Writing the research report

The research process is not completed unless the findings of a study are reported. Research becomes
useful only when the results are communicated to possible users in a form that is understandable and
usable. Research results can be disseminated in many forms, the most common of which are the
thesis/dissertation, scientific papers, and articles in research journals. This chapter deals with the parts
of a research report and how it is written. Emphasis is given to the writing of a thesis.

Learning objectives

After studying this chapter, the learners shall be able to:

1. Identify the different ways of disseminating research results,

2. Describe the parts of a research report and how each part is written, and
3. Critique and revise parts of sample research reports,
4. Prepare an outline of their research report.

The Research Report

To be useful, research results must be reported so they can be read and used. So that
researcher reports will be read and used by more people, they should be written and presented in a
form that is understandable and unstable. A research report should be written in a style that is
appropriate to its intended audience or readers.

Writing the research report

With a well written research proposal, half of the research report is almost done. With little
modifications, the introduction, literature review and the methodology sections of the proposals can be
the first three major sections of a research report. To these, the findings, discussions, conclusions and
recommendations, preliminary sections and references can be added.

The form and style of a research report is usually prescribed by the institution where the report
will be submitted. The form and style of reports may vary from institution to institution, but the main
elements of the reports are basically the same. Most reports, including thesis and dissertations have
three main sections, the preliminary parts, the text (body) of the report, and the reference materials.
The specific parts under each major section are outlines and described below.

Major parts of a research report

 I. The preliminary sections

Title page. The title page contains the title of the study, the author and the date of completion. The title
must be brief and simply worded

Abstract. The abstract is a brief descriptive summary of the research report. It includes the statement of
the research problem or objectives of the study, a brief description of the research methods used, a
summary of the major findings, and statement of conclusions and recommendation. Some institution
requires an executive summary, which is slightly longer than an abstract.

Approval sheet. The approval sheet provides space for the signature of the adviser, readers or oral
defense panelists, dean and others, indicating their acceptance of the research work. Most institutions
have model form for this.

Table of contents. The table of contents lists all parts of the report and the page numvers which are
indicated along the right margin. The wording, capitalization and punctuations of the titles and headings
should be written exactly as they are in text.

List of tables/Figures. The list of tables/figures indicated the number and title of all the tables/figures in
the text and their page number. Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively in Arabic number
throughout the text.

Acknowledgement. The acknowledgement is where the writer expresses appreciation and gratitude for
assistance received in the conduct of the study. Acknowledgement must be expressed simply, sincerely,
and tactfully.

II. The text (Body)

The body of the report begins with the first page of chapter 1. Numbering in Arabic numerals
starts on this page with number 1. All pages in this section are numbered including section or
chapter title pages. Page numbers are positioned one inch from the top of the page at the right
margin.

The body of the report are divided into: introduction, review of related literature, methodology,
findings, discussions, and conclusions and recommendations.

Introduction. The introductory chapter provides the background of the research. It explains the
need for the study, stated the research problem/objectives and hypotheses, if any specifies the
scope and limits of the study, and explains the significance of the problem. All these are founf in a
well-written proposal. With slight modifications, this section the proposal can be used in the final
reports (see parts of a proposal in previous chapter).

Review of related literature. The review of related literature, usually written as a separate
chapter, should not merely summarized the articles, books and other references reviewed. It should
call the readers attention to common findings as well as conflicting results of previous studies.