How to Write a Better Thesis

(Marcin) #1

112 8 Outcomes and Results


Summary of Chapter 8: Outcomes and Results


Research results:



  • Data comes from sources and experiments described in earlier chapters. Only
    include data that is derived from a process that you have described, that is, the
    reader must understand where your data comes from. Describe the data fully.

  • Have clear criteria for inclusion and exclusion of data and results. These should
    be independent of what the data shows, that is, it is not acceptable to only include
    data that confirms your hypotheses!

  • Make sure you have used the right kind of analysis mechanism for your data. For
    example, tools or approaches for large data sets may be unsuitable for sparse or
    irregular data.

  • Understand your variables.

  • Build a clear argument from data to knowledge. As you build this argument, be
    aware that interpretation of the results may lead you back to the data collection
    process.


Presentation:



  • Do not include raw, undigested data in the body of your thesis. Put it in an ap-
    pendix, or better, back in your filing cabinet.

  • Display your results in an informative, appropriate way, either through charts,
    tables, diagrams, or carefully constructed arguments. In doing so, make sure that
    the presentation makes it possible for the reader to see whether your hypotheses
    have been tested or your questions answered.

  • Be open about shortcomings or limitations of your data or results.

  • Figures should be reasonably self-contained.

  • Use examples from elsewhere to guide your design of illustrations. Don’t be
    content with word-processor defaults, which often look unprofessional, and use
    the right tool for the task.


Online resources:



  • There are excellent web pages with examples of illustrations—though choosing
    the right query to find them can be a challenge; ‘data visualization’ worked well
    for me for graphs, for example.

  • Wikipedia lists graphics software packages. Some of the best packages require
    that you write scripts in simple programming languages.

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