I am a third-year PhD student at the University of Tokyo. My research investigates the effects of mindfulness practices on student academic performance. I have encountered some unexpected results that don’t align with my initial hypotheses. How should I address and interpret these findings?
Unexpected results can provide valuable insights. First, ensure that your data is accurate and your methodology is sound. Then, interpret the results objectively, considering alternative explanations. Discuss these findings in the context of existing literature, and highlight their significance and potential implications. Acknowledging the limitations of your study and suggesting areas for future research can also be beneficial.