Research reporting is the oral or written presentation of the findings in such detail and forms as to be readily understood and assessed by the society , economy or particularly by the researchers. Report writing is common to both academic and managerial situations . In academics ,a research report is prepared for comprehensive and application oriented learning . In businesses or organizations reports used for the basis of decision making .

1. Research report
Sivaranjani S
sivaranjani.economic@gmail.com

2. Research report
 Research reporting is the oral or written presentation of the findings in such
detail and forms as to be readily understood and assessed by the society ,
economy or particularly by the researchers.
Report writing is common to both academic and managerial situations . In
academics ,a research report is prepared for comprehensive and application
oriented learning . In businesses or organizations reports used for the basis of
decision making .

3. Definition
 According to C.A.Brown “ A report is a communication from someone who
has information to someone who wants to use that information ”.
 According to Goode and Hatt “ The preparation of report is the final stage of
research ,and it’s purpose is to convey to interested persons the whole result
of the study ,in sufficient detail and so arranged as to enable each reader to
comprehend the data and to determine for himself the validity of the
conclusions .
 In other words , it can be defined as written documents , which presents
information in a specialized and concise manner.

4. SIGNIFICANCE OF REPORT WRITING .
 Research report is considered a major component of the research study for the research task remains
incomplete till the report has been presented and/or written. As a matter of fact even the most
brilliant hypothesis, highly well designed and conducted research study, and the most striking
generalizations and findings are of little value unless they are effectively communicated to others.
The purpose of research is not well served unless the findings are made known to others. Research
results must invariably enter the general store of knowledge. All this explains the significance of writing
research report. There are people who do not consider writing of report as an integral part of
the research process. But the general opinion is in favour of treating the presentation of research
results or the writing of report as part and parcel of the research project. Writing of report is the last
step in a research study and requires a set of skills somewhat different from those called for in
respect of the earlier stages of research. This task should be accomplished by the researcher with
utmost care; he may seek the assistance and guidance of experts for the purpose.

5.  Good report writing play a significant role of conveying unknown facts about the phenomenon to
the concerned parties. This may provide new insights and new opportunities to the people .
Research reports plays a key role in making effective decisions in marketing , production , banking ,
materials ,human resource development . Good report writing is used for economic planning and
optimum utilisation of resources for the development of nation .
 Report writing facilities the validation of generalisation . A research report is an end product of
research .
 The findings, Conclusions, Suggestions, and Recommendations are useful to academicians ,scholars
and policy makers .
 Report writing should be simple, lucid and systematic . Report writing should be written speedily
without interrupting the continuity of thought. The report writing should sustain the interest of
readers .

6. Qualities of good report
 A good report writing is essential for effective communication.
 A research report is a essentially in scientific documentation .
 Good research report should be include everything include that is relevant
and exclude everything that is irrelevant . It means that it should certain the
fact rather than opinion .
 The language of the report should be simple and unambiguous .
 The report should be free from grammatically mistakes .

7. Precautions for writing research reports
 It should be enough to cover the subjects and short enough to preserve the
interest .
 It should not be dull and complicated.
 It should be simple ,without the usage of abstract terms and technical
jargons.
 It should offer ready availability of findings with the help of charts, tables,
and graphs, as readers ,as readers prefer quick knowledge of main findings.
 The layout of the report should be in accordance with the objectives of the
research study .
 There should not be no grammatical errors and writing should be adhere to
the techniques of report writing in case of quotations, foot notes and
documentations .

8.  It should be original , intellectual and contribute to the solution of a problem or add knowledge to the
concerned field .
 Appendices should been listed with the respect to all the technical data ina report.
 It should be attractive, neat and clear whether handwritten or typed .
 The report writer should refrain from confusing the possessive form of the word “it ” is with it’s . The
accurate possessive form of “it is ” is “its”. The use of it’s is the contractive form of ‘it is .
 A report should not have contractions .
Using figure instead of fig
Table instead of Tab
Will spare the readers of having to translate the abbreviations . While reading , if abbreviations are used use
them consistently through out the report .

