Writing and Presenting Research Findings
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate Programme in Healthcare Research Analysis course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Writing and Presenting Research Findings Glossary #
Writing and Presenting Research Findings Glossary
A #
A
Abstract #
Abstract
- Definition: A brief summary of a research article or paper that provide… #
- Definition: A brief summary of a research article or paper that provides an overview of the study's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Explanation: The abstract is typically the first section of a research… #
It serves as a concise representation of the entire study, allowing readers to quickly understand the key aspects of the research without having to read the full paper.
Analysis #
Analysis
- Definition: The process of examining data collected during a research s… #
- Definition: The process of examining data collected during a research study to identify patterns, relationships, and insights that can help answer research questions or test hypotheses.
- Explanation: Analysis is a critical step in the research process as it… #
Researchers use various methods and tools to analyze data depending on the nature of the study and the research questions being addressed.
B #
B
Bias #
Bias
- Definition: A systematic error or deviation from the truth in research… #
- Definition: A systematic error or deviation from the truth in research results that is caused by factors such as researcher preferences, participant characteristics, or measurement errors.
- Explanation: Bias can impact the validity and reliability of research f… #
Researchers must be aware of potential biases and take steps to minimize their influence on the study.
C #
C
Conclusion #
Conclusion
- Definition: The final section of a research paper that summarizes the k… #
- Definition: The final section of a research paper that summarizes the key findings, implications, and recommendations based on the study's results.
- Explanation: The conclusion provides closure to the research study by h… #
It also often suggests areas for further research or practical applications of the findings.
Confidence Interval #
Confidence Interval
- Definition: A range of values that is used to estimate the precision of… #
- Definition: A range of values that is used to estimate the precision of a research result, indicating the likelihood that the true value lies within the interval.
- Explanation: Confidence intervals are commonly used in statistical anal… #
The width of the interval reflects the level of confidence in the estimate, with narrower intervals indicating greater precision.
D #
D
Data #
Data
- Definition: Information collected or observed during a research study t… #
- Definition: Information collected or observed during a research study that serves as the foundation for analysis and interpretation.
- Explanation: Data can take various forms, including quantitative (numer… #
Researchers must collect and organize data systematically to draw meaningful conclusions and generate new knowledge.
Discussion #
Discussion
- Definition: The section of a research paper where the study's results a… #
- Definition: The section of a research paper where the study's results are interpreted, compared to existing literature, and implications are discussed.
- Explanation: The discussion section provides researchers with an opport… #
It is a critical part of the research paper that helps readers understand the significance of the study.
E #
E
Ethics #
Ethics
- Definition: Principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of resear… #
- Definition: Principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive information to ensure the protection of rights, well-being, and confidentiality.
- Explanation: Ethical considerations are central to research design and… #
Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain approval from ethics committees before conducting studies.
Exclusion Criteria #
Exclusion Criteria
- Definition: Specific characteristics or conditions that disqualify indi… #
- Definition: Specific characteristics or conditions that disqualify individuals or data points from being included in a research study based on predefined criteria.
- Explanation: Exclusion criteria help researchers ensure that the study… #
Criteria are established before data collection to maintain consistency and validity.
F #
F
Findings #
Findings
- Definition: The results and outcomes of a research study that are obtai… #
- Definition: The results and outcomes of a research study that are obtained through data analysis and interpretation.
- Explanation: Findings provide empirical evidence to answer research que… #
Researchers present findings in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and narrative descriptions, to communicate key insights to the audience.
G #
G
Generalizability #
Generalizability
- Definition: The extent to which research findings can be applied to a b… #
- Definition: The extent to which research findings can be applied to a broader population or context beyond the study sample.
- Explanation: Generalizability is an important consideration in research… #
Researchers must assess the generalizability of their findings based on the study's characteristics, participant demographics, and methodological rigor.
H #
H
Hypothesis #
Hypothesis
- Definition: A testable statement or prediction that specifies the relat… #
- Definition: A testable statement or prediction that specifies the relationship between variables in a research study, guiding the investigation and data analysis.
- Explanation: Hypotheses are formulated based on existing knowledge, the… #
Researchers use statistical tests to evaluate hypotheses and determine whether the data support or refute the proposed relationships.
