpretation of the findings
• The interpretation of the findings of exploratory research study often results into
hypotheses for experimental research and as such interpretation is involved in
the transition from exploratory to experimental research.
• Since an exploratory study does not have a hypothesis to start with, the findings
of such a study have to be interpreted on a post factum basis in which case the
interpretation is technically described as ‘post factum’ interpretation.

10. The Technique of Interpretation
The interpretation is not an easy
job. It requires great skill and
intelligence. It is an art one learns
through practice and experience.
The technique of interpretation
consists of the following steps.

11. 1. Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the relations he has
found. The researcher must interpret the lines of relationship in terms of the
underlying processes and must be able to see uniformity in diversified
research findings so that generalization of findings is possible.
2. Extraneous information, if collected during the study, must be considered
while interpreting the final results of research study, for it may prove to be a
key factor in understanding the problem under consideration.

12. 3. The researcher can consult with those having insight into the study who can point
out the omissions and errors in logical arguments. These consultations will help the
researcher to do correct interpretation.
4. The researcher must consider all relevant factors affecting the problem at the time
of interpretation.
5. The conclusions appearing correct at the beginning may prove to be inaccurate
later. So researcher must not be in a hurry while interpreting.

13. Types of mistakes that frequently occur in
interpretation of data
1. Personal bias
2. Inappropriate comparisons
3. Faulty inferences on the basis of inadequate data
4. Errors in the use of various tools of analysis like mean, median, mode, correlation,
percentages etc.
5. Percentages may be wrongly interpreted
6. Faulty generalizations on the basis of incorrect or unrepresentative sample
7. Drawing unwarranted conclusion
8. Inadequate attention
9. Misuse of statistical concepts

14. Precautions in Interpretation/
pre-requisites of interpretation
One should always remember that even if the data are properly collected and
analyzed, wrong interpretation would lead to inaccurate conclusions.
It is, therefore, absolutely essential that the task of , interpretation be
accomplished with patience in an impartial manner and also in correct
perspective.
Researcher must pay attention to the following points for correct interpretation:

15. 1. At the outset, researcher must invariably satisfy himself that
(a) the data are appropriate, trustworthy and adequate for drawing inferences;
(b) the data reflect good homogeneity; and that
(c) proper analysis has been done through statistical methods.
2. Before accepting the data interpretation, it must be seen that there is stability of
data. If there is no stability the same results will not repeat in similar experiments.
3. The data taken for interpretation must be relevant to the problem.

16. 4. The interpreter must be cautious about the errors that may arise in the
process of interpretation. Errors may arise due to false generalization, due to
wrong interpretation of statistical measures etc. So the interpreter must remain
vigilant about all such things go that false generalization may not take place.
He must use correct statistical measures for drawing inferences.
5. The interpreter must take all those precautions concerning with the reliability
of data, computational checks, comparison of results etc.

17. Conclusion
• Interpretation of data plays a vital role in research. There are research studies which
are condemned due to poor interpretation, in spite of containing a lot of data, while
there are studies which are celebrated due to the interpretation, in spite of using
limited data.
• Hence, the success or failure of a research study and its acceptance depends on not
what is said, but how is it said. That is, the way in which the scholar has used the
available fact to substantiate his findings will get the appreciation for the thesis.