Topic 8 - Interpreting and Publishing Research Findings
It would be great, if your research produces significant and novel findings! This can happen, when the researchers have an excellent idea, they are well-versed in theory, gather high-quality data, and analyse it in a robust and transparent manner. At this point, it is good to deepen your understanding on how you would get the most out of the hard work that you have put in your research, gain visibility, and make an impact. Also, we will adopt a critical eye towards assessing quantitative studies and research ethics.
How to report and visualise findings in a manner that they are easily understandable and communicate the key messages? And how to make sure that you fulfil the ethical requirements of science, and refrain from drawing conclusions that extend beyond the ideas that are supported by the data of the study?
Also, there is politics involved in determining what kind of research findings get published in academic journals, and which researchers are given time in the media. What do you need to know about academic publishing, and the so called ‘publishing game’, if you wish your research to be published in a premier scientific journal? How is research discussed in the media, and how do the best researchers gain a voice in the media and public debates?
As a researcher – and an educated person – you probably wish to learn from others, too. So, how can you take use of research? What, in general, are the uses of research in the academia, in policy-making, business associations and individual firms? What can you learn from the key measures in quantitative research papers? And how would you detect the problematic issues that should ring your alarm bells not to fully trust the findings of a particular study?
Some important numbers that you may always want to take a look at are p-value tells the probability that a result we obtained was due to random factors (e.g. 1% change) and R-squared that gives a good hint at the ‘goodness’ of the model; it quantifies the proportion of variance in dependent variable that is explained by the independent variables of the model.
Readings
Antonakis, J. 2017. On doing better science: From thrill of discovery to policy implications. The Leadership Quarterly, 28(1), 5-21.
Geletkanycz, M. & Tepper, B. J. 2012. Publishing in AMJ-Part 6: Discussing the Implications. Academy of Management Journal, 55(2), 256-260.
Kirsch, D. A., Goldfarb B. & Gera, A. 2009. Form or Substance? The Role of Business Plans in Venture Capital Decision Making. Strategic Management Journal, 30(5), 487-515.
Mehrotra, V., Morck, R., Shim, J. & Wiwattanakantang, Y. 2011. Must Love Kill the Family Firm? Some Exploratory Evidence. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 35(6), 1121-1148.
Online resources:
Academy of Finland: Effects and impact of research.
Bowers, B. (2009). Investors Pay Business Plans Little Heed, Study Finds.The New York Times.
Rucker, M. (2017) How to Critically Read Quantitative Research Using These 10 Questions.
Zarah, L. (2018). 7 Reasons Why Research Is Important
Videos
Visualizing and Reporting Research Findings
P-value
- - P-value and Null Hypothesis
- - P-value and Research Ethics
R-squared
Research Ethics
Academic Publishing
Exercises
Exercise 8.1 – Comprehend
Look at the Introduction, Discussion, Conclusion sections of the research paper by Kirsch et al. (2009) as well as The New York Times newspaper article ‘Investors Pay Business Plans Little Heed, Study Finds’, that refers to the study by Kirsch et al. Describe briefly your impression on the differences in reporting research to the academic audience and in the media. Are there any problematic issues, or specific advantages in the way in which the newspaper article discusses the study?
Exercise 8.2 – Critique
Read the Introduction, Empirical Findings and Conclusions sections of the article by Mehrotra et al (2011), and explain briefly (max 1 page) the insight delivered by this study. What was the motivation for this study, why did the authors feel it was needed? What is the research question they wish to answer? What are the key findings of the research paper? What is your impression of this research; is it well-grounded and does it offer relevant implications?
Self-Assessment Checklist
Please check. Did you gain an understanding of the following?
- How to report research and disseminate the information
- What is ethical research
- How to critically interpret quantitative research findings
If you can answer everything with a confident Yes! then you have achieved the learning objective of this session.