Report descriptive data in a direct format -- in a narrative or in a table/chart. If the decision is made to report data in a narrative format, it is best to simply write out the mean and measures of central tendency, omitting inferences within that sentence. For instance, the reporting of the average IQ score for college students in the study might look like: The average IQ for males was 122 (s = 5) and the average IQ for females was 123 (s = 8). These data can later be referenced in support of the researcher's inferences, as he ultimately seeks to either reject the null hypothesis or fail to reject the null hypothesis.
Report descriptive data in only one format. It become cumbersome and redundant to report data repetitively in the research piece. If the decision is made to report data in a table or chart, this data can be reference in the discussion sections by referencing the table as: ....(table 1). The reader can refer to the table to see the supporting data for inferences made.
Report inferential data within the narrative according to standard research guidelines using the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Using a standard research format, provides a continuity of understanding among researchers. For example, when a researcher reads a reporting of statistical significance in standard APA format (<p .01), its meaning is clear, regardless of research study or context.
Report and reference inferential data in table format according to APA guidelines. Again, reporting data in a consistent format brings clarity to research, regardless of the researcher. If results are reported in APA table format, many researchers will be able to merely view the data table and make some inferences from its content. APA's guidelines require consistency in structure of the table, as well as in the content of the table.