Ingredients of Research Report

Key Considerations/Factors:

While preparing research report, following issues must be considered:

(i) Objectives

(ii) Type of problem/subject

(iii) Nature and type of research

(iv) Audience or users of research work

(v) Size of report

(vi) Form of writing – handwritten, typed, or computerized.

(vii) Time and cost

(viii) Language

(ix) Contents of report

(x) Order of contents

(xi) Number of copies

(xii) Format – type and size of paper; lengths width, and depth of report; and pattern of writing including paragraph, indent, numbering, font size and type, colouring, etc.

(xiii) Binding (for soft, and, particularly, for hard copy) – type, quality of material, colour, etc., related issues.

Report writing differs from person to person depending on personality, imaginative and creative abilities, experience, and training. However, most researchers agree that following general principles must be kept in mind to produce a better research report. These principles are often called as qualities or requirements of a good report.

1. Selectiveness:

It is important to exclude the matter, which is known to all. Only necessary contents should be included to save time, costs, and energy. However, care should be taken that the vital points should not be missed.

2. Comprehensiveness:

Report must be complete. It must include all the necessary contents. In short, it must contain enough detail to covey meaning.

3. Cost Consideration:

It must be prepared within the budgeted amount. It should not result into excessive costs.

4. Accuracy:

As far as possible, research report must be prepared carefully. It must be free from spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

5. Objectivity:

Report must be free from personal bias, i.e., it must be free from one’s personal liking and disliking. The report must be prepared for impersonal needs. The facts must be stated boldly. It must reveal the bitter truth. It must suit the objectives and must meet expectations of the relevant audience/readers.

6. Clarity:

Report must reveal the facts clearly. Contents and conclusions drawn must be free from ambiguities. In short, outcomes must convey clear-cut implications.

7. Preciseness:

Research report must not be unnecessarily lengthy. It must contain only necessary parts with adequate description.

8. Simplicity:

Report must be simple to understand. Unnecessary technical words or terminologies (jargons) should be avoided.

9. Proper Language:

Researcher must use a suitable language. Language should be selected as per its target users.

10. Reliability:

Research report must be reliable. Manager can trust on it. He can be convinced to decide on the basis of research reposts.

11. Proper Format:

An ideal repost is one, which must be prepared as per commonly used format. One must comply with the contemporary practices; completely a new format should not be used.

12. Attractive:

Report must be attractive in all the important regards like size, colour, paper quality, etc. Similarly, it should use liberally the charts, diagrams, figures, illustrations, pictures, and multiple colours.