Further reading on data commentary

Welcome to the next lesson in our series on deconstructing research articles, where we’ll be focusing on the results section.

I will guide you through understanding the importance of data and evidence in scientific research, and how to effectively present and interpret them in an organized and understandable manner. In this lesson, we’ll delve deeper into the topic and discuss the three critical elements of data commentary, which include location, highlight, and implication.

1. Location

The first element, location, is crucial for directing your readers’ attention to the specific table or figure you’re discussing. Oftentimes, text and figures may not appear on the same page due to formatting issues. Thus, providing location information ensures your readers know which figure or table you’re referring to, making it easier for them to follow along. For example, you might begin with, “Figure 1 illustrates the stress-strain curves of materials A, B, C, and D.”

2. Highlight

The highlight element involves selecting the most significant or interesting parts of your data to discuss. As a researcher, you must be selective, focusing on overall trends, important findings, or surprising patterns. The highlight element requires you to be more descriptive in your language, describing data in terms of numbers, peaks, or drops. Remember that you don’t need to describe every single data point – just the most relevant ones.

3. Implication

Lastly, the implication element concerns the interpretation of your data. As the author and researcher, you should provide meaning and context for your findings, helping readers understand their value and significance. Your language should shift from descriptive to analytical, as you move from discussing the data to providing your own interpretation. Always keep these three critical elements – location, highlight, and implication – in mind when reporting your data or findings.

In summary, the results section of a research article should include the three critical elements of location, highlight, and implication. By following this structure, you can provide your readers with a clear picture of your data and its meaning. It is essential to strike a balance between descriptive and analytical language, and to adjust the level of interpretation depending on your discipline. With these guidelines in mind, you can effectively communicate your research findings to your readers, helping them understand the value and significance of your work.