preparing research report

Presentation of Results &Presentation of Results &Preparing Research ReportPreparing Research Report

MD AZIZUR MD AZIZUR RAHMANRAHMAN

[email protected]@gmail.com

PRESENTATION OF RESULTSPRESENTATION OF RESULTSResults need to be given the fullest attention to every detail. Results need to be given the fullest attention to every detail.

Presentation of contents, the language should be simple, Presentation of contents, the language should be simple,

clear, lucid and unambiguous.clear, lucid and unambiguous.

The physical form should be in acceptable quality that aids The physical form should be in acceptable quality that aids

reader to use and also aesthetically appealing. reader to use and also aesthetically appealing.

The research work - M.Phil/PhD thesis, a research paper or The research work - M.Phil/PhD thesis, a research paper or

a corporate research project report.a corporate research project report.

PRESENTATION OF RESULTSPRESENTATION OF RESULTS

Each one of these types of documents has special elements Each one of these types of documents has special elements

that must get the appropriate treatment. that must get the appropriate treatment.

A number of factors that contribute in preparing a good A number of factors that contribute in preparing a good

research report. research report.

present in an appropriate standard, qualitative form so that it present in an appropriate standard, qualitative form so that it

would bring credibility to the research work.would bring credibility to the research work.

RESEARCH REPORTSRESEARCH REPORTSWhat, Why, and How?What, Why, and How?

Research reports are detailed and accurate accounts of the conduct of Research reports are detailed and accurate accounts of the conduct of disciplined studies accomplished to solve problems or to reveal new disciplined studies accomplished to solve problems or to reveal new knowledge. knowledge. The document that the researcher develops at the conclusion of the The document that the researcher develops at the conclusion of the research project. research project. The research report is the compilation of findings from a piece of The research report is the compilation of findings from a piece of research.research.Research reports must be complete, well organised and carefully Research reports must be complete, well organised and carefully prepared. prepared.

Types of Research Reports are:Types of Research Reports are:1) Reports of Research degrees; 1) Reports of Research degrees; 2) Research reports of projects funded/sponsored by research institutions 2) Research reports of projects funded/sponsored by research institutions

and industries; and industries; 3) Research reports in the form of technical reports;3) Research reports in the form of technical reports;4) Research papers published by research journals.4) Research papers published by research journals.

Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?Research reports of students and research fellows are Research reports of students and research fellows are

generally submitted to the University or other similar generally submitted to the University or other similar

professional institutions - M.Phil, PhD, DSc, professional institutions - M.Phil, PhD, DSc,

Research done in R&D and corporate institutions Research done in R&D and corporate institutions

The team leader would prepare this report, refine and edit The team leader would prepare this report, refine and edit

before its final submission. before its final submission.

Sponsored research often may be done by industries, to Sponsored research often may be done by industries, to

obtain results with reference to solving a problem. obtain results with reference to solving a problem.

These reports are prepared by the project team.These reports are prepared by the project team.

Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?Research funded by governments, industries or by other bodies. Research funded by governments, industries or by other bodies.

The work is carried out by individuals or team, then project in-charge will The work is carried out by individuals or team, then project in-charge will

prepares the reports.prepares the reports.

Research papers may be produced by researchers to announce their Research papers may be produced by researchers to announce their

preliminary results through publication in research journals.preliminary results through publication in research journals.

For major research projects of long duration, interim reports or For major research projects of long duration, interim reports or

status/stage reports are also brought out to disseminate preliminary status/stage reports are also brought out to disseminate preliminary

results. results.

Then a consolidated report will be prepared as final report when the Then a consolidated report will be prepared as final report when the

project is completed.project is completed.

Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH REPORTSIMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH REPORTS

The time and effort required to produce may be given in outline.The time and effort required to produce may be given in outline.

The validity of results is examined through a system of evaluation - The validity of results is examined through a system of evaluation -

M.Phil. / PhD dissertations / theses. M.Phil. / PhD dissertations / theses.

These types of research reports are found in: These types of research reports are found in:

– As Primary publications - research papers, specialised research reports. As Primary publications - research papers, specialised research reports.

