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Essentials Of A Good Report - Types Of Reports: Characteristics Of Good Research Report
Research Methodology - Types Of Reports: Characteristics Of Good Research Report
Essentials Of A Good Report - Types Of Reports: Characteristics Of Good Research Report
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Good research report should satisfy some of the following basic characteristics:
Essentials Of A Good Report:
Good research report should satisfy some of the following basic characteristics:
Reports should be easy to read and understand. The style of the writer should ensure that sentences are succinct and the language used is simple, to the point and avoiding excessive jargon.
A good layout enables the reader to follow the report’s intentions, and aids the communication process. Sections and paragraphs should be given headings and sub¬-headings. You may also consider a system of numbering or lettering to identify the relative importance of paragraphs and sub-paragraphs. Bullet points are an option for highlighting important points in your report.
Make sure everything you write is factually accurate. If you would mislead or misinform, you will be doing a disservice not only to yourself but also to the readers, and your credibility will be destroyed. Remember to refer to any information you have used to support your work.
Take a break from writing. When you would come back to it, you’ll have the degree of objectivity that you need. Use simple language to express your point of view.
Experts agree that the factors, which affect readability the most, are:
1. Attractive appearance
2. Non-technical subject matter
3. Clear and direct style
4. Short sentences
5. Short and familiar words
When first draft of the report is completed, it should be put to one side atleast for 24 hours. The report should then be read as if with eyes of the intended reader. It should be checked for spelling and grammatical errors. Remember the spell and grammar check on your computer. Use it!
Reinforcement usually gets the message across. This old adage is well known and is used to good effect in all sorts of circumstances e.g., presentