Research Methodology

Unit- 5
Research Report

Miss Tanu Shree

 Research Report
O Research reports are recorded data prepared by researchers or
statisticians after analyzing the information gathered by conducting
organized research, typically in the form of surveys or
qualitative methods.

O A research report is a reliable source to recount details about a

conducted research. It is most often considered to be a true
testimony of all the work done to garner specificities of research.

O A research report is a well-crafted document that outlines the

processes, data, and findings of a systematic investigation. It is an
important document that serves as a first-hand account of the
research process, and it is typically considered an objective and
accurate source of information.
 Features of a Research Report

O It is a detailed presentation of research processes and findings,

and it usually includes tables and graphs.

O It is written in a formal language.

O A research report is usually written in the third person.

O It is informative and based on first-hand verifiable information.

O It is formally structured with headings, sections, and bullet

points.

O It always includes recommendations for future actions.

Importance of a Research Report
O 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.

O 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.
O In market research, a research report would help you
understand the market needs and peculiarities at a
glance.

O A research report allows you to present information in

a precise and concise manner.

O 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.
 Structure and of a Research Report
O 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.
O Table of Contents
This is like a compass that makes it easier for readers to navigate the
research report.
O 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.
O 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.

O 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.
O An Account of Investigation
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.
In a quantitative research report, you’d need to provide
information surveys, questionnaires and other quantitative data
collection methods used in your research. In a qualitative
research report, you are expected to describe the qualitative
data collection methods used in your research including
interviews and focus groups.

O Findings
In this section, you are expected to present the results of the
systematic investigation.
O 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.

O Conclusions
This is a summary of all the information in the report. It also
outlines the significance of the entire study.

O References and Appendices

This section contains a list of all the primary and secondary
research sources.
 Oral Report
O An oral report presents the findings of a research-based
experiment. It may also have a format to present the
information clearly to an audience.

O Basically, the elements of an oral presentation may

consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

O At the same time, posters, slide shows, videos, movies,

and other demonstrations can also be used in presenting.
When presenting an oral report, the speaker should also
pay attention to the presentation skills.
Pros and Cons of Oral Report
O Pros of Oral Reports
1. Oral reports save time, especially since they have very
simple structures.
2. Immediate feedback is received when presenting oral
reports.

O Cons of Oral Reports

1. Both speaker and listener cannot be accountable for the
vocal information presented in oral reports.
2. Since oral reports consist of low evidence, the legality is
also questioned.
 Precautions for writing a
Research Report
O Length of the report: While determining the length of the report
(since research reports vary greatly in length), one should keep in
view the fact that it should be long enough to cover the subject but
short enough to maintain interest. In fact, report writing should not
be a means to learning more and more about less and less.

O Interesting: A research report should not, if this can be availed, be

dull, it should be such as to sustain reader's interest.

O Use of abstract terminology and Jargon: Abstract terminology and

technical Jargon should be avoided in research report. The report
should be able to convey the matter as simply as possible. This in
other words, means that report should be written in and objective
style in simple language, avoiding, expression such as, "it seems",
"There may be" and the like.
O Presentation of the findings: Readers are often interested in
acquiring a quick knowledge of the main findings and as such
the report must provide a ready availability of the findings. for
this purpose, charts, graphs and the statistical tables may be
used for the various results in the main report in addition to the
summary of important findings.

O Presentation of the report: The layout of the report should be

well though out and must be appropriate and in accordance
with objective of the research problems.

O Writing of the Report: The reports should be free from

grammatical mistakes and must be prepared strictly in
accordance with the techniques of composition footnotes,
documentation, proper punctuation and use of abbreviations in
footnotes.
O Logical presentation of the report: The report must present the
logical analysis of the subject matter. it must reflect a structure
wherein the different pieces of analysis relating to the research
problem fit well.

O Originality in writing report: A research report should show

originality and should necessarily be an attempt to solve some
intellectual problem. it must contribute to the solution of a
problem and must add to the store of knowledge.

O Plan for future research and implications: Towards the end,

the report must also state the policy implications relating to the
problem under consideration. It is usually considered desirable
if the report makes a forecast of the probable future of the
subject concerned and indicates the kinds of research still needs
to be done in that particular field.
O Appendices: Appendices should be enlisted in respect of all the
technical data in the report.

O Bibliography: Bibliography of sources consulted is a must for a

good report and must necessarily be given.

O Index: Index is also considered an essential part of a good

report and as such must be prepared and appended at the end.

O Appearance: Report must be attractive in appearance, neat and

clean, whether types or printed.

O Introduction: 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.