– Covered in Secondary sources – I&A sources, state-of-art reports, etc.Covered in Secondary sources – I&A sources, state-of-art reports, etc.

Thesis vs. DissertationThesis vs. DissertationThesisThesis

a statement or theory that is put forward as a a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved:premise to be maintained or proved:– a proposition forming the first stage in the process of a proposition forming the first stage in the process of

dialectical reasoning. Compare with antithesis, synthesisdialectical reasoning. Compare with antithesis, synthesisa long essay or dissertation involving personal a long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate for a university research, written by a candidate for a university degree:degree:

DissertationDissertationnoun a long essay on a particular subject, noun a long essay on a particular subject, especially one written for a university degree or especially one written for a university degree or diplomadiploma

How to Prepare a Research How to Prepare a Research Proposal?Proposal?

Universities and research institutes also need Universities and research institutes also need

adequate financial aids to take up research adequate financial aids to take up research projects. projects.

Proposals have to be prepared with great attention Proposals have to be prepared with great attention

so that the funding agency gets convinced and so that the funding agency gets convinced and sanction the funds asked for. sanction the funds asked for.

Proposals may have to be prepared for getting Proposals may have to be prepared for getting

research projects to obtain contracts for research research projects to obtain contracts for research projects. projects.

Research Proposals contains Research Proposals contains ……

Proposals generally have the following components: Proposals generally have the following components:

Letter of transmittal:Letter of transmittal: letter which usually identifies and letter which usually identifies and

highlights the problem highlights the problem (covering letter).(covering letter).

Title page:Title page: statement of the problem, name of the statement of the problem, name of the

organizations, I.D. No., date of submission and duration of organizations, I.D. No., date of submission and duration of

project, etc. project, etc.

Executive Summary: Executive Summary:

Table of contents:Table of contents:


Statement of Request: Statement of Request: include the terms of reference. include the terms of reference.

Preliminary Section: Preliminary Section: subject of the report, scope, purpose subject of the report, scope, purpose and plan of execution. and plan of execution. (briefly)(briefly)

Introduction: Introduction: statement of the problem and its background.statement of the problem and its background.

The body including the methodology: The body including the methodology: procedure, procedure, equipment to be used for study, analysis, results, equipment to be used for study, analysis, results, discussions, conclusions, and recommendations, etc. discussions, conclusions, and recommendations, etc.

Facilities: Facilities: include equipment, machinery, literature support include equipment, machinery, literature support facilities such as books, photocopies of documents, Internet facilities such as books, photocopies of documents, Internet services, etc. transport required for travel, communication services, etc. transport required for travel, communication facilities like telephone, fax, etc. and others.facilities like telephone, fax, etc. and others.


Personnel: Personnel: This includes professionals and secretarial staff. This includes professionals and secretarial staff.

Duration: Duration: milestones, phases and completion time of the milestones, phases and completion time of the

task. task.

Cost and Funding:Cost and Funding: includes salaries, capital expenditure. includes salaries, capital expenditure.

Summary: Summary: The summary should reiterate the beneficiaries of The summary should reiterate the beneficiaries of

the research results.the research results.

RESEARCH REPORTSRESEARCH REPORTSPLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTS PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTS

A outline serves as a guide in the preparation of the final A outline serves as a guide in the preparation of the final report. report. Most of the research report’s outlines are structured. Most of the research report’s outlines are structured.

Preliminaries Title Page with author’s name, affiliation and contact address; Title Page with author’s name, affiliation and contact address; Acknowledgements, if any; Acknowledgements, if any; Conspectus; Conspectus; Table of contents; Table of contents; List of tables, illustrations, etc.; List of tables, illustrations, etc.; Abstract/Synopsis, Executive Summary.Abstract/Synopsis, Executive Summary.

PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTSCONTENTS

Introduction Introduction Statement of the problem; Statement of the problem; Explanation of the theoretical or practical context of the Explanation of the theoretical or practical context of the research problem originated; research problem originated; NeedNeed and and PurposePurpose of the study and research: their of the study and research: their rationalerationale; ; Review of the literature; Review of the literature;

Description of the Study Description of the Study Conceptual Framework of the Study: Conceptual Framework of the Study: – Definitions of terms. Definitions of terms. – Explanation of the Assumptions, Hypothesis of the research problem. Explanation of the Assumptions, Hypothesis of the research problem. – Foot NotesFoot Notes

PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTSCONTENTS

Research ProcessResearch ProcessCollection of Data and Analysis Collection of Data and Analysis

Data collection includes Explanation of procedures and Data collection includes Explanation of procedures and methods; methods;

Data Analysis techniques. Data Analysis techniques.

Results Results Statistical presentation; Statistical presentation;

Data tables and figures; Data tables and figures;

Graphics. Graphics.

PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT AND PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT AND CONTENTSCONTENTS

Discussions Discussions – Support or Nonsupport of hypothesis; Support or Nonsupport of hypothesis; – Practical and theoretical implications; Practical and theoretical implications; – InferencesInferences, , ConclusionsConclusions and and RecommendationsRecommendations, if any. , if any.

Summary Summary Glossary Glossary References References Bibliography Bibliography Appendix Appendix Index Index

PreliminariesPreliminariesThe first page of research report is the title page. The first page of research report is the title page. – E.g. E.g. Project Title: Project Title: analyzing and Optimizing Supply and Demand of Intermittent Renewable analyzing and Optimizing Supply and Demand of Intermittent Renewable

Electricity through Transmission Load Flow ModelingElectricity through Transmission Load Flow Modeling

It may sometimes have a sub-title explaining the main title if need be. It may sometimes have a sub-title explaining the main title if need be. – Sustainable Economics for a Digital Planet: ensuring long term access to digital Sustainable Economics for a Digital Planet: ensuring long term access to digital

information. information. – Progress Report #1 on SCRI-Funded Project on IYSV and Thrips Reactions and SNP Progress Report #1 on SCRI-Funded Project on IYSV and Thrips Reactions and SNP

Development in OnionDevelopment in Onion

Titles should be very carefully drafted to give an exact statement of the Titles should be very carefully drafted to give an exact statement of the work done.work done.

The author details, affiliation and address is given so that it would The author details, affiliation and address is given so that it would enable a person to get in touch with the author, in case there is a need.enable a person to get in touch with the author, in case there is a need.

Acknowledgements to sponsors, financial and other supports, Acknowledgements to sponsors, financial and other supports, preparation of manuscripts, those that have provided library and preparation of manuscripts, those that have provided library and information support facilities.information support facilities.

PreliminariesPreliminariesConspectus giving an overview of the different chapters, Conspectus giving an overview of the different chapters,

chapter by chapter. chapter by chapter.

It is different from a synopsis or an executive summary It is different from a synopsis or an executive summary

which gives a quick overall review of a research document. which gives a quick overall review of a research document.

Executive Summary or Synopsis vs. Conspectus . Executive Summary or Synopsis vs. Conspectus .

Table of contents may be just simple statements. Table of contents may be just simple statements.

The lists of tables, figures, illustrations, maps, The lists of tables, figures, illustrations, maps,

photographs, etc. photographs, etc.

IntroductionIntroductionThe Statement of the problem. The Statement of the problem.

Explanation of the theoretical or practical context. Explanation of the theoretical or practical context.

Review of the literature -- provides a background for the Review of the literature -- provides a background for the

study, study, identifiesidentifies gaps, gaps, highlightinghighlighting some some important workimportant work

already donealready done. .

It may give total picture of the area taken up for research. It may give total picture of the area taken up for research.

Description of the StudyDescription of the StudyThe real research work done, begins with this section. The real research work done, begins with this section.

general research problem is narrowed down and restated in general research problem is narrowed down and restated in

terms of specific hypothesis or research questions. terms of specific hypothesis or research questions.

Operational definitions of concepts in the hypothesis Operational definitions of concepts in the hypothesis

The The theoreticaltheoretical and and practical implicationspractical implications of the study should of the study should

be discussed in this section.be discussed in this section.

Foot notes / references are provided to support evidences.Foot notes / references are provided to support evidences.

