A findings section tells readers what the evidence shows.

The idea

Report the observed results precisely, then mark interpretations as possibilities and describe relevant limitations.

Examples

  • The survey received 80 responses from local residents.
  • Forty respondents used the bus at least twice a week.
  • The proportion was higher among respondents under 30.
  • At the clinic, waiting times fell from 20 to 15 minutes.
  • This decrease may reflect a change in staffing.
  • The records do not establish why the waiting time changed.

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Watch out

A difference between groups does not by itself prove what caused it.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the appropriate answer: The records show 25 late arrivals; this is an ___. (observation / interpretation)

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    observation

    observation: The count is directly recorded.

  2. Choose the appropriate answer: The increase ___ indicate greater demand, but other explanations are possible. (may / proves)

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    may

    may: The evidence permits a possibility without proving a cause.

  3. Choose the appropriate answer: Only one school took part, so the sample is a ___. (limitation / cause)

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    limitation

    limitation: One school cannot represent every school.

Use it today

Describe a small set of observations, suggest one interpretation and identify a limitation.