9. It advisable to avoid using the word “very” and other such words that try to embellish a description . They do not
add any extra meaning and ,therefore should be dropped .
Repetitions hampers lucidity . Report writers must avoid repeating the same word more than once within q
sentence
When you use the word “this” or “these” make sure you indicate to what you are referring . This reduces the
ambiguity in Your writing and helps to tie sentences together .
Do not use the word “they” to refer to a singular person . You can either rewrite the sentence to avoid needing
such a reference or use the singular ‘he or she ’

10. Types of Research Report
Research reports are designed in order to convey and record the information that will be of practical use to
the reader. It is organized into distinct units of specific and highly visible information.
Research reports can be categorized on the following basis:
Research report
Basis of
Information
Basis of
Representation

11. Classification on the Basis of information
On the basis
of informtion
Technical
report
Popular
report

12. Technical report
A technical report is written for other researchers. In writing
the technical reports, the importance is mainly given to the
methods that have been used to collect the information and data,
the presumptions that are made and finally, the various
presentation techniques that are used to present the findings and
data.
A technical report is described as a written scientific
document that conveys information about technical research in an
objective and fact-based manner. This technical report consists of
the three key features of a research i.e process, progress, and
results associated with it.
Some common areas in which technical reports are used are
agriculture, engineering, physical, and biomedical science. So,
such complicated information must be conveyed by a report that is
easily readable and efficient.

13. •Summary: It covers a brief analysis of the findings of the research in a very few pages.
•Nature: It contains the reasons for which the research is undertaken, the analysis and the data that is
required in order to prepare a report.
•Methods employed: It contains a description of the methods that were employed in order to collect the data.
•Data: It covers a brief analysis of the various sources from which the data has been collected with their
features and drawbacks
•Analysis of data and presentation of the findings: It contains the various forms through which the data that
has been analysed can be presented.
•Conclusions: It contains a brief explanation of findings of the research.
•Bibliography: It contains a detailed analysis of the various bibliographies that have been used in order to
conduct a research.
•Technical appendices: It contains the appendices for the technical matters and for questionnaires and
mathematical derivations
•Index: The index of the technical report must be provided at the end of the report.

14. Style ( Pointers to remember )
•Readers should be kept in mind while writing. Avoid giving them instructions. Your work is to make their work of
evaluation easier.
•Abbreviations should be avoided and if used, the full form should be mentioned.
•Understand the difference between a numbered and bulleted list. Numbering is used when something is
explained sequence-wise. Whereas bullets are used to just list out points in which sequence is not important.
•All the preliminary pages (title, abstract, preface..) should be named in small roman numerals. ( i, ii, iv..).
•All the other pages should be named in Arabic numerals (1,2,3..) thus, your report begins with 1 – on the
introduction page.
•Separate long texts into small paragraphs to keep the reader engaged. A paragraph should not be more than 10
lines.
•Do not incorporate too many fonts. Use standard times new roman 12pt for the text. You can use bold for
headlines.
•Proofreading

15. Popular Report
A popular report is formulated when there is a need to draw conclusions of
the findings of the research report. One of the main points of consideration
that should be kept in mind while formulating a research report is that it must
be simple and attractive. It must be written in a very simple manner that is
understandable to all. It must also be made attractive by using large prints,
various sub-headings and by giving cartoons occasionally.

16. •Findings and their implications: While preparing a popular report, main importance is given to the findings of the
information and the conclusions that can be drawn out of these findings.
•Recommendations for action: If there are any deviations in the report then recommendations are made for taking
corrective action in order to rectify the errors.
•Objective of the study: In a popular report, the specific objective for which the research has been undertaken is
presented.
•Methods employed: The report must contain the various methods that has been employed in order to conduct a
research.
•Results: The results of the research findings must be presented in a suitable and appropriate manner by taking the
help of charts and diagrams.
•Technical appendices: The report must contain an in-depth information used to collect the data in the form of
appendices.

17. OnTheBasisOf Representation
On the Basis of
Representation
Written
report
Oral report

18. Written report ..
A written report plays a vital role in every business operation. The
manner in which an organization writes business letters and business
reports creates an impression of its standard. Therefore, the organization
should emphasize on the improvement of the writing skills of the
employees in order to maintain effective relations with their customers.
Writing effective written reports requires a lot of hard work. Therefore,
before you begin writing, it is important to know the objective, i.e., the
purpose of writing, collection and organization of required data.

19. Oral Report
At times, oral presentation of the results that are drawn out of research is
considered effective, particularly in cases where policy recommendations are to be
made. This approach proves beneficial because it provides a medium of interaction
between a listener and a speaker. This leads to a better understanding of the findings
and their implications.
However, the main drawback of oral presentation is the lack of any permanent
records related to the research. Oral presentation of the report is also effective when
it is supported with various visual devices, such as slides, wall charts and
whiteboards that help in better understanding of the research reports.

