Dissemination of Research Findings

Beyond the completion of a research report, disseminating findings is crucial. Dissemination involves using strategies to make the results of your research known to those interested in or affected by them.

Strategies for Dissemination:

• Oral presentations (e.g., Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions)

• Poster presentations

• Seminars

• Publications (journal articles, book chapters)

• Conferences

• Magazines

• Newspapers

Chapter Four: Results Section

This section of a research report focuses on presenting the data collected during the study. It should be presented in accordance with the original study objectives.

• Statistical Data: Includes numerical representations of the research findings, often using counts and measurements (e.g., demographic data, disease prevalence rates).

Statistical Methods

• Statistical methods are used to organize, analyze, and interpret numerical data.

• They allow for better understanding of a phenomenon and informed decision-making.

• Statistical methods can be:

  • Descriptive: Used to organize, present, and summarize data.

  • Analytical: Used to find associations between variables.

Descriptive and Analytical Statistics

• Descriptive statistics focuses on organizing, presenting, and summarizing data (e.g., measures of central tendency, variability).

• Analytical statistics involves finding correlations or causation between variables (e.g., regression analysis, t-tests).

Statistical Variables

• A statistical variable is any measurable characteristic that varies between individuals or subjects (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, age, weight).

• Variables can be:

  • Quantitative: Measurable numerically (e.g., height, weight).

  • Qualitative: Categorical (e.g., gender, ethnicity, degree of pain).

Presentation of Data

• Data presentation is crucial for summarizing and communicating research findings.

• Data can be presented using:

  • Tables: to summarize data, showing frequency distributions.

  • Figures: graphs, charts (e.g., pie charts, line graphs, histograms), used as visual aids.

Tables

• Provide a concise summary of the study findings.

• Include frequency distribution tables and grouped frequency distribution tables.

• Tables should have a clear title, number, fit on one page, brief column and row headings, and clearly marked units of measurement.

Figures (Graphs, Charts)

• Provide visual representations of data, illustrating trends and distributions.

• Follow similar guidelines as tables, but the title/caption is placed below the figure.

Chapter Five: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations

This final section of the research report focuses on interpreting and discussing the research results, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.

• Discussion: Explains the meaning of the findings within the context of existing knowledge. Relate findings of your study to the literature review. Compare and contrast your findings with the findings of other studies, whether there is an agreement or disagreements, and acknowledge any differences.

• Conclusions: Offer succinct answers to the research questions, based on findings.

• Recommendations: Suggest actions based on the conclusions, and often include practical implications for future research or actions (e.g., for policy, nursing practice, or further study). Highlight the nursing implications of the study findings.

Discussions should be based on your original study objectives and findings.