What differentiates analysis from interpretation in report writing?

The distinction between analysis and interpretation in report writing is pivotal for understanding how to effectively communicate findings. Analysis refers to the process of examining and breaking down data to understand its components and relationships. This involves organizing, comparing, and summarizing the information to extract significant insights or trends. On the other hand, interpretation goes a step further by assigning meaning to the analyzed data. It involves drawing conclusions based on the analysis and placing the results in a broader context, explaining what the data signifies in terms of implications or impact.

This understanding illuminates why the chosen response accurately captures the essence of both concepts. It emphasizes that while analysis is focused on the objective examination of data, interpretation allows for subjectivity in understanding and communicating the significance behind those findings. Thus, they serve complementary roles in report writing: analysis informs interpretation, and interpretation enriches the narrative derived from analysis.