Module 8: Preparing, Analyzing and Reporting Data

Chapter 11 - Data Reporting

On-line Lesson

Data reporting is the final stage of any research study. All reports need to be clear and concise in order to convey the significance, methodology and results of the study. Most park, recreation and leisure services research reports use the American Psychological Association (APA) format. See Owl On-line Writing Lab.

Report Organization

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executive summary, this is the first section and includes a concise description of the important points of the study. It should not contain too much technical aspects.

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body, the body of the report describes the complete study and usually has four sections.
a. goals of the study, specific objectives  and purpose of the study.
b. methodology, includes statistical design, sampling, and sample size.
c. data collection, reports how the data was collected and the response rate
d. data analysis, identifies the specific analyses used.

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results (trends), describes the significance (if any) of the results.

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recommendations, describes how the results can be applied to the agency or issue studied. 

Using Graphics

Graphics are used to illustrate or summarize important information in the report.

Types of Graphics

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figures, according to the APA, any type of illustration other than a table is referred to as a figure.
a. graphs, show relations, comparisons and/or distributions in a set of data.
b. line graphs - bar graphs - pie graphs - scatter graphs - pictorial graphs
c. charts, describe the relations between parts of a group, object, or sequence of operations in a process. Charts are usually boxes connected with lines.

Example of Graphs


Bar Graph


Pie Chart

 
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tables, present a large amount of data in a small amount of space. They usually show numerical values.

Example of a Table

Issue

1

Not Important

2

Somewhat Important

3

Important

4

Very Important

 

Developing additional parkland (49)

24.4

38.7

24.4

12.2

Improving existing facilities. (41)

0

24.3

48.7

51.2

Modifying existing recreation facilities to meet the interests and needs of residents. (42)

2.3

21.4

52.3

47.6

Providing more recreation programming for children. (51)

1.9

13.4

49

35.2

Providing after school programs for children. (52)

3.8

19.2

40.3

36.5

Providing recreation opportunities for tourists. (50)

14

44

28

14

Providing bicycle paths and trails. (50)

12

46

28

14

Providing special events and programs. (51)

7.8

37.2

37.2

17.6

Protecting open space from development. (50)

18

26

22

34

Making neighborhoods more attractive places. (44)

2.2

18.1

34.0

45.4

Preserving environmentally and historically sensitive places. (51)

3.9

17.6

33.3

45

Providing play areas for young children. (49)

2.0

14.2

40.8

42.8

Providing sports facilities. (52)

5.7

25.0

44.2

25.0

Providing cultural facilities and programs. (50)

6.0

30.0

46.0

18.0

Providing facilities for senior citizens. (51)

3.8

31.3

39.2

25.4

Providing recreation facilities for teenagers. (53)

1.8

13.2

45.2

39.6

Providing well-maintained buildings and grounds. (51)

1.9

9.8

41.1

47.0

Providing safe park and recreation areas. (43)

0

4.6

39.5

55.8

 

The use of graphics are important to create an informative and compelling research report.

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