Research Methodology

Unit 4
 REPORT WRITING
WHAT IS A REPORT?
A report is a very formal document that is written for a variety of
purposes in the sciences, social sciences, engineering and business
disciplines.
The final and the last step in any research is to make report of the
findings to make the research and the study accessible to all.
By this report, the research sponsors, government, students,
academicians can get to learn and understand the research related
work.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF REPORT WRITING:

Research report is considered a major component of the

research study for the research task remains incomplete till the
report has been presented and/ or written.
The purpose of research is not well served unless the findings
are made known to others.
The task of report writing must be accomplished by the
researcher with utmost care and he may seek the assistance and
guidance of the experts.
Features of a Research Report
So how do you recognize a research report when you see
one? Here are some of the basic features that define a
research report.
•It is a detailed presentation of research processes and
findings, and it usually includes tables and graphs.
•It is written in a formal language.
•A research report is usually written in the third person.
•It is informative and based on first-hand verifiable
information.
•It is formally structured with headings, sections, and
bullet points.
•It always includes recommendations for future actions.
Types of Research Report
The research report is classified based on two things; nature of research and target audience.
Nature of Research
•Qualitative Research Report
This is the type of report written for qualitative research. It outlines the methods, processes,
and findings of a qualitative method of systematic investigation. In educational research, a
qualitative research report provides an opportunity for one to apply his or her knowledge
and develop skills in planning and executing qualitative research projects.

•Quantitative Research Report

A quantitative research report is a type of research report that is written for quantitative
research. Quantitative research is a type of systematic investigation that pays attention to
numerical or statistical values in a bid to find answers to research questions.
In this type of research report, the researcher presents quantitative data to support the
research process and findings. Unlike a qualitative research report that is mainly
descriptive, a quantitative research report works with numbers; that is, it is numerical in
nature.
Target Audience
If you’re dealing with a general audience, you would need to present a popular research report,
and if you’re dealing with a specialized audience, you would submit a technical report.
•Technical Research Report
A technical research report is a detailed document that you present after carrying out industry-
based research. This report is highly specialized because it provides information for a technical
audience; that is, individuals with above-average knowledge in the field of study.
In a technical research report, the researcher is expected to provide specific information about
the research process, including statistical analyses and sampling methods. Also, the use of
language is highly specialized and filled with jargon.
Examples of technical research reports include legal and medical research reports.
•Popular Research Report
A popular research report is one for a general audience; that is, for individuals who do not
necessarily have any knowledge in the field of study. A popular research report aims to make
information accessible to everyone.
It is written in very simple language, which makes it easy to understand the findings and
recommendations. Examples of popular research reports are the information contained in
newspapers and magazines.
Importance of a Research Report
•Knowledge Transfer: As already stated above, one of the reasons for carrying out
research is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge, and this is made possible with
a research report. A research report serves as a means to effectively communicate the
findings of a systematic investigation to all and sundry.
•Identification of Knowledge Gaps: With a research report, you’d be able to identify
knowledge gaps for further inquiry. A research report shows what has been done while
hinting at other areas needing systematic investigation.
•In market research, a research report would help you understand the market needs and
peculiarities at a glance.
•A research report allows you to present information in a precise and concise manner.
•It is time-efficient and practical because, in a research report, you do not have to spend
time detailing the findings of your research work in person. You can easily send out the
report via email and have stakeholders look at it.
 DIFFERENT STEPS IN WRITING REPORT