20. Steps in report writing
1)Preliminary section
Title of page
preface or acknowledgement
Table of contents
list of tables
list of figures
2) Main body of report
Introduction
Statement of the problem
Objectives of the study
Hypotheses to be tested
Significance of the study
Assumptions or delimitations of the study
Definition of important terms used
3)Review of related literature

21. 4)Design of the study
Methods and procedure used
Tools of research and sources of data
Techniques of Data collection
Description of techniques used
5)Analysis and presentation of data
Analysis of data
Tables and interpretations
Figures and interpretations
6)Conclusions
Discussion of results
Main findings and inferences
Implication of the findings and limitations
Suggestion for further studies
7)Reference section
Bibliography
Appendices ( if any )
Index or glossary (if any)

22. As the preliminaries form a significant part of the whole thesis report, due care should be
taken in preparing them. If the specifications are already laid down by some colleges or
universities they should be observed. However, a general standard pattern suggested
here in each case will be helpful for a researcher.
1. Title Page
This is the first page of a thesis or a dissertation. It includes:
(a) Title of thesis.
(b) Name of the candidate.
(c) Purpose or relationship of the thesis to the course or degree requirement.
(d) College and/or department in which the candidate has been admitted for the degree.
(e) Name of the university to which it is submitted.
(f) Month and year of submission or acceptance.
The title should be accurate, concise and clearly printed in capital letters. It should convey
the main theme of the problem investigated and if possible one should give a clue about
the method or type of research involved.

23. Preface or Acknowledgement
A preface is different from introduction. It is a brief account of the purport or the origin
and the utility of the study for which the thesis is presented. It also includes the
acknowledgement to the persons and sources that have been helpful to the investigator.
If the researcher does not want to mention anything about the study on this page except
acknowledging debt to others, it will be desirable to use the title simple and restrained
without flattery and effusive recognition for help by the family members and others. The
preface should not be too long with too many details about the research work or its
organization, which can appear in introduction. The word PREFACE or
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT should be typed in capital letters. It should be written in an
impressive way.

24. 3. Table of Contents
This section lists all the main chapter headings and the essential sub-heading in each with
the appropriate page numbers against each. The listing of main chapters is generally
preceded by some preliminaries like preface or acknowledgement, list of tables, list of
figures, abstract or synopsis and their respective pages in small Roman numbers and
followed at the end by appendices, and Indexes.
Contents should neither be too detailed nor too sketchy and the table of contents should
serve an important purpose in providing an outline of the contents of the report. The
capitalized title Contents should be the central heading of the page and the capitalized
word CHAPTER and PAGE should lead to the numbers of chapters and those of pages
respectively on the left and right margins.

25. 4. List of Tables
The table of contents is followed by the list of tables on a separate page. This list of tables
consists of the titles or captions of the tables included in the thesis along with the page
number where these can be located.
The capitalized title LIST OF TABLES should be the central heading of the page and the
capital words TABLE and PAGE should lead to the numbers and those of pages
respectively at left and right margins.
5. List of Figures and Illustrations
If any charts graphs or any other illustrations are used in the thesis, a list of figures on a
separate page

26. MAIN BODY OF REPORT OR TEXTUAL BODY
The text of the thesis is the most important section in the organization of research report.
The quality of worth of thesis is mainly examined. It is the original production of the
researcher. The report of the main body serves the function of demonstrating the
competence of the researcher. If any sentence, paragraph, concept fails to serve the single
function within a given section or chapter, it is irrelevant
The subject matter of any chapter should be relevant to that point. Generally the main
body of the research reports consists of five or six chapters.
Chapter
I. Introduction or Theoretical Frame Work
II. Review of Related Literature
III. Design or Methodology
IV. Data Collection or Administration of Tools and Scoring.
V. Analysis and Interpretation of data
VI. Conclusions and Suggestions for the Further Researches.

27. Chapter 1. Introduction or Theoretical Frame Work
The main purpose of this chapter is to indicate the need and scope of the study. It consists
essentially of the statement of research inquiry. It is reported in past tense form of work
completed. The problem objectives, hypotheses, assumptions and delimitations of the
study are reported precisely.
If an introduction is required, the researcher should make certain that it is an
introduction that generates an interest and appropriate mental set which introductions
are regarded as capable of producing.
It must be long enough to do its jobs and nothing more.
Chapter 2. Review of Related Literature
This chapter is essential in most of the research studies. It presents the comprehensive
development of the problem background. It indicates what has already been studied by
others, which has a bearing upon the present study.
The review of literature stresses two aspects: the first is the consideration of the subject-
matter and it is likely more important than the other. The second is related to
methodology and design. The review chapter is devoted to the development of the
problem statement or the object of the inquiry. The review is utilized to retain a direct
relevancy to the study in hand. It is the balancing chapter of the research report.

