Reporting & Dissemination of Findings Flashcards

Which section of a research report typically contains the researcher's interpretation of results in light of the original hypotheses?

Answer: Discussion

The Discussion section is where researchers interpret their results, compare them to prior literature, and address the original research hypotheses.

When disseminating findings to a non-technical audience, which strategy is most effective?

Answer: Translate findings into plain language with real-world implications

Translating findings into plain language and highlighting real-world implications makes research accessible and meaningful to non-technical stakeholders.

An executive summary in a research report primarily serves to:

Answer: Provide a brief overview for decision-makers who may not read the full report

An executive summary condenses key findings, conclusions, and recommendations so busy decision-makers can quickly grasp the study's significance.

A researcher discovers that a key finding contradicts their initial hypothesis. How should this be handled in the report?

Answer: Report the finding and discuss possible explanations for the contradiction

Reporting contradictory findings and exploring explanations upholds scientific integrity and often leads to valuable new insights.

Which citation style is most commonly required by social science research journals in the US?

Answer: APA

APA (American Psychological Association) style is the standard citation format for social science disciplines including psychology, sociology, and communication research.

In research reporting, a 'limitation' section is included to:

Answer: Acknowledge factors that may affect the generalizability or validity of findings

Disclosing limitations demonstrates intellectual honesty and helps readers accurately interpret findings within their proper scope.

Which of the following best describes a 'peer-reviewed' dissemination channel?

Answer: A journal where experts in the field evaluate submissions before publication

Peer-reviewed journals subject manuscripts to evaluation by independent subject matter experts, ensuring quality and credibility before publication.