mechanics of writing a research report in research methodology

the intact one

Read MBA, BBA, B.COM Notes

Mechanism of Report Writing

Writing a research report or paper requires careful attention to detail and adherence to a specific set of rules. These guidelines ensure that the paper is clear, organized, and professional. The report must follow a logical sequence, and the format should be decided upon in advance to maintain consistency throughout the document.

Size and Physical Design of the Paper

The research report should be prepared on standard-sized paper, typically 8.5 × 11 inches, ensuring a uniform presentation. If handwritten, use black or blue-black ink, and if typed, ensure the content is double-spaced. Regardless of the medium, ensure the following margin specifications are adhered to:

• Left margin : At least 1.5 inches to allow for binding.
• Right margin : At least 0.5 inches.
• Top and bottom margins : 1 inch each.

Maintaining neatness and legibility is crucial. If typing the manuscript, avoid single-spacing, except for long quotations or footnotes.

Procedure in Writing the Report

Writing a research report involves following well-established steps, starting from the definition of the research problem to the final draft of the report. These steps are vital to ensure that the research is thorough, and each should be scrupulously followed to maintain quality and accuracy. These steps include problem formulation, literature review, research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results. The method and structure must align with the type of research and its objectives.

Layout of the Report

The layout of a research report depends on the nature of the research problem and objectives. It typically includes sections such as:

• Title page : Contains the title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
• Introduction : Describes the background, purpose, and scope of the research.
• Methodology : Discusses the research design, methods of data collection, and analysis.
• Results : Presents the findings of the research in an organized manner.
• Discussion : Explores the significance of the findings and how they relate to the research question.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the research and suggests further areas of study.
• Bibliography : A list of the sources used in the report.
• Appendix : Any additional materials such as tables or data that support the research.

Treatment of Quotations

Quotations should be included in the body of the text and placed within quotation marks. If a quotation is longer than four or five lines, it should be single-spaced, indented, and not enclosed in quotation marks. This helps differentiate the quotation from the rest of the text while maintaining clarity.

Footnotes serve two main purposes: to identify sources for quotations or references in the text and to provide supplementary information that does not fit within the body of the research. The following rules apply to footnotes:

• Position : Footnotes should appear at the bottom of the page where the reference is made, separated by a half-inch line.
• Numbering : Each chapter should start footnote numbering from 1, and the number should appear slightly above the line, both in the text and at the bottom of the page.
• Spacing : Footnotes should be single-spaced but separated by a double space from each other.
• Content : Footnotes may include citations, explanations, or cross-references. It is important to use them sparingly, only when necessary for clarification or acknowledgment of sources.

Documentation Style

The first reference to a source in the footnotes must include all relevant information to allow for proper citation. The documentation format generally follows these guidelines:

For single-volume works :

• Author’s name in normal order (first name followed by last name).
• Title of the work, italicized or underlined.
• Place of publication, publisher’s name, and the year of publication.
• Page number(s).

Example : John Gassner, Masters of the Drama , New York: Dover Publications, 1954, p. 315.

For multivolume works :

• Author’s name.
• Title of the work, italicized.
• Volume number.
• Place and date of publication.

For articles in periodicals :

• Title of the article, enclosed in quotation marks.
• Name of the periodical, italicized.
• Volume number, issue number, and date of publication.

For works in collections or anthologies :

• Author of the original work.
• Title of the work.
• Name of the editor or compiler.
• Publication details, including place, date, and page numbers.
• Second-hand quotations :

When citing a source that quotes another author, acknowledge both. Example : J.F. Jones, Life in Polynesia , p. 16, quoted in History of the Pacific Ocean Area by R.B. Abel, p. 191.

• Multiple authorship :

If there are more than two authors, use “et al.” or “and others” after the first author’s name.

Use of Statistics, Charts, and Graphs

Effective use of statistical data and graphical representations is key to clarifying complex information. Tables, bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts should be well-labeled, self-explanatory, and relevant to the research. These tools provide clarity and improve understanding by summarizing large amounts of data visually.

Final Draft

After completing the rough draft, a thorough revision is essential. The report should be clear, grammatically correct, and logically coherent. Having a colleague review the report can be highly beneficial in identifying unclear or disorganized sections. Pay close attention to sentence structure, ensuring that ideas are expressed accurately and that points flow logically from one to another.

• Bibliography

A bibliography should be appended to the report, listing all sources consulted during the research. Each entry should be formatted according to the citation style followed in the report, and the sources should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

Preparation of the Index

An index should be prepared at the end of the report to help readers easily locate specific topics, concepts, or authors mentioned in the text. The index should be arranged alphabetically and include references to the page numbers where the terms appear.

Share this:

You might also like, consequence of contract terminal (termination), preparation of cost sheet and statement of cost, group decision support and groupware technologies, 2 thoughts on “ mechanism of report writing ”.

• Pingback: KMB203 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS – STUDY MBA & BBA NOTES
• Pingback: CCSU(BBA) 405 Research Methodology – Home | Management

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Privacy Policy

Home » Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Table of Contents

A research report is a comprehensive document that presents the findings, analysis, and conclusions of a research study. It communicates the purpose, methods, results, and implications of research in a structured format, ensuring clarity and accessibility for the intended audience. Research reports are widely used in academia, business, government, and industry to document findings and provide actionable insights.

This article explores the types of research reports, a step-by-step writing guide, and practical examples to help researchers craft effective reports.

Research Report

A research report is a formal document that summarizes the key aspects of a research project. It allows the researcher to share their findings with others, contribute to the knowledge base, and provide recommendations based on evidence.

