REPORT WRITING

Definition:A report is a prepared account of what happened, about a particular event, presented in formal and organized format backed with statistical evidence. A document containing information organized in a narrative, graphic, or tabular form, prepared on ad hoc, periodic, recurring, regular, or as required basis. Reports may refer to specific periods, events, occurrences, or subjects, and may be communicated or presented in oral or written form.

What needs to be done in writing a report:1.Record the objectives. 2. Record the design of the survey and how it was determined. 3. Record how the survey was carried out. 4. Record summary of data collected. 5. Analysis of data.

The research report

Standard research report sections
Section Title page Key features Check list

Title of report Name of author / student Organisation / course Date Lists the content of the report Page numbers Summarises the whole report in a logical order Are the aims of the purpose of the research clearly stated?

Table of contents

Executive summary (Abstract)

Outlines purpose, research methods, findings, conclusions & recommendation s

Are the results summarised? Are the conclusions & recommendation s outlined?

Written last mainly in past tense

Should be no more than one page

Introduction

Outlines context, background & purpose

Is the purpose of the research clearly stated?

Defines terms & sets limits of the research

Is the context & background explained?

Are the limits of the study outlined?

Are the important concepts & terms defined?

Method

Explains the research methodology and methods used

Are the research techniques / methods clearly outlined?

In scientific reports, this would detail the experimental procedures

Results / findings

Presents the findings / results Can use visual data, eg graphs, tables etc

Are the results clearly summarised / stated?

Is visual data used where appropriate?

Discussion

Facts only - no interpretation

Interprets & evaluates results Analyses results

Are the results explained & interpreted? Are the results linked to other similar research & to each other?

draws together

Conclusion

Brief summary of findings

Are the results summarised? Do the recommendation s suggest possible solutions / actions / pathways etc

Recommendations

Suggest suitable changes / solutions

Action plan for recommendation s if required

Glossary

List of terms, eg acronyms used

References or bibliography Appendix

List of all cited references

Attachments, eg surveys, questionnaires etc

Executive summary (Abstract)

An executive summary provides a quick overview or synopsis of a report, summarising the essential parts. It outlines the following information:

the purpose of the report the methods used to conduct the research the results of the research the conclusions drawn from the research recommendations for future actions.