Introduction
Analysis of a research report paper involves an in-depth appraisal of research results, to establish the significance of the research; where its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. In most cases, statistical data analysis usually requires the analyzer to understand the research results adequately; to be able to analyze the data appropriately. Based on the understanding of the data involved, the analyzer of the data then critically interprets the statistical significance of the study. Generally, the main aim of the analysis of a research paper is to establish in detail the relevance of the research; and its significance about the goals of the data collection. This paper critically analyses a research report on sleeping habits among Oxford University students (Jeffrey & William, 2009).
Brief report on sleeping habits among the students in Oxford University
It has been revealed that sleeping habits among the students in the University of Oxford were mainly dependant on the age and the gender of the students among other factors. The study in the university investigated the sleeping habits and the intricacies experienced by various individuals; which in turn was found to have a great impact on the performance of the students in academic work. As the results depicted, males of the middle age were found to fall asleep faster than females within that age bracket whereas working-class students at the age of mid-forties were observed to fall asleep in difficulties (Bennett & Briggs, 2002).
More so, it was observed that; most students in the university had irregular sleeping habits which were in most cases affected by the time of the week; as well as the time of the semester. It was observed that most students in the university were sleeping at later times of the night during weekends and woke very late in the morning as they had less study work during weekends. Similarly, most students were found to sleep very late time of the night during examination times than during normal learning times. Generally, the amount of sleep different students in the Oxford University was found to be one of the major determinants of the level of academic performance among the students (Jeffrey & William, 2009).
The Statistical procedures involved in the study
The study of sleeping habits among the students of Oxford University involved several procedures to come up with accurate and reliable data. Initially, the main aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the sleeping habits of the students and their corresponding academic performance. In this respect, therefore, the methods that had to be used in carrying out the research had to address all levels of the students in terms of their academic performance as well as their respective sleeping habits (Bennett & Briggs, 2002).
Perhaps, the study involved several steps in which each step was properly structured to establish an effective study and yield reliable information from the study. First, the determination of the best methods to be used in the study was a very crucial initial step so that the study could be enhanced using the best possible methods. It was determined that the use of questionnaires and oral interviews were the most efficient methods used. On this basis, the methods were selected because they seemed to be the only reliable modes to establish a link among the researchers and the students with the minimum complications (Jeffrey & William, 2009).
Secondly, the administration of the questionnaires and the interviews were made to the students in the university where the researchers broke into various groups to reach a variety of students within the university. More specifically, some researchers conducted interviews and those who administered questionnaires among various students in the university. Further, the researchers organized various meetings with the students in which oral interviews and written questionnaires were administered to the students at various times of study sessions (Candade, 2010).
Lastly, the results obtained were organized, analyzed, and interpreted using various statistical methods. Using a standardized analysis strategy, the data was compiled and interpreted in form of graphs and tables to bring to focus the precise relationship between the number of sleep students had and the level of performance by the students in the university. In general, the various procedures involved in the study interplayed with each other; where successful research was conducted and the relevant data obtained (Bennett & Briggs, 2002).
The conclusions of the study
As it was revealed, there was a very strong correlation between the number of hours slept and the level of academic performance students had at Oxford University. From the findings, it was concluded that; students who had enough sleep of not less than eight hours per day were performing very well in the university academic work than those students who slept very little or very much. This was because the students who had a sleep of between eight and ten hours were having relaxed minds to concentrate in academics than those with very little or too much sleep; where their minds were usually tired to concentrate on academic work (Candade, 2010).
Perhaps, the conclusions of the study were found to be very appropriate as they gave a basis for psychological guides and university counselors in the department of guidance and guidance and counseling to adequately handle students’ cases. More specifically, these conclusions would be used to guide and counsel students who seem to perform poorly in their academic work through monitoring their habits of sleep and giving them the appropriate advice. Generally, the conclusions of the study were very appropriate in the sense that, the relationship between the amount of sleep the students had in the Oxford University was established to form a basis for the guidance and counseling department in the university, in handling students’ affairs (Jeffrey & William, 2009).
Statistical significance of the findings
The findings of the study were found to be statistically significant in various aspects. For instance, the results obtained could be used to help students improve their academic performance by advising them to have enough amounts of sleep. As the findings depict, the student’s performance is in a way dependant on the amount of sleep they have; hence these results could be used to help students develop appropriate sleeping habits which would help better their performance (Jeffrey & William, 2009).
As it was observed, the determination of the statistical significance of the findings was made through an intrinsic study of the students’ performance and observing their overall academic performance. As the academic results of various students obtained from the university administration and the observed sleeping habits of such students; the findings were found to have a very high level of significance. In general terms, the significance level of the study was very high as it formed a basis to help students improve their academic performance in a way (Bennett & Briggs, 2002).
Conclusion
In general, the analysis of the research report on the relationship between sleeping habits and the level of academic performance among the students of Oxford University is very crucial. This is because; the analysis would provide expounded information about the findings to help the study subject in one way or another.
Reference list
Bennett, J., Briggs, A. & Triola C. (2002). Student Solutions Manual, 2nd edition. New York: Addison Wesley Publishers.
Candade, K. (2010). Sleep Habit Health Tips for Students of College: Online Degrees. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Jeffrey, O. & William, L. (2009). Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life (with SPSS from A to Z: A Brief Step-by-Step Manual, 5th Edition). New York: Rout ledge Publishers.