Report writing Writing a research report

By Keith Barker-Jones

OverviewLeading up to writing a dissertation a student

is expected to:Prepare a project proposalCarry out a pilot studyThis verifies the feasibility of the methodology

Project proposalThe research proposal contains the definition, scope, and significance of the problem and the methodology that will be used to solve it.

(Thomas, Nelson and Silverman 2005, p367)

Preparing a research proposalWhy prepare a project proposal?A project proposal will:Enable detailed planningProvide a frameworkIdentify if the study has already been doneAddress potential problems in the design

Sections of the research proposal1. Title2. Introduction3. Literature review

Review of literatureJustification for studyResearch questions/hypotheses

Sections of the research proposal4. Methods5. Timeplan/Budget6. References7. Appendices (optional)

Proposal titleThe final proposal title is often chosen after

the study has been written.However,For the purposes of the proposal meeting, a provisional title is necessary

(Thomas, Nelson, and Silverman, 2005)

Proposal title Thomas, Nelson, and Silverman (2005)

highlight the importance of keeping the title succinct and to

avoid waste words such as “An investigation of” or “A

study of.”

A title should contribute in some way to the “description

of the content” (Thomas, Nelson, and Silverman, 2005,

p52)

Proposal titleExample:An investigation into the impact of classical

music when used simultaneously with massage

Should perhaps be written simply as….

The impact of classical music when used simultaneously

with massage

IntroductionThis is a concise, broad opening that leads the reader into the problem under investigationConsiderations:Outline the problem and its importanceUse everyday language: avoid jargonReference to literature is minimal

IntroductionStatement of the problemThis says what will be done

Purpose/justification for the studyStates why the study is necessary

Literature reviewThis section is normally about one-third of the total proposal and is perhaps the most challenging section to writeThe literature review must evaluate each

article or text that is usedIt must state how available literature relates

to the proposed study

In verbatim quotations must be avoided

Literature reviewThe literature review ends with a summary

that leads the reader into the methodology

Research questions and HypothesesA research question identifies a problem to be solved. As the name suggests it is framed as a question

For example: Does classical music heighten the soporific effect of massage when used simultaneously?

This is in contrast to a hypothesis which predicts an outcome to a study

HypothesesThere are two types of hypothesis1. Research hypothesis2. Null Hypothesis

Research hypothesisA hypothesis is “the anticipated outcome of a study or experiment” (Thomas, Nelson, and Silverman, 2005, p12)

This expected outcome is also called a research

hypothesis and, through logical reasoning, predicts:

A relationship between two variablesA difference between two variables

Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis in contrast to a research hypothesis in that:It says that there is no difference or

relationship between variablesIt is used in the statistical test for the

reliability of results (Thomas, Nelson, & Silverman, 2005)

Hypotheses – Examples 1Research hypothesisA research hypothesis (expressed as H1) may assert that the soporific effects of massage would be increased if the recipient is simultaneously exposed to classical music.

Null hypothesisA null hypothesis (expressed as H0) may assert that the soporific effects of massage would not be increased if the recipient is simultaneously exposed to classical music.

Hypotheses – Examples 2Research hypothesis (H1)Heart rate will increase after the ingestion of

caffeine

Null hypothesis (H0)Heart rate will not increase after the ingestion

of caffeine

MethodologyThe methodology will outline how the research

should be carried out and on whom

It is a means of finding an answer to the problem posed

in the research question or to confirm the prediction

made in the hypotheses.

The methodology should be thoroughly planned and

pilot-tested

MethodologyThomas, Nelson, and Silverman (2005, p63)

present a four part methodology:1. Participants2. Instruments and apparatus 3. Procedures4. Design and analysis

MethodologyFurthermore, Gratton and Jones (2004) offer another useful outline for a methodology:Outline of methodological assumptionsResearch designMethodsSampleProceduresMethods of analysisEvaluation of the methodology

Sections of the research report1. Title page2. Abstract3. List of contents4. List of figures5. Introduction/Literature review

Review of literatureJustification for studyResearch questions/hypotheses

Sections of the research report6. Methodology7. Results8. Discussion9. Conclusions, limitations and recommendations10. Reference list11. Bibliography12. Appendices

List of referencesGratton, C. and Jones, I. (2004) Research

methods for sports studies. London: Routledge

Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J. and Silverman, S. (2005)

Research methods in physical activity. 5th ed. Leeds: Human Kinetics