Guidelines for writing your report Produce a short statistical report of 1,500-2,000 words describing

Guidelines for writing your report

Produce a short statistical report of 1,500-2,000 words describing patterns that can be deduced from the dataset. Use the format of an academic journal article.

Try to write a simple, clear and readable report emphasising the most important points in the data. Do not indiscriminately represent all the information given. Be selective. You do not have to analyze ALL variables, but should answer the question above. Consider carefully what are the most important or informative aspects of the data that you wish to convey and how these can be communicated most effectively to the reader. Use tables and charts, when appropriate, to help you bring out the key points.

The aim of the report is to convey a clear picture of patterns and differences in certain issues on religion. Make sure that your analysis answers the question.

Writing the report is an exercise in communication. You will need to state exactly which area you are looking at, introduce your subject matter and organise it into sections or topic areas of your choice, using appropriate headings and sub-headings.

The main body of the report will consist of a summary, analysis and interpretation of the results. You should identify the main features of the data and any aspects which you consider to be of interest or importance.

You may wish to present your findings in tables and graphs. You may also wish to combine or condense aspects of the data to present it in a more accessible form or to highlight certain features. Also, explain why a particular method is suitable for your analysis .

You will have to search for differences and relationships between two variables. Please be aware that variables’ level of measurement directs type of analysis .

Your report may also include an assessment of the relative merits of the data at your disposal, drawing attention to possible deficiencies and suggesting ways in which it might be strengthened and improved.

Criteria for Assessment

Please see the module’s handbook:

Clear statement of research question to be addressed in context of data set

Appropriate selection and use of both descriptive (univariate) and inferential (bivariate) statistics
Accurate analytic interpretation of results and attention to less obvious aspects of the data
Clear list of variables and procedures used in the analysis, including details of any newly created variables
Appropriate and accurate use of charts, tables and figures
Clear identification, summary and discussion of main findings and their implications in relation to specific research questions
Well organized Report with clarity of expression and ability to convey material in a succinct, interesting manner
Critical reflection upon the process of data analysis and strengths and weaknesses of strategies and techniques adopted

Some hints:

First of all, conduct a frequency analysis of all variables in order to examine their level of measurement. Use that output as a copy of the questionnaire.
Where appropriate, consider recoding variables with too many categories.
Use a wide range of statistical techniques (both univariate and bivariate).

Structure of the Report: