Reporting & Presenting Research Findings Flashcards

When presenting research findings to a non-technical executive audience, which approach is most effective?

Answer: Lead with key findings and business implications, then support with data

Executive audiences need actionable insights first; supporting data should follow to reinforce conclusions.

In a research report, what is the purpose of an executive summary?

Answer: To give decision-makers a concise overview of findings and recommendations

An executive summary distills the most critical findings and recommendations for busy stakeholders who may not read the full report.

Which chart type is best suited for showing the composition of a whole across multiple categories?

Answer: Pie or donut chart

Pie and donut charts are designed to display part-to-whole relationships across discrete categories.

A researcher must disclose a limitation that could weaken a key finding. Where should this disclosure appear?

Answer: Clearly stated in the limitations section and noted near the affected finding

Ethical reporting requires transparent disclosure of limitations near the findings they affect so readers can properly weigh the evidence.

What does the term 'data visualization best practice' of avoiding chartjunk refer to?

Answer: Eliminating unnecessary decorative elements that do not add informational value

Chartjunk, coined by Edward Tufte, refers to visual elements that clutter a chart without aiding comprehension.

When a research report contains conflicting findings from different data sources, the researcher should:

Answer: Acknowledge the discrepancy, investigate possible causes, and report both sets of findings

Intellectual honesty requires reporting conflicting findings transparently and exploring reasons for the discrepancy.

Which element distinguishes a recommendation from a conclusion in a research report?

Answer: Conclusions are based on data; recommendations propose specific actions based on those conclusions

Conclusions interpret what the data shows, while recommendations translate those interpretations into actionable next steps.