28. Chapter 3. Design or Methodology of Research
This chapter indicates the line of approach of the study. The first aspect deals with the
method, population and sample of the study and second part provides the tools and
techniques employed in the research. It also presents the procedure of the study. The
whole plan of the study is discussed in detail under this chapter.
Administration of tools and scoring procedure are reported systematically. The data
organization and presentation should be given in this section. It may be reported in a
separate chapter of the report.
Chapter 4. Analysis and Interpretation of the Data
In this chapter analysis and results are reported so as to draw the inferences of the study.
The analysis of data are presented in tabular form and in figures or pictorial presentation.
The results are interpreted at length. This chapter provides the original work or
contribution by the researcher. The communicative accuracy is required in this chapter.
The text must be developed to ensure an effective ordering of the evidences.

29. Chapter 5. Conclusions and Suggestions
This is most important chapter of the report. It requires the creative and reflective aspect
of the researcher. The results are discussed to make them more meaningful comparison
of the results with the evidence in the review section should be woven into the text
whenever such a discussion can serve to clarify the points being reported. This is the final
chapter of a report, thus findings of the study are summarized and suggestions for the
further studies are also given. The implications and delimitations of the findings are also
mentioned in this section. The main thrust in the section is the answer of the question or
solution of the problem. The validity of the findings should be mentioned.

30. (C) REFERENCE SECTION
This is the third section of a research report. It consists of generally the bibliography and
appendice. It is also essential to include glossary and index for the convenience of the
readers. The bibliography, appendix, glossary and index all these are written on a
separate page - in the centre with capital letters.
1. Bibliography
The bibliography is a list of the printed sources utilized in the research work. The
publications used for information-yield but not quoted in the report may also be included
in the bibliography.
It can be written in either APA or MLA Format
APA format = Author A.A, Author B.B ,Author C.C (Year) ,Title of article ,Title of periodical, Volume number ,
(issue number ), pages .DOI
MLA format =Author ,(first name ). “Title of article ” . Title of journal volume .Issue (year): pages . Name of
databases . Web . date of access

31. APA MLA
It is used in Social Sciences It is used in Humanities
Titles in italics; only the necessary words are
capitalised
Title is underlined ; all major words are
capitalised
Source page is titled as references Source page is titled as works cited
Last name of author is used Full name of author is used
Commas are used in in- text citations Commas are not used in in-text citations
Addona, V., &Roth, J.(2010). Quantifying the
Effect of Performance –Enhancing Drug Use on
Fastball Velocity in Major Legue Baseball . Journal
of Quantitative Analysis in Sports, 6(2),1-
14.doi:10.2202/1559-0410.1240.
Addona , Vittorio and Jeremy Roth. Quantifying
the Effect of Performance –Enhancing Drug Use
on Fastball Velocity in Major Legue Baseball .
Journal of Quantitative Analysis in
Sports,6.2(2010):1-14
APA= American Psychological Association . MLA- Modern Language Association

32. Main terms used in context of footnotes and reference writing
• Ibid = latin word , Ibidem which means the same .It refers to the same autho and
sources
• op.cit = latin term , opus citatum, meaning the work cited .It refers to the references
listed earlier by the same author .
• Loc.cit ,= latin origin loco citato meaning in the place cited . It is a foot note or end
note term used to repeat the title and page number for a given work .
• Et,al refers to and others , where it is used for a referring to a number of people .

33. 2. Appendix
An appendix is the important reference materials category. It includes the material which
can not be logically included in the main body or textual body of the research report or
the relevant materials too unwieldy to include in the main body. The appendix usually
includes: tools of research, statistical tables and sometime raw-data (when data were
processed through computer). Even the material of minor importance e.g. forms, letters,
reminders, interview sheets, blank questionnaires, charts, tables, lengthy questions,
report of cases (if follow-up or case studies have been conducted). The tools and other
material should be placed first and tables at the end and page numbers should be
assigned in Roman Numbers (i, ii, xxi). The appendix serves the function of providing
greater clarity and authenticity for the readers or consumers of the thesis. The items of
the appendix are very essential for a good research report.
3. Index and Glossary
When a research report is published in index, must be given. The index includes authors
and subjects and topics or words in alphabetical order. In the report glossary should be
provided. It includes the meanings or definitions of some words and terms used in the
research report. Some notations symbols or abbreviations should be explained what
actually they mean or indicate in the study.