Lecture - 08
RESEARCH REPORT
A research report is a detailed document
that presents the findings, methodology, analysis, and conclusions of a
research study. It is a formal record of the research process and serves to
communicate the results to others in a clear, structured, and logical
manner.
Writing a research report is the
final step in the research process, where the entire study is reproduced in
written form. It involves clearly and logically communicating what was done,
what happened, and the meaning of the results. While the researcher is familiar
with the tasks, writing a good report is a skill that requires practice.
The report's structure mirrors the
research project's organization. Although most writing occurs at the end, some
parts, like literature reviews and procedures, can be drafted during the study.
Writing from memory should be avoided to prevent omissions.
Before writing, the researcher
should gather all necessary information and understand formatting rules for
footnotes, references, tables, etc. Sufficient time should be allocated for
writing, revising, and finalizing the report. The final draft should be
concise, accurate, and include all essential data. Research reports are also
referred to as theses or dissertations.
Need for Research Report
1.
Full Documentation and Verification
Research must be
reported in its entirety, with findings open to criticism and verification to
ensure accuracy, reliability, and credibility.
2.
Practical Application for Society
Research is
conducted for the benefit of humanity, and its results must be communicated
effectively to the general public for practical use and broader understanding.
3.
Culmination of Reflective Thinking
Research
represents the culmination of reflective thinking and serves as a foundation
for others to explore related problems or conduct further investigations.
4.
Encouraging Further Research
A research report
requires creative thinking to review related studies, discuss findings, and
suggest new problems or areas for future research.
5.
Structuring and Solidifying Research
The report is
essential for organizing and giving shape to the research process, ensuring it
is well-documented and solidified.
6.
Transparency in Methodology
It provides a
clear and detailed account of the research methods, sample selection, and
techniques used, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.
7.
Dissemination of New Contributions
The research
report plays a vital role in popularizing and sharing new contributions within
the discipline, making them accessible to a wider audience.
GENERAL FORMAT OF RESEARCH REPORT
A research report or thesis is an
organized presentation of research work, divided into three major categories:
A. Preliminaries,
B. Textual Body,
and
C. References.
A. Preliminary Section
1.
Title Page: Includes the title of
the research, author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
2.
Preface or Acknowledgements: A
brief note expressing gratitude to those who assisted in the research.
3.
Table of Contents: Lists all
sections and subsections with page numbers.
4.
List of Tables (if any):
Enumerates tables included in the report.
5.
List of Figures (if any):
Lists figures, charts, or graphs used in the report.
B. Main Body of Report
(Textual Body)
1.
Introduction
o Statement
of the Problem: Describes the research problem or question.
o Objectives
of the Study: Outlines the goals of the research.
o Hypotheses
to be Tested: States the hypotheses (if applicable).
o Significance
of the Problem: Explains the importance of the research.
o Assumptions
and Delimitations: Clarifies the scope and limitations of the study.
o Definitions
of Important Terms: Defines key terms used in the research.
2.
Review of Related Literature: Summarizes
existing research relevant to the study.
3.
Design of the Study
o Method
and Procedure Used: Describes the research design and methodology.
o Tools
of Research or Sources of Data: Identifies the tools or sources used for
data collection.
o Techniques
of Data Collection: Explains how data was gathered.
o Description
of Techniques Used: Provides details on the methods employed.
4.
Analysis and Presentation of Data
o Analysis
of Data: Presents the data analysis process.
o Tables
and Interpretation: Includes tables and their explanations.
o Figures
and Interpretation: Includes figures, charts, or graphs and their
interpretations.
5.
Conclusions
o Discussion
of Results: Interprets the findings in the context of the research problem.
o Main
Findings and Inferences: Summarizes key results and their implications.
o Implications
of the Findings and Limitations: Discusses the significance of the findings
and any limitations.
o Suggestions
for Further Studies: Recommends areas for future research.
C. Reference Section
1.
References: Lists all sources cited in
the research.
2.
Bibliography (if applicable):
Includes all sources consulted, during the research.
3.
Appendices (if any): Contains
supplementary materials like questionnaires, raw data, or additional details.
4.
Index or Glossary (if any): Provides
definitions of terms or an index for easy navigation.