Swales and Feak unit 4

This unit deals with data commentary that will arise from encountering data in the form of tables and graphs. For me in particular this kind of commentary will be unavoidable because of the way I intend to execute my thesis. Either analyzing data from studies or surveys I intend to conduct, or by using information gained form the work of others, sound rational commentary will be the goal. The article points out that being able to comment effectively on data will underscore the researcher’s own objective, perceptive and interpretive skills. Relaying in words what the numbers themselves present is not sufficient, more importantly we should be able to draw reasonable conclusions from the numerical information.
The art seems to be in making statements that are not too strong and at the same time not completely inoperative. I think it is a delicate undertaking not to overstate or understate insights that may be exposed by available data. Once again the Swales article is very useful in providing guidance as to the best way to accomplish efficacy tempered with being “confidently uncertainty” (Swales & Feak, 1994, p86). I suspect though that quite a lot of practice is required before this skill becomes easier. The background the reading provides and the exercises in it, does however provide a helpful start.