I #
I
Instrument #
Instrument
- Definition: Tools, measures, or procedures used to collect data in a re… #
- Definition: Tools, measures, or procedures used to collect data in a research study, such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, or observations.
- Explanation: Instruments are designed and selected based on the researc… #
Researchers must ensure that instruments are valid, reliable, and appropriate for the study population to obtain accurate and meaningful data.
Implications #
Implications
- Definition: The consequences, significance, or practical applications o… #
- Definition: The consequences, significance, or practical applications of research findings for theory, practice, policy, or future research.
- Explanation: Implications help researchers and stakeholders understand… #
Researchers often discuss implications in the discussion or conclusion sections of research papers.
J #
J
Justification #
Justification
- Definition: A rationale or explanation provided by researchers to suppo… #
- Definition: A rationale or explanation provided by researchers to support the design, methods, or decisions made in a research study.
- Explanation: Justification helps establish the validity and credibility… #
Researchers should provide clear and transparent justifications to enhance the trustworthiness of their work.
K #
K
Key Findings #
Key Findings
- Definition: The most important or significant results of a research stu… #
- Definition: The most important or significant results of a research study that have implications for theory, practice, or policy.
- Explanation: Key findings highlight the central outcomes of the researc… #
Researchers prioritize key findings in their presentations or publications to ensure that audiences grasp the core messages of the study.
L #
L
Literature Review #
Literature Review
- Definition: A critical evaluation and synthesis of existing research, t… #
- Definition: A critical evaluation and synthesis of existing research, theories, and concepts relevant to a research topic or question.
- Explanation: Literature reviews help situate the research within the co… #
Researchers must conduct thorough literature reviews to inform their research design, methods, and interpretation of findings.
M #
M
Methodology #
Methodology
- Definition: The systematic approach, procedures, and techniques used to… #
- Definition: The systematic approach, procedures, and techniques used to conduct a research study, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Explanation: Methodology details the steps taken by researchers to addr… #
It encompasses the research design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and analytical techniques used to generate valid and reliable findings.
N #
N
Null Hypothesis #
Null Hypothesis
- Definition: A statement that suggests there is no significant relations… #
- Definition: A statement that suggests there is no significant relationship or difference between variables in a research study, which is tested against an alternative hypothesis.
- Explanation: The null hypothesis serves as a baseline assumption in sta… #
Researchers aim to reject the null hypothesis if there is sufficient evidence to support the alternative hypothesis.
O #
O
Objectives #
Objectives
- Definition: Specific, measurable goals or aims that define the purpose… #
- Definition: Specific, measurable goals or aims that define the purpose and focus of a research study, guiding the research design, methods, and analysis.
- Explanation: Objectives clarify the intentions and scope of the researc… #
Researchers use objectives to structure their research plan, develop hypotheses, and evaluate the success of the study in meeting its intended outcomes.
Outcomes #
Outcomes
- Definition: Results, effects, or consequences of a research interventio… #
- Definition: Results, effects, or consequences of a research intervention, treatment, or study that indicate the impact on participants, variables, or target outcomes.
- Explanation: Outcomes provide evidence of the effectiveness, benefits,… #
Researchers measure and analyze outcomes to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the findings.
P #
P
Population #
Population
- Definition: The entire group of individuals, cases, or elements that me… #
- Definition: The entire group of individuals, cases, or elements that meet the criteria for inclusion in a research study and from which a sample is drawn.
- Explanation: The population represents the broader group to which study… #
Researchers define the population based on characteristics of interest, such as age, gender, location, or condition, to ensure that the sample represents the population accurately.
Primary Data #
Primary Data
- Definition: Data collected firsthand by researchers for a specific rese… #
- Definition: Data collected firsthand by researchers for a specific research study through methods such as surveys, experiments, or observations.
- Explanation: Primary data are original information obtained directly fr… #
Researchers must ensure the quality, accuracy, and relevance of primary data to generate valid and reliable findings.
Q #
Q
Qualitative Research #
Qualitative Research
- Definition: A research approach that focuses on understanding human exp… #
- Definition: A research approach that focuses on understanding human experiences, perceptions, meanings, and behaviors through non-numerical data collection and analysis.
