Induction and Interpretation of Data

I. Introduction

Induction (in logic) is the process of deriving general principles from particular facts or instances. It is a conclusion reached by this process (American Heritage Dictionary). It is a special technique in writing used in the interpretation of data and in making conclusion.
Interpretation of data is the part of technical papers that explains the meaning of the data gathered. In research report, it answers the specific questions.

II. Contents

The contents of induction are general principle and particular facts or instances. In research report, the answers to specific problems or questions are the general principles and the data gathered to answer these questions are particular facts. Moreover, the answer to the research problem or the conclusion is the general principle and the answers to the specific questions are the specific facts or instances.

III. Organization

The data in induction are arranged logically, from specific to general. It should be clarified, however, that, in writing the interpretation of data, generalization may be given first and the particulars as justification next. The thinking process is still induction, not deduction. Unlike induction, deduction consists of premises (major premise and minor premise) and the conclusion (Rorabacher and Dunbar, 202-225).

IV. Mechanics

The following reminders can help make correct induction:

1. Use reliable bases of generalization. Use scientific research methods so as to ensure reliable sources of data. Avoid superstition and personal, popular, emotional, and misleading generalization; these are unreliable bases of generalization (Gorrell and Laird 31-38).

2. Do not generalize beyond what the evidence warrants (Rorabacher and Dunbar, 202-225).

3. Use precise terms in making conclusion (Rorabacher and Dunbar, 202-225)..
You may combine the analysis or presentation of data, also called results, and the interpretation of data, also called discussion (Laflen Online).

Outline of Chapter 4 of a Research Report with combined Analysis and Interpretation of Data on the research problem “Are the attitudes of Metro Manila residents towards imported goods positive?”

Chapter 4
RESULTS

Introduction

I. Quality

.......A. Analysis
.............1. Total number of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
.............2. Weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
.............3. Hypothesis test results
......B. Interpretation
.............1. Answer to the specific question on quality based on the hypothesis test results
.............2. Evidence: weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
.............3. Connection between the findings and the theoretical framework
.............4. Similarities or differences of findings of study to findings of other studies reviewed in Chapter 2

II. Price

......A. Analysis
............1. Total number of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............2. Weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............3. Hypothesis test results
......B. Interpretation
............1. Answer to the specific question on price based on the hypothesis test results
............2. Evidence: weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............3. Connection between the findings and the theoretical framework
............4. Similarities or differences of findings of study to findings of other studies reviewed in Chapter 2

III. Availability

......A. Analysis
............1. Total number of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............2. Weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............3. Hypothesis test results
......B. Interpretation
............1. Answer to the specific question on availability based on the hypothesis test results
............2. Evidence: weighted average of each group of SA, A, U, D, SD responses
............3. Connection between the findings and the theoretical framework
............4. Similarities or differences of findings of study to findings of other studies reviewed in Chapter 2


References

Gerber, Robert. Data Interpretation. Robert Gerber Home Page. Retrieved Aug. 24.

.........http://www.petech.ac.za/ robert/DataInterpr.htm

Gorrell, Robert M. and Charlton Laird. Modern English Workbook. 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: .........Prentice Hall, Inc. 1966.

“Induction” American Heritage Dictionary in Answers.com.

Laflen, Angela. “Results: Interpretation of Data.” Online Writing Lab: Purdue University. Aug.-.........Sept. 2001. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ workshops/hypertext/reportw/bodyresults2.html

Rorabacher, Louise Elizabeth, Georgia Dunbar and Clement Dunbar Assignments in exposition. .........12th .ed. NY : Addison-Wesley, 1996.

“Writing Assignment: Induction Essay.” Towson.edu Home Page. Retrieved January 31, 2006. ..........http://www.towson.edu/ ~duncan/inducess.html