The usual steps involved in writing report are

1. Logical Analysis of the subject matter
2. Preparation of the final outline
3. Preparation of the rough draft
4. Re- writing and polishing
5. Preparation of the final bibliography
6. Writing the final draft.
1. Logical Analysis of the Subject Matter: It is the first step
which is primarily concerned with the development of the
subject.
2. Preparation of the final outline: The next step in writing a
research report is to outline or to make a frame upon which
long written works are constructed.
3. Preparation of the rough draft: The researcher prepares
a rough draft of his research work. He will have to put his
work in pen and paper now so that he can ask his critics to
comment upon it.
4. Re-writing and polishing: The careful revision makes the
difference between a mediocre and a good piece of writing.
In this step, the researcher should check the report for
weakness in logical development or presentation.,
5. Preparation of the final Bibliography: The bibliography is a list
of books which are used as a reference for the preparation of the
report. It should contain all those works which the researcher has
consulted. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically and
may be divided into two parts. The first part may contain the
names of the books and pamphlets, and second part may contain
the names of the magazines and news paper articles. Also the
page numbers of the books being referred and the edition and the
volume of the magazine being referred must be mentioned.
6. Writing the final Draft: The final draft should be written in a
concise and objective style and in simple language, avoiding vague
expressions. Also the researcher must avoid abstract terminology
and technical words.
 MECHANISM OF WRITING A REPORT:
1. Selecting the topic
2. Planning the paper
3. Developing the statement of purpose
4. Gathering the Information
5. Connecting your thoughts
6. Giving credit where credit is due
7. Quoting, Summarizing
8. Citations (Crediting Sources within the paragraph)
9. Editing and Proof reading
10. General guidelines for reference listings
Structure of a report
Results Concluding Bibliograph
Introduction of Review of The Research
Methodology
Remarks y
Preliminary Part the Report Literature

•Cover •Introduction •Books review •Processing of •Findings

•The theoretical • Appendices
•Title •Review of articles framework data
•Preface •Background of •Conclusions
published in books, (variables)
•Acknowledgem the research journals, periodicals, •Hypothesis /
ent study etc model testing •Shortcomings
•Model /
•Review of articles hypothesis
•Table of •Statement of published in leading •Data analysis •Suggestions to
contents the problem newspapers •Instruments for and the problems
data collection interpretation
•Working papers /
•List of tables •Brief outline of •Direction for
discusssion paper /
the chapters study reports •Data collection •Tables and further research
•List of graphs figures
•Articles on
authorised websites
 LAYOUT OF THE RESEARCH REPORT:
The person who is reading the report, must necessarily be
conveyed enough about the study.
The layout of the research report should compromise
A. Preliminary Pages
B. Main Text
C. The End matter
Preliminary Pages:
The report should have
• The title with the date
• Acknowledgement in the form of Preface or the Foreword.
• The table of contents (list of tables and illustration)
5. Conclusions or Implications of the results: The
researcher should again put down the results of his
research clearly and precisely. It is considered a good
practice to finish the report with a short conclusion which
summarizes and recapitulates the main points of the study.
6. Summary: It has become customary to conclude the
research report with a brief summary of the report which
defines in brief the research problem, the methodology, the
major findings and the major conclusions drawn from the
research results.
End Matter:
At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in
respect of all technical data such as questionnaires,
mathematical derivations etc. The bibliography should also
be given at the end of the report.
•Introduction
Here, the researcher highlights the aims and objectives of the systematic investigation as
well as the problem which the systematic investigation sets out to solve. When writing
the report introduction, it is also essential to indicate whether the purposes of the research
were achieved or would require more work.
In the introduction section, the researcher specifies the research problem and also
outlines the significance of the systematic investigation. Also, the researcher is expected
to outline any jargons and terminologies that are contained in the research.