Key Features:

• Structured Format: Organized into clearly defined sections.
• Objective Presentation: Focuses on facts and data rather than personal opinions.
• Audience-Specific: Tailored to meet the needs of academic, corporate, or public readers.

Example Use Cases:

• Presenting the results of a scientific experiment in an academic setting.
• Analyzing market trends in a business report.
• Documenting the findings of a public policy evaluation.

Importance of Research Reports

• Documentation: Serves as a permanent record of the research process and findings.
• Communication: Conveys insights and evidence to stakeholders or decision-makers.
• Knowledge Sharing: Advances understanding by contributing to the academic or professional body of knowledge.
• Decision Support: Provides data-driven recommendations for action or policy changes.
• Transparency: Ensures accountability by detailing methods and results.

Types of Research Reports

1. academic research report.

• Purpose: To present original research findings in an academic context.
• Audience: Professors, researchers, and students.
• Example: A thesis or dissertation.

2. Business Research Report

• Purpose: To analyze market trends, customer preferences, or business performance.
• Audience: Executives, managers, and stakeholders.
• Example: A market analysis report on consumer behavior.

3. Technical Research Report

• Purpose: To document technical findings, methodologies, and recommendations.
• Audience: Engineers, IT professionals, and technical staff.
• Example: A software performance evaluation report.

4. Government Research Report

• Purpose: To evaluate public programs, policies, or societal issues.
• Audience: Policymakers, government officials, and the public.
• Example: A report on the effects of a new education policy.

5. Scientific Research Report

• Purpose: To communicate experimental results or scientific investigations.
• Audience: Scientists, medical professionals, and academic journals.
• Example: A report on the efficacy of a new drug.

Structure of a Research Report

• Title of the report.
• Author’s name(s).
• Date of submission.
• Institutional or organizational affiliation.
• A brief summary of the study, including objectives, methods, key findings, and conclusions.
• Lists headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.
• Background of the research topic.
• Problem statement or research question.
• Objectives and significance of the study.
• Overview of existing studies and theories related to the research.
• Identification of gaps in knowledge.
• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods).
• Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews).
• Sampling techniques and data analysis procedures.
• Presentation of findings using tables, graphs, or charts.
• Descriptive and statistical summaries.
• Interpretation of results in relation to research objectives and hypotheses.
• Comparison with previous studies.
• Implications of the findings.
• Recap of the study’s main findings.
• Limitations of the research.
• Recommendations for future research or applications.
• A list of all sources cited in the report, formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
• Supplementary materials such as raw data, questionnaires, or detailed calculations.

Writing Guide for a Research Report

Step 1: understand the purpose.

• Identify the goals of your research and the target audience for the report.
• Define whether the report is academic, business-oriented, or technical.

Step 2: Plan the Structure

• Use the standard format (e.g., title page, abstract, introduction, etc.).
• Create an outline with key headings and subheadings.

Step 3: Collect and Analyze Data

• Gather reliable and relevant data using appropriate methods.
• Analyze the data systematically to address the research objectives.

Step 4: Write Each Section

• Introduction: Provide context and state the purpose clearly.
• Methodology: Describe how the research was conducted in detail.
• Results: Present findings without interpretation.
• Discussion: Interpret results and explain their significance.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways and suggest next steps.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

• Check for logical flow, clarity, and consistency.
• Ensure the language is precise and professional.
• Verify the accuracy of citations and data.

Step 6: Format the Report

• Follow the required style guide (e.g., APA, Chicago, or MLA).
• Include visuals (charts, tables) to enhance understanding.

Step 7: Proofread

• Review for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues.
• Seek feedback from peers or advisors.

Example of a Research Report

Title: Impact of Social Media on Student Academic Performance

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among college students. Using a survey of 300 participants, the findings indicate a negative correlation between excessive social media use and GPA. Recommendations include time management workshops and awareness campaigns.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Methodology

Introduction:

• Background: The rise of social media has revolutionized communication but also raised concerns about its impact on productivity and education.
• Objective: To analyze how social media usage influences the academic performance of students.

Methodology:

• Design: Quantitative study using a cross-sectional survey.
• Data Collection: A structured questionnaire distributed online.
• Sample Size: 300 undergraduate students.
• 70% of participants reported spending more than 3 hours daily on social media.
• A negative correlation (r=−0.45) was found between social media usage and GPA.

Discussion:

• Findings align with previous studies highlighting time mismanagement as a key factor.
• Implications suggest the need for awareness programs about balancing academic and social activities.

Conclusion: Social media significantly impacts student performance, warranting interventions like time management training.

References: Formatted in APA style.

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Report

• Be Clear and Concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure the report is accessible to its intended audience.
• Use Visual Aids: Enhance data presentation with graphs, tables, and charts.
• Provide Evidence: Support claims with data and citations.
• Stay Objective: Present findings and interpretations without personal bias.
• Tailor to the Audience: Adapt the tone, language, and depth of information based on the reader’s needs.

A research report is a vital tool for documenting and sharing findings in a structured, credible, and actionable manner. By following a clear structure, employing appropriate methods, and addressing the needs of the intended audience, researchers can effectively communicate their work. Whether in academia, business, or government, a well-written research report contributes to advancing knowledge and fostering informed decision-making.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
• Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2016). Business Research Methods . Cengage Learning.
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Table of Contents – Types, Formats, Examples

References in Research – Types, Examples and...

Theoretical Framework – Types, Examples and...

Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and...

Assignment – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Approach – Types Methods and Examples