Chapter 4 –Reading Research Reports

I. Types of Research Reports

A. Journal Articles (define refereed)

1. Peer review

2. Blind review

3. Primary vs. secondary source

B. Presentations at conferences

C. Theses and Dissertations

D. Books

II. Content of Research Journal Articles

A. Abstract – 100 to 200 words max

B. Introduction

1. Variables under study

2. Purpose

3. Research questions/ or hypotheses

4. Literature review

5. Theoretical framework

6. Significance

C. Methodology

1. Sample

2. Research design

3. Measurement tools

4. Data collection

5. Procedures

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D. Results-findings

1. Statistical tests

2. Value of calculated statistic

3. Significance (statistical) .05 or .01 usually

E. Discussion

1. Interpretation of the results in light of previous research, theoretical

framework, or clinical relevance

2. Implication for practice

3. Limitations

4. Implications for further research

F. References

III. Style of quantitative journal articles or research reports

A. Compact

B. Jargon

C. Objective

D. Statistical information-meaning of statistical significance

IV. Reading research

A. Use a photocopy

B. Go slowly

C. Skip the statistics at first

D. Read for a purpose

V. Summarize

VI. Critique each element

A. Substantive – importance to nursing/patient care

B. Theoretical

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C. Methodology

D. Interpretive

E. Ethical

F. Style

G. Types of Research Report

"Research report can vary differently in its length, type and purpose. Kerlinger (2004)
states that the results of a research investigation can be presented in number of ways via a
technical report, a popular report, a monograph or at times even in the form of oral
presentation." Some typology of research reports are more popular for business purposes
can be as:
1. Formal and Informal report
2. Written and Oral report
3. Internal and external report
4. long and short report
5. Descriptive and Analytical report
6. Technical and popular report

But, for the academic report like Thesis, GRP or Project reports, only either descriptive or
analytical report is prepared. A short description of each type of description and analytical
report is given below:

Also read: Management Research: Types and Value in Business Decision

1. 1. Descriptive Report
In descriptive report, researcher describes the facts, trends or opinions experienced or
gathered during the research work. In such reports, data presentation and analysis are
more importantly presented. Such reports are more suitable in case of describing current
situations, etc. It is more popular method of report writing.

2. 2. Analytical report
As name given analytical, such reports are prepared with analyzing and interpretation of
the facts or trends or situations. This means analytical report is one step ahead than
descriptive reports. Such reports follow the scientific investigation and reporting.
Analytical reports also recommend some measures to improve the situation with stating
different problems on the situation. Policy research and managerial research which are
normally funded by any agencies seeking solution of prevailing problems demand
analytical report.

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