Reporting number ranges accurately is critical to the explanation of one\u2019s research methods and analysis. Furthermore, date ranges representing the study period are commonly reported as part of the Methods section. In addition to reporting all numbers and dates accurately, it is important to be aware of how to word English sentences to clearly indicate where a number or date range stops and ends, and what is included.<\/p>\n
Be sure not to place a number in two categories or leave out the number entirely. For example, consider that the participants in a study are going to be divided into age brackets for the purpose of analysis. They may be categorized into a \u201cyoung adult group\u201d aged 20\u201339 years, a \u201cmiddle-aged group\u201d aged 40\u201359 years, and a \u201csenior group\u201d aged 60 and above. In such cases, it is important not to have the same number in two places or ranges. Do not place 40-year-olds in two groups by saying that the young adult group consists of 20\u201340-year-olds and the middle-aged group consists of 40\u201360-year-olds. This is confusing, as it counts participants who are exactly 40 years old twice.<\/p>\n
Moreover, do not forget to account for any numbers. If the study included participants aged 18\u201365, the categories 20\u201339, 40\u201359, and 60+ do not account for the 18- and 19-year-old participants. Hence, the first age bracket can be revised to 18\u201339. Another common error is to write a phrase like \u201cover age 60\u201d to represent the senior group. However, this phrase leaves out participants who are exactly 60 years old; see the final section for further explanation.<\/p>\n