•Literature Review
A literature review is a written survey of existing knowledge in the field of study. In other
words, it is the section where you provide an overview and analysis of different research
works that are relevant to your systematic investigation.
It highlights existing research knowledge and areas needing further investigation, which
your research has sought to fill. At this stage, you can also hint at your research
hypothesis and its possible implications for the existing body of knowledge in your field
of study.
Structure of a Research Report
•Title
This is the title of your systematic investigation. Your title should be concise and point to
the aims, objectives, and findings of a research report.
•Table of Contents
This is like a compass that makes it easier for readers to navigate the research report.
•Abstract
An abstract is an overview that highlights all important aspects of the research including
the research method, data collection process, and research findings. Think of an abstract as
a summary of your research report that presents pertinent information in a concise manner.
An abstract is always brief; typically 100-150 words and goes straight to the point. The
focus of your research abstract should be the 5Ws and 1H format – What, Where, Why,
When, Who and How.
Research methodology
This is a detailed account of the research process, including the methodology, sample, and
research subjects. Here, you are expected to provide in-depth information on the research
process including the data collection and analysis procedures.
•Findings
In this section, you are expected to present the results of the systematic investigation.
•Discussion
This section further explains the findings of the research, earlier outlined. Here, you are
expected to present a justification for each outcome and show whether the results are in line
with your hypotheses or if other research studies have come up with similar results.
•Conclusions
This is a summary of all the information in the report. It also outlines the significance of the
entire study.
•References and Appendices
This section contains a list of all the primary and secondary research sources.
Tips for Writing a Research Report
•Define the Context for the Report
As is obtainable when writing an essay, defining the context for your research report would
help you create a detailed yet concise document. This is why you need to create an outline
before writing so that you do not miss out on anything.
•Define your Audience
Writing with your audience in mind is essential as it determines the tone of the report. If
you’re writing for a general audience, you would want to present the information in a
simple and relatable manner. For a specialized audience, you would need to make use of
technical and field-specific terms.
•Include Significant Findings
The idea of a research report is to present some sort of abridged version of your systematic
investigation. In your report, you should exclude irrelevant information while highlighting
only important data and findings.
•Include Illustrations
Your research report should include illustrations and other visual representations of your
data. Graphs, pie charts, and relevant images lend additional credibility to your systematic
investigation.
•Choose the Right Title
A good research report title is brief, precise, and contains
keywords from your research. It should provide a clear
idea of your systematic investigation so that readers can
grasp the entire focus of your research from the title.
•Proofread the Report
Before publishing the document, ensure that you give it a
second look to authenticate the information. If you can,
get someone else to go through the report, too, and you
can also run it through proofreading and editing
software.
PRECAUTIONS FOR WRITING RESEARCH REPORTS:
The research report should be long enough to cover the
subjects but short enough to maintain the interest.
The report should not be dull, it should sustain the reader’s
interest.
Abstract terminology and technical language should be
avoided in a research report.
The report must provide a readily availability of the findings.
The layout of the report must be in accordance with the
objectives of the research problem.
 The report should be original in nature
Appendices should be properly listed in all respect in order to
avoid any confusions.
Bibliography of sources of consulted is a must and it should be
very carefully and chronologically arranged.
The report must be attractive in its appearance.
The objective of the study, the nature of the problem, the methods
employed and the analysis techniques adopted must all be clearly
stated in the beginning of the report in the form of introduction.
The limitations related to the study must also be clearly indicated
in the research report.
TYPES OF GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATON:

The various types of graphical representations of the data are

•Dot Plots
•Bar Graph
•Line Graph
•Circle Graph
Dot Plots

The dot plot is one of the most simplest ways of graphical representation of the statistical
data. As the name itself suggests, a dot plot uses the dots. It is a graphic display which
usually compares frequency within different categories. The dot plot is composed of dots
that are to be plotted on a graph paper.
2.Bar Graph

A bar graph is a very frequently used graph in statistics as well as in media. A bar graph is a type of graph which contains
rectangles or rectangular bars. The lengths of these bars should be proportional to the numerical values represented by
them. In bar graph, the bars may be plotted either horizontally or vertically. But a vertical bar graph (also known as
column bar graph) is used more than a horizontal one.

A vertical bar graph is shown below:

3.Line Graph

A line graph is a kind of graph which represents data in a way that a series of points are to be connected by segments
of straight lines. In a line graph, the data points are plotted on a graph and they are joined together with straight line.

A sample line graph is illustrated in the following diagram:

Circle Graph

A circle graph is also known as a pie graph or pie chart. It is called so since it is similar to slice of a “pie”. A pie graph
is defined as a graph which contains a circle which is divided into sectors. These sectors illustrate the numerical
proportion of the data.
5.Histogram and Frequency Polygon

The histograms and frequency polygons are very common graphs in statistics. A histogram is defined as a
graphical representation of the mutually exclusive events. A histogram is quite similar to the bar graph. Both are
made up of rectangular bars. The difference is that there is no gap between any two bars in the histogram. The
histogram is used to represent the continuous data.