Data collection and Data collection and AnalysisAnalysis

focuses on how the research problem is focuses on how the research problem is handledhandled and the and the sources including sources including methodsmethods used in obtaining them. used in obtaining them. detailed description of all steps taken to collect data is detailed description of all steps taken to collect data is stated; stated; selection of topical headings, methods used to validate and selection of topical headings, methods used to validate and to pretest instruments. to pretest instruments. Data analysis includes the method(s) of methods of analysis, Data analysis includes the method(s) of methods of analysis, statistical methods used, and other related methods.statistical methods used, and other related methods.

ResultsResults

organised and should be presented in tables;organised and should be presented in tables;proper interpretation of data analysis to arrive at a proper interpretation of data analysis to arrive at a conclusion that may permit some generalisation. conclusion that may permit some generalisation.

Research ReportResearch ReportDiscussions Discussions deal with the results obtained deal with the results obtained with reference(s).with reference(s).Summary Summary is different from the synopsis or is different from the synopsis or abstractsabstractsGlossary Glossary References and Bibliography References and Bibliography Appendix Appendix IndexIndex

Preparation & Organisation of Research NotesPreparation & Organisation of Research Notes

These may include by and large groups like: These may include by and large groups like:

– Bibliographical references, both Bibliographical references, both directly relateddirectly related to to

research and research and additional referencesadditional references; ;

– Subject notes that get formulated as the research work Subject notes that get formulated as the research work

progresses; progresses;

– Quotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Abstracts; and Quotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Abstracts; and

– Evaluative notes or remarks and such others.Evaluative notes or remarks and such others.

Bibliographical ReferencesBibliographical References

constitute two categories : those that are directly constitute two categories : those that are directly

concerned with the topic and those that are of concerned with the topic and those that are of peripheral value. peripheral value. these references ought to be very carefully and these references ought to be very carefully and systematically recorded. systematically recorded. the references should be recorded in prescribed the references should be recorded in prescribed format. E.g. APA, MLA, etc.format. E.g. APA, MLA, etc.style manuals that prescribe standard practice of style manuals that prescribe standard practice of citations and the format.citations and the format.


Example format for bibliographical reference is given below: Example format for bibliographical reference is given below: – Title of the document with the author and other details necessary. Title of the document with the author and other details necessary.

Edition statement, if any. Year of publication. Publisher and Place, Edition statement, if any. Year of publication. Publisher and Place,

collation, if necessary. collation, if necessary.

– Subject heading of the document. Subject heading of the document.

– Name of the Library from where the reference was sought along with Name of the Library from where the reference was sought along with

address, if needed; Call No. address, if needed; Call No.

– Relevant chapter or section to which the document is related. Relevant chapter or section to which the document is related.

– Specific indication of its reference value to the researchers work.Specific indication of its reference value to the researchers work.

Subject NotesSubject NotesWhile reviewing literature, formulating assumptions and/or hypothesis, While reviewing literature, formulating assumptions and/or hypothesis,

selecting research methods, methods of data collection, their assembly selecting research methods, methods of data collection, their assembly

in systematic order, analysis, presentation of results, interpretation, in systematic order, analysis, presentation of results, interpretation,

making inferences, conclusions, generalisation and possible making inferences, conclusions, generalisation and possible

applications of results.applications of results.

These These ideas and thoughtsideas and thoughts may be classified into two or three sets. may be classified into two or three sets.

a)a) Ideas pertaining to a particular aspect. Ideas pertaining to a particular aspect.

b)b) Reading relevant literature to be considered at the stage of discussions. Reading relevant literature to be considered at the stage of discussions.

c)c) Points that have emerged while discussing with seniors, peers and Points that have emerged while discussing with seniors, peers and colleagues or even students.colleagues or even students.

Suggested FormatSuggested Format– Subject Heading Subject Heading – Chapter reference Chapter reference – Topical statement(s); Descriptive subject heading Topical statement(s); Descriptive subject heading – Comments Comments – Document Reference, if any Document Reference, if any – Date/Time of occurrence of ideas Date/Time of occurrence of ideas – Names of persons consulted Names of persons consulted – Any other important reference Any other important reference


QuotationsQuotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Evaluative notes. , Paraphrases, Summaries, Evaluative notes.

