Methods Manual: Results - outcome variable is continuous

If you are not presenting information with sample Means and Standard Deviations (or Medians), then you should consult the categorical outcomes section.

Past results from the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) study are used to illustrate the Results section of a report. In this example the outcome variable is continuous -- sentence given to driver, ranging from 0 to 20 years. The descriptive statistics are sample size (N), central tendency (Mean), and variability (Standard Deviation). There are three possible formats for describing the statistical results: narrative, tables, or figures.

Narrative account

The narrative describes the findings. The statistical information justifying the conclusions are presented in APA style. See Common statistical notations. Here is an example:

The difference in years sentenced was statistically significant [F(1, 36) = 4.791, p = .04]. For the Negative perpetrator, Positive victim scenario, the mean sentence was 18.11 years (n = 19, SD = 7.41). When the driver was portrayed in a positive manner with a negative victim, the mean sentence was 12.76 years (n = 19, SD = 7.64).

Tables or figures

Figures and tables do not speak for themselves. Some narrative is needed to refer specifically to them (to make the reader aware of their relevance). Present the results in only one form - full narrative (as above) or as a table (with a brief mention in the text) or as a figure (with a brief mention in the text). Example: Results as a table (on left) and as a figure (on right).

(Accompanying text in written report) Table 1 shows that respondents were more lenient toward the Positive perpetrator with an Negative victim, then toward the Negative perpetrator with a Positive victim [F(1, 36) = 4.791, p = .04].

 

NOTE: Labels for Tables appear at the top. Labels for Figures are below the information.

Figure 1. Mean number of years sentenced in Unsympathetic driver (n=19, SD=7.41) and Sympathetic driver (n=19, SD=7.64) conditions.

(Accompanying text in written report) Figure 1 shows .... (as in Table title).

Optional (not required): Median and Interquartile Range

Presentation of categorical outcomes

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