Findings of the Study• The findings of the study are the presentation of the results in the

form of data or facts. The reporting of the data is an objective process – no opinions. (Data are plural. Datum is singular.)• Findings are written in the past tense and are the results of data

analysis. They also include a description of the study sample and whether any subjects have dropped out.• Descriptive statistics are always used, but inferential statistics are only

used where hypotheses are tested or research questions are posed.

Findings of the Study• Presentation of Findings• Narrative presentation – • The findings should be clearly and concisely presented in the

text. As much attention should be given to data that fail to support as to those that do support.• The statistical tests, the test results, degrees of freedom and

the probability values (in two decimal places) should be listed.• In qualitative research, the narrative presentation will have

many direct quotes, then a summary of patterns and themes found in the data.

Findings of the Study• Tables – means of organizing data so that they may be more easily

understood and interpreted. • Information presented in tables should be discussed in the text• Tables should appear as soon as possible after they have been referred to in the text• Titles should be clear, concise and contain the variables that are presented• All data entries should be rounded to the same number of decimal places – decimal

points should line up• Where data are not available “–” should be used

• Figures – any visual presentation other than a table – graphs, diagrams, drawings, etc.

Discussion of Findings• Explain the meaning of the information in easily understood terms • Discuss how reliability and validity were maintained• Discuss the results in terms of whether they were:

• significant and in keeping with those predicted• non-significant – explain• significant but opposite to those predicted• mixed results

• Compare results to previous studies• Discuss statistical and clinical significance

Conclusions• The researcher attempts to show what knowledge has been gained by

the study and also tries to generalize that knowledge considering the population and the sample. Must address:• Was the study problem answered?• Was the research purpose met?• Was the research hypothesis supported?• Was the theoretical framework supported?

Implications• This gives the researcher the opportunity to be creative – give the

meaning of the conclusions for the body of knowledge, for theory, and for practice. It contains suggestions for making changes, for implementing findings, for further studies, and for incorporation into the body of knowledge of nursing and other disciplines.

Recommendations• Recommendations for further research• Logical extensions of the study – answers the question “What comes next?”• Replication of the study – maybe a different sampling or setting. If these are

not done, implementation of research findings are seriously hampered.• Correction of the study limitations – sample, instrument, control of variables,

change in methodology