How to critically analyse research results and conclusions The table below provides the criteria for judging the strengths and weaknesses of research results and conclusions: appropriate choice and use of statistics correct interpretation of results all results explained alternative explanations considered significance of all results discussed consistency of results with previous research discussed results add to existing understanding or knowledge limitations discussed results clearly explained conclusions consistent with results Evaluating the Results and Conclusions Strengths Weaknesses Chose and used appropriate statistics inappropriate choice or use of statistics Results interpreted correctly or accurately incorrect interpretation of results the results have been over-interpreted For example: correlation measures have been incorrectly interpreted to suggest causation rather than association All results were explained, including inconsistent or misleading results inconsistent or misleading results not explained Alternative explanations for results were considered unbalanced explanations: alternative explanations for results not explored Significance of all results were considered incomplete consideration of results Results considered according to consistency with other research or viewpoints Results are conclusive because they have been replicated by other studies consistency of results with other research not considered results are suggestive rather than conclusive because they have not been replicated by other studies Results add significantly to existing understanding or knowledge results do not significantly add to existing understanding knowledge Limitations of the research design or method are acknowledged limitations of the research design or method not considered Results were clearly explained, sufficiently detailed, consistent results were unclear, insufficiently detailed, inconsistent, confusing, ambiguous, contradictory Conclusions were consistent with and supported by the results conclusions were not consistent with or not supported by the results