A Review of Strategies for Enhancing Clarity and Reader Accessibility of Qualitative Research Results

Abstract

Objective. To characterize elements of the results section of qualitative research reports that make findings more accessible to readers. Methods. Two analytical methods were used for this review. First, published reviews and textbooks written by experts outlining how to evaluate qualitative research were retrieved and reviewed to identify common elements that enhance clarity of the results section. In the second analysis, the authors analyzed the results sections of a subset of qualitative studies to identify, from a reader's point of view, aspects that enhanced and detracted from communication of the results. Findings. Four elements improve accessibility of the results section for readers of qualitative research reports. Content, the first element, describes what information the reader should look for in the results section. Style of results, the second element, identifies wording choices that improve reader accessibility and understanding. Narrative flow, the third element, describes a results section that flows smoothly and logically. Structural cohesiveness, the final element, outlines effective organization of the results section. Results. While authors take several approaches to the presentation of results in qualitative research reports, some strategies appear to be more common and effective than others. The efficient presentation of results can impact a reader's assessment of the quality and credibility of a study. Identified content and stylistic elements should be considered by authors hoping to make the results of their qualitative research more accessible and comprehensible to readers.

Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures by German Dentists: A Qualitative Study to Identify Enablers and Barriers

“…According to O´Sullivan et al, 2020, we tried to structure especially the following results section in a very clear way [ 36 ] to enhance clarity and the reader accessibility of our findings. The twelve dentists (D1–D12, aged 28–71 years, four females and eight males) were located in towns with population sizes between 1633 (D11) and 3,762,456 (D4, D8, D9 and D12) inhabitants and spread across Germany ( Figure 1 A).…”

Barriers to coach decision-making during Australian football matches and how it can be supported by artificial intelligence

“…With the researcher being an active participant in qualitative research methodology, 22 it is important to understand the role the researcher's biases and theoretical perspective have on the design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data. The overall research project, from which this study stems, purports to understand the DM environment of Australian football coaches during matches to inform best practise for the design and implementation of a DSS.…”

How to … write an abstract

“…Conclusions should be realistic and justifiable, without under-or over-interpreting the findings and implications of your work. 1,2,7,9,10,16 Finally, what is the inevitable next chapter (future research) of this story should be shared. 5,9,13 Edit ruthlessly…”

“…These stories need to be accessible to the reader: The narrative should be easy to follow, the structure logical and cohesive and the content understandable (i.e., 'logos'). [1][2][3]10,16 The story must appeal to the reader, grabbing their interest through relevance and relatability (i.e., 'pathos'). While the packaging of a story is crucial, no amount of good writing can make up for shoddy science or poor quality research, such as ignoring the literature, poorly design studies, inappropriate methods, insufficient data collection and a lack of relevance, rigour, originality or innovation (i.e., 'ethos').…”

“…Abstracts should tell stories. These stories need to be accessible to the reader: The narrative should be easy to follow, the structure logical and cohesive and the content understandable (i.e., ‘logos’) 1–3,10,16 . The story must appeal to the reader, grabbing their interest through relevance and relatability (i.e., ‘pathos’).…”