WRITING THE RESEARCH REPORT
v After collecting and analyzing data, the next step that follows is to write the research report. Chikoko and Mhloyi (1995; 101) say that a research report is a primary communicative document containing information and theoretical interpretations of the study conducted.
v This section of the research process is of great importance, as the writer should know how to communicate research results. Since, after collection and analysis of data, you only know the information, you have to write a final report presenting your findings. Also, as a student, you are required to present your findings to a committee (or defending your project) so this section intends to provide guidelines for preparing such a report.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH REPORT
v Chikoko and Mhloyi (1995; 101) assert that a research report that is informative and factual should:
a) Acquaint the reader with the problem researched. This acquaintance should be done in such a way that the reader is clear of the orientation of the problem. This is a section where you create meeting of minds between yourself and the reader.
b) Serve the purpose of presenting the data fully and adequately. This section answers the question, “What are the facts?” Data that is relevant to the problem must be collected and presented.
c) Interpret data to the reader to demonstrate how you resolved the problem researched.
SECTIONS OF A STANDARD REPORT
v Title – the title page contains the title of the report, the author’s name, the course for which the report is prepared and the institution. E.g
The relationship between age and aggressive behaviour
Godo Kudzanai S.
University of Zimbabwe
Take note of the following: the first 2 or 3 words of the title are typed above each page number in order to identify the manuscript. The title page is the numbered page.
(Refer to Shaughnessy and Zechmeister 1995; 446-465)
v Abstract - this is a brief summary of the report at the beginning of the report, which should stand out from the rest of the report by being indented or typed using different font. Usually one page or up to 200 words will suffice. You should state concepts precisely and include at least one sentence referring to each of the main sections of the report i.e. intro, main design, significant effects and any major emergent critical points/conclusions.
· Why is it necessary to have a summary @ the beginning of the report? – It is easier to see the summary of findings without having to read through to the end.
· Note that because of all the details required to write a good abstract, it is possible and ideal to develop the abstract until you have finished the complete report.
v The Introduction – “the general purpose of the intro is to provide the reader with background info necessary for understanding the study” (Chikoko and Mhloyi 1995;102). The specific goals are to:
a) Identify the central issue which the study addresses
b) Summarize previous researches relevant to these issues and to your study
c) Provides specific reasons for conducting this particular study
According to Coolican (2006; 217) a good introduction should include the following:
a. General background to the topic
b. Relevant research
c. Argument
d. Overall claims
e. Research prediction/hypothesis
v Method – this section is where the researcher outlines to the reader what they have done. It should be detailed to allow for replication. It should include the following subsections:
a) Design – this outlines the framework of the study. Should cover the specific design (e.g. experiment); the conditions, the number of groups used (control, experimental, placebo etc). IV, DV and their levels should be precisely specified in this section. (Refer to Coolican 2006; 221)
b) Participants – demographic details about the participants should be given here (also for purpose of replication) i.e. age range, sex, social class, occupation. However, some details may not be relevant to some studies. Describe how participants were obtained and how they were allocated to the various experimental groups.
c) Materials/Apparatus – you should always remember here to give enough detail for a full replication to be possible. This refers to precisely specifying constructed equipment and sources (make, model) of commercial items. In this section you can give essential info and the exact details in an appendix (word lists, questionnaires, lists, pictures, etc).
d) Procedure – here you are required to describe exactly what happened from start to finish. You describe exactly what was done, when the subjects were seen, whether they were see n in groups or individually. If they were seen in groups, how large were the groups and the specific instructions you gave.
v Results – here each sub-problem and the resultant data are described. Data can be summarized into charts, tables, graphs and statistical summaries which all assist in giving conclusions. You should choose the form that provides the clearest presentation of your data. Each table/figure should be numbered with a heading to describe the data. If using graphs, you need to label all axes clearly and draw them accurately. Refer to figure/table in the text you are writing. Tell the reader what to look for and how info on the figure is related to the analysis you are doing. It is your task as a researcher to explain to the reader what the numerical info in your results means.
v Data interpretation/Discussion – in this section you discuss results; place in context of research in intro, critique the study and conclude. Here you discuss your findings in the light of the argument in the intro. You should summarize your findings, which you then relate to the background theory, showing support for, or the need to modify a theory etc. it is also essential for a good researcher to evaluate the design and the method, picking out flaws and areas of weakness. When you conclude, you are expected to make some summarizing comment in terms of overall findings, the relationship to the relevant theory and future implications.
v References: - in-text referencing e.g. Coolican 2006; 91. Format for reference list is as follows:
a) For a book: Author, year, Title, publisher, place.
b) For a Journal article: Author, year, title, Journal, volume number, part, page numbers.
v Appendices – these may include the following: calculations, details of instructions given to participants, etc. these continue with normal page numbering. Separate topics go in separate numbered appendices (e.g. appendix 1, 2 etc).