- Explanation: Qualitative research emphasizes in-depth exploration, inte… #
Researchers use qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or content analysis to capture rich, descriptive data and generate theory-grounded findings.
Quantitative Research #
Quantitative Research
- Definition: A research approach that involves collecting and analyzing… #
- Definition: A research approach that involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses, identify patterns, and quantify relationships between variables.
- Explanation: Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity, measurement,… #
Researchers use quantitative methods such as surveys, experiments, or statistical tests to generate empirical evidence and draw conclusions based on statistical inference.
R #
R
Recommendations #
Recommendations
- Definition: Practical suggestions, guidelines, or actions proposed by r… #
- Definition: Practical suggestions, guidelines, or actions proposed by researchers based on the study's findings to inform practice, policy, or further research.
- Explanation: Recommendations are informed by the implications of resear… #
Researchers tailor recommendations to the target audience, context, and goals of the research to maximize their impact and utility.
Reliability #
Reliability
- Definition: The consistency, stability, or repeatability of research re… #
- Definition: The consistency, stability, or repeatability of research results or measurements when the study is repeated or conducted under similar conditions.
- Explanation: Reliability assesses the extent to which research findings… #
Researchers use reliability tests and measures to ensure that data collection instruments and procedures yield consistent and trustworthy outcomes.
S #
S
Sampling #
Sampling
- Definition: The process of selecting a subset of individuals or cases f… #
- Definition: The process of selecting a subset of individuals or cases from a population to participate in a research study, representing the broader group.
- Explanation: Sampling is a critical aspect of research design that infl… #
Researchers use various sampling techniques, such as random sampling, stratified sampling, or convenience sampling, to select participants and ensure the representativeness of the sample.
Statistical Analysis #
Statistical Analysis
- Definition: The use of statistical methods, tests, and techniques to an… #
- Definition: The use of statistical methods, tests, and techniques to analyze data, identify patterns, test hypotheses, and draw inferences in a research study.
- Explanation: Statistical analysis enables researchers to quantify relat… #
Researchers apply appropriate statistical tests to interpret findings, draw conclusions, and communicate results effectively.
T #
T
Tables and Figures #
Tables and Figures
- Definition: Visual representations of data, results, or relationships p… #
- Definition: Visual representations of data, results, or relationships presented in a research paper to enhance understanding, communication, and interpretation.
- Explanation: Tables and figures are used to summarize complex informati… #
Researchers design tables and figures to be clear, informative, and aligned with the study objectives, helping readers comprehend and retain the research content.
Thematic Analysis #
Thematic Analysis
- Definition: A qualitative data analysis method that involves identifyin… #
- Definition: A qualitative data analysis method that involves identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns, themes, or categories in textual data to generate insights.
- Explanation: Thematic analysis is a systematic approach to organizing a… #
Researchers use thematic analysis to uncover patterns, meanings, and relationships that inform the study's findings and conclusions.
U #
U
Validity #
Validity
- Definition: The extent to which a research study measures what it inten… #
- Definition: The extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure and produces accurate, meaningful, and credible results.
- Explanation: Validity assesses the soundness and appropriateness of res… #
Researchers use validity tests and checks to confirm the accuracy and relevance of data and conclusions.
V #
V
Variables #
Variables
- Definition: Factors, characteristics, or conditions that can vary or be… #
- Definition: Factors, characteristics, or conditions that can vary or be manipulated in a research study to explore relationships, make comparisons, or test hypotheses.
- Explanation: Variables are essential components of research design that… #
Researchers define and measure variables systematically to understand how they influence study results and contribute to knowledge generation.
W #
W
Writing Style #
Writing Style
- Definition: The tone, structure, and conventions used in writing resear… #
- Definition: The tone, structure, and conventions used in writing research articles, reports, or papers to effectively communicate ideas, findings, and arguments.
- Explanation: Writing style influences the readability, coherence, and i… #
Researchers should use a clear, formal, and engaging writing style that aligns with the expectations of the target readership and enhances the accessibility of the research content.
X #
X
Xenophobia #
Xenophobia
- Definition: Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards individuals… #
- Definition: Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards individuals or groups perceived as foreign, different, or unfamiliar based on nationality, ethnicity, or cultural