Types of research design Report writing and its layout Research process

Quantitative research design A research report is a well-crafted document that outlines Identify the Problem: Finding an issue or formulating a
Quantitative research design aims at finding answers to who, the processes, data, and findings of a systematic research question is the first step. A well-defined research
what, where, how, and when through the course of research. investigation. It is an important document that serves as a problem will guide the researcher through all stages of the
Moreover, the outcome of the quantitative analysis is easy to first-hand account of the research process, and it is typically research process, from setting objectives to choosing a
represent in the form of statistics, graphs, charts, and considered an objective and accurate source of information. technique. There are a number of approaches to get insight
numbers. Title This is the title of your systematic investigation. Your into a topic and gain a better understanding of it. Such as:
Qualitative research design title should be concise and point to the aims, objectives, and A preliminary survey, Case studies, Interviews with a small
Qualitative research design focuses on finding answers to findings of a research report. group of people, Observational survey
how and why. It uses open-ended questions and helps the Table of Contents this is like a compass that makes it easier Evaluate the Literature: A thorough examination of the
subjects express their views clearly. Qualitative research is for readers to navigate the research report. relevant studies is essential to the research process. It
ideal for businesses that aim to understand customers’ Abstract An abstract is an overview that highlights all enables the researcher to identify the precise aspects of
behaviour and requirements. important aspects of the research including the research the problem. Once a problem has been found, the
Experimental design method, data collection process, and research findings. Think investigator or researcher needs to find out more about it.
This type of research design looks at a problem scientifically of an abstract as a summary of your research report that Create Hypotheses Formulating an original hypothesis is
by establishing a clear cause and effect of every event. It also presents pertinent information in a concise manner. the next logical step after narrowing down the research
tries to understand the impact of the independent variable Introduction Here, the researcher highlights the aims and topic and defining it. A belief solves logical relationships
on the dependable variable. Often social sciences use it to objectives of the systematic investigation as well as the between variables. In order to establish a hypothesis, a
observe human behaviours and understand the social problem which the systematic investigation sets out to solve. researcher must have a certain amount of expertise in the
psychology of human being better. When writing the report introduction, it is also essential to field.
Correlational design indicate whether the purposes of the research were the Research Design Research design is the plan for
Correlation research design establishes a relationship achieved or would require more work. achieving objectives and answering research
between two related variables. The researcher observes the Literature Review A literature review is a written survey of quevb.bfstions. It outlines how to get the relevant
variables over time and then draws conclusions based on existing knowledge in the field of study. In other words, it is information. Its goal is to design research to test
them. This type of research design requires two different the section where you provide an overview and analysis of hypotheses, address the research questions, and provide
groups. different research works that are relevant to your systematic decision-making insights.
A correlation coefficient determines the relationship investigation. Describe Population Research projects usually look at a
between two variables. The value of the correlation An Account of Investigation This is a detailed account of the specific group of people, facilities, or how technology is
coefficient ranges between -1 and +1. If the correlation research process, including the methodology, sample, and used in the business. In research, the term population
coefficient is +1, it indicates a positive relationship between research subjects. Here, you are expected to provide in- refers to this study group. The research topic and purpose
the two variables, and -1 means a negative relationship. depth information on the research process including the help determine the study group.
Descriptive design data collection and analysis procedures. Data Collection Data collection is important in obtaining
Descriptive design is a theory-based research method Findings In this section, you are expected to present the the knowledge or information required to answer the
describing the research’s primary subject matter. This type of results of the systematic investigation. research issue. Every research collected data, either from
research design uses data collection techniques like natural Discussion This section further explains the findings of the the literature or the people being studied. Data must be
observation, case studies, and surveys to derive results. research, earlier outlined. Here, you are expected to present collected from the two categories of researchers. These
This type of research design provides insight into the why a justification for each outcome and show whether the sources may provide primary data.
and how of research. results are in line with your hypotheses or if other research Data Analysis During research design, the researcher plans
Explanatory design studies have come up with similar results. data analysis. After collecting data, the researcher analyzes
In this research design, the researcher explores concepts and Conclusions This is a summary of all the information in the it. The data is examined based on the approach in this step.
ideas on a subject to explore more theories. The main aim of report. It also outlines the significance of the entire study. The research findings are reviewed and reported.
the research is to explore the subjects’ undiscovered aspects References and Appendices This section contains a list of all The Report-writing After completing these steps, the
and answer questions like what, how, and why. the primary and secondary research sources. researcher must prepare a report detailing his findings. The
report must be carefully composed with the following in
mind:
Types of research report Stages of data preparation Mechanism and precaution of research report
The research report is classified based on two things; 1.Data Editing Definition: A process of reviewing and adjusting Clarity and Brevity Avoid excessive jargon or technical
nature of research and target audience. collected data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and terms. Write clearly and concisely to ensure the report is
Nature of Research completeness. understandable.
