We learn a lot about data collection methods and techniques and about data processing and analysis. There are lots of books and articles about those research stages (being it qualitative or quantitative). How about data interpretation? Isn't it the last stage of the research? Why do we neglect it?
Doing research means producing new knowledge. Knowledge is articulated in theories. Then what are the social research results? Do we always formulate new theories or we do that only in grounded theory studies? Do we test old theories or we do that only in quantitative studies? Do we apply old theories in new situations or do we modify or complete old theories? Are there studies where we do not employ theory at all like when we ask people who they vote for?
I'm asking you that because I don't know how to organize and teach the data interpretation stage of the social research.
Thank You!