Foot Notes Foot Notes are citations, comments, explanations, illustrations , etc.are citations, comments, explanations, illustrations , etc.

DRAFTING OF RESEARCH DRAFTING OF RESEARCH REPORTSREPORTS

Careful outlining and notes-taking is required for drafting the Careful outlining and notes-taking is required for drafting the final report. final report.

1. Language and Grammar1. Language and Grammar Good writing is ease to understand the contents. Good writing is ease to understand the contents. Style is a natural ability to write in a captivating manner. Style is a natural ability to write in a captivating manner. Organisation of the Report Organisation of the Report

Example: Drafting sentence outline for a Example: Drafting sentence outline for a Library Automation Library Automation Research ProjectResearch Project The outlines with appropriate sections are: The outlines with appropriate sections are: – Justifying the changeover to renovating the libraryJustifying the changeover to renovating the library

Topical Outlines includes ….Topical Outlines includes ….A library is a growing Organism; A library is a growing Organism; Goal to provide high quality service; Goal to provide high quality service; Problems of disjointed growth; Problems of disjointed growth; Collections, Shelf space, Readers facilities, staff and others. Collections, Shelf space, Readers facilities, staff and others. Fall in standards; Disproportionate allocations of funds; Fall in standards; Disproportionate allocations of funds; Services and staff; Services and staff; AlternativesAlternativesLibrary automation Library automation Collection development – user orientedCollection development – user orientedServices development using network systems; Services development using network systems; Alternative forms to print material; Alternative forms to print material; Highly professional and computer skilled personnel; Highly professional and computer skilled personnel; Use of Internet and Web services.Use of Internet and Web services.

PHYSICAL PRODUCTIONPHYSICAL PRODUCTION

Two aspects need careful attention: Two aspects need careful attention:

Preparation of the manuscript; and Preparation of the manuscript; and

The physical production of report including The physical production of report including

printingprinting

1. Preparation of 1. Preparation of ManuscriptsManuscripts

Typesetting using a DTP Software. Typesetting using a DTP Software.

The composition and page layout and organization of the manuscript for The composition and page layout and organization of the manuscript for

the physical production the physical production

Fonts type and size(s), headings and sub-headings, footnotes, their Fonts type and size(s), headings and sub-headings, footnotes, their

format and fonts, size, words in bold, or in italics or underlined, graphics format and fonts, size, words in bold, or in italics or underlined, graphics

to be placed at the right places, tables and figures at the appropriate to be placed at the right places, tables and figures at the appropriate

places. places.

A Style Manual would give the right format for bibliographical citations.A Style Manual would give the right format for bibliographical citations.

Physical Production of Physical Production of DocumentDocument

Once the final copy of the manuscript is ready, the Once the final copy of the manuscript is ready, the

physical production of the manuscript is taken up. physical production of the manuscript is taken up.

This involves four operations: This involves four operations: – Composing the matter Composing the matter

– Page layout of the composed matter Page layout of the composed matter

– Production of the final document Production of the final document

– Binding and final finish Binding and final finish

– Publishing aspects, if the report is published. Publishing aspects, if the report is published.

SUMMARYSUMMARY

It is last major step in the conduct of a research project.It is last major step in the conduct of a research project.

All projects ends with the preparation & submission of All projects ends with the preparation & submission of

research reports.research reports.

Outline of research reports varies with type of research report.Outline of research reports varies with type of research report.

Items to be covered in the research reports.Items to be covered in the research reports.

Final production of research reports.Final production of research reports.

It is one of the most import primary information source.It is one of the most import primary information source.

ReadingsReadings1. Busha, Charles H. and Harter, Stephen H. (1988).

Research Methods in Librarianship: Techniques and

Interpretations. New York : Academic Press.

2. Krishan Kumar (1999). Research Methods in Library and

Information Science. Ed.2. New Delhi: Har-Anand

Publications.

Thank Thank You!!!You!!!

preparing research report

Education