Table of Contents
Index
Glossary
Table of Contents
Index
Glossary

  
m5 INTERPRETATION

The results are generally interpreted in the light of a theory or model. As we mentioned in the presentation of the Results module, there does not have to be a distinction between results and their interpretation. In practice, domain-specific criteria can be given to determine what information can be represented in the Results module and what in the Interpretation module.^4.15 In appendix A, such criteria are given for the domain of experimental molecular dynamics.

In this domain, the Discussion section in the original article and the corresponding Interpretation module in the modular version will probably always be long and involved. The Interpretation module deals with the explanation of the results in terms of natural phenomena. Different interpretations, both qualitative and quantitative, may be suggested and discussed with respect to their plausibility. The proposed interpretations can also be discussed with respect to their relevance to the problem-solving: does the interpretation help us to solve the problem? By the term `interpretation' both the process of interpreting and its product can be indicated. Indeed, this module contains both the process and the product:

The module \m{INTERPRETATION} contains the interpretation of the results:

• a report on the interpretation(s) as a process of interpreting the results;
• a report on the resulting interpretation(s);
• argumentation on the plausibility of the interpretation(s);
• optional argumentation on the relevance of the interpretation(s);

The plausibility of the interpretation, or in other words its reliability, depends firstly on the reliability of the results represented in the module Results (which in its turn depends on the reliability of the methods used to generate them represented in module Methods). Secondly, it depends on the reliability of the theory used for the interpretation. This dependency has to be taken into account in any argumentation on the plausibility of the interpretation. This can involve comparing the results and interpretations to other results and interpretations of the same authors and to results and interpretations obtained in other relevant work.