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InterpretationIn theoretical as well as empirical research, the report should be concludedwith an interpretation of the findings against the background of the originalresearch problem. Criteria of objectivity require that the interpretation shouldnot be selective, but that data should be reported in full. A valid conclusion isone in which the data (empirical) or reasons/evidence (theoretical) provideboth sufficient and relevant grounds for the conclusion.GUIDELINE 10The interpretation and conclusions should be provided within theframework of the original research problem and design and shouldinclude all the relevant information/data.Free download from www.hsrcpress.ac.zaTECHNICAL GUIDELINESDiverse factors determine the technical editing of a report. The nature andextent of an investigation will obviously determine the length, etc. of thereport. The most important aspects which should be taken into considerationwhen a report, article or dissertation is edited, are:• the format: the length of the text (A4 or A5) and line-spacing;• the length;• the number of copies;• the reference style;• the necessity for acknowledgements; and• the summary.The precise nature and content of each of these factors will depend on thecontext of the report. Articles submitted to journals usually have to complywith the conventions of the journal in question. Universities also have strictrules regarding any thesis or dissertation submitted to them, whileorganizations such as the Human Sciences Research Council have their own setof criteria for research reports. The only guideline which can therefore beformulated, is the following:GUIDELINE 11The research report should comply with the technical guidelines(format, length, number of copies, reference style and summary) laiddown by the organization or journal concerned.195