Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
First of all a good statistical report requires good writing. However, there are some aspects of statistical
reporting that are different from other forms of writing. In what follows we outline and specify a few points of
good practice.
PLANNING
Clarify the object: Why are you doing the analysis? For whom are you writing the report? (ie. Know your
audience.)
Develop a clear format such as: Use the following as headings in your paper.
1. Executive Summary (in an applied report) [This would be an Abstract in theoretical writing]: A
one paragraph summary of the paper. It should include the result/conclusion.
2. Introduction Problem Description: A statement of the problem and the data that will be used
for the analysis. (Largely a rewrite of the problem statement)
3. Statistical Methodology: What statistical methods (such as regression analysis, confidence
intervals, analysis of variance, etc.) and possibly, what software is being used. This section
will most likely be very brief in the cases you are doing. [appropriate statistical summary –
mean, proprotions in different categories, etc. – and appropriate graphs would be assumed and
not mentioned]
4. Results: What your analysis revealed (eg. Give the confidence intervals, results of tests,
comparison of proportions, etc. and explain how they solve the problem)
5. Conclusions: What are your recommendations, their limitations and what else could be
investigated. Need for further study.
6. [If necessary – not required for our Case studies] Technical Appendix: Computer printout of
calculations, with veriables defined, etc.
DEVELOPING THE REPORT
Write a quick first draft.
Edit and Proofread
Make it look professional but without too much glitz.
GUIDELINES FOR AN EFFECTIVE REPORT
Be precise
Delineate assumptions and potential limitations. Limit the decimal places.
Be concise
Let tables and charts do the talking if it sounds redundant you probably need a table or chart.
Tables and charts should have a heading (eg. Table 1: description) Be very selective in the
computer output that you includeonly what is mentioned in the narrative.
Be clear
Provide sufficient background information.
Make statistical explanations fit your audiences (eg. Don't include formulas and computation).
Place appropriate charts and tables in the body of the report, not the appendix ..
Report the results fairly.
If appropriate, consult with the intended recipient.
Including tables and figures, these reports should be no more than five pages in length with 12 point font and
1.5 line spacing. The narrative should not exceed 3 pages.