Qualitative Research Report Purpose: To identify and correct errors in data collection. Accuracy Ensure all data, statistics, and references are
This is the type of report written for qualitative research. It To standardize data formats. To ensure data aligns with accurate and verified. Avoid misrepresenting findings or
outlines the methods, processes, and findings of a research objectives. Example: If a survey participant indicates drawing unsupported conclusions.
qualitative method of systematic investigation. In their age as "10" but their occupation as "doctor," this Objectivity Present findings without bias. Avoid
educational research, a qualitative research report provides inconsistency would be flagged during data editing. overemphasizing results that align with expectations.
an opportunity for one to apply his or her knowledge and 2.Data Cleaning Definition: The process of detecting and Consistency Use consistent formatting throughout the
develop skills in planning and executing qualitative correcting (or removing) inaccurate, incomplete, duplicate, or report (e.g., headings, font, citation style). Ensure consistent
research projects. irrelevant data from a dataset. terminology and style.
Quantitative Research Report Purpose: To improve data quality. To prepare data for accurate Adherence to Ethical Standards Avoid plagiarism by
A quantitative research report is a type of research report analysis. Example: In a dataset of sales transactions, removing properly citing all sources. Maintain confidentiality if the
that is written for quantitative research. Quantitative records where the "Price" field is blank or negative. research involves sensitive or personal data.
research is a type of systematic investigation that pays 3. Data Coding Definition: Assigning numerical or symbolic
attention to numerical or statistical values in a bid to find codes to qualitative or categorical data to facilitate analysis.
answers to research questions. Purpose: To organize data for statistical analysis. To
Target Audience standardize responses for easier interpretation. Example:
Technical Research Report Coding survey responses like "Strongly Agree" as "5" and
A technical research report is a detailed document that you "Strongly Disagree" as "1."
present after carrying out industry-based research. This 4. Data Presenting Definition: The process of organizing and
report is highly specialized because it provides information visualizing data to communicate findings effectively.
for a technical audience; that is, individuals with above- Purpose:To make data insights understandable to the
average knowledge in the field of study. audience. To support decision-making or storytelling.
Popular Research Report Example: Using a bar chart to display monthly sales trends or
A popular research report is one for a general audience; a pie chart to show market share percentages.
that is, for individuals who do not necessarily have any
knowledge in the field of study. A popular research report Graphs,charts and table(tools for presenting data prep)
aims to make information accessible to everyone. 1. Tables
Purpose: Organize and present numerical or categorical data
Univariate, bivariate, multivariate in rows and columns for clarity and comparison.
Univariate Analysis Key Features:
Univariate analysis is the simplest of the three analyses Ideal for detailed data.
where the data you are analyzing is only one variable. Allows for easy reference to specific values.
There are many different ways people use univariate Common Uses: Financial reports, survey results, statistical
analysis. The most common univariate analysis is checking data.
the central tendency (mean, median and mode), the range, 2. Graphs and Charts
the maximum and minimum values, and standard deviation Purpose: Visualize data to reveal patterns, trends, or
of a variable. relationships.
Bivariate Analysis Types:
Bivariate analysis is where you are comparing two variables Bar Chart: Compares categorical data using rectangular bars.
to study their relationships. These variables could be Example: Sales performance across regions.
dependent or independent to each other. In Bivariate Line Graph: Displays trends over time using connected data
analysis is that there is always a Y-value for each X-value. points.
Multivariate Analysis Example: Stock market trends.
Multivariate analysis is similar to Bivariate analysis but you Pie Chart: Shows proportions or percentages of a whole.
are comparing more than two variables. For three Example: Market share distribution.
variables, you can create a 3-D model to study the Scatter Plot: Illustrates relationships between two variables.
relationship (also known as Trivariate Analysis). However, Example: Correlation between study hours and grades.
since we cannot visualize anything above the third Histogram: Represents frequency distribution of continuous
dimension, we often rely on other softwares and data.
techniques for us to be able to grasp the relationship in the Example: Age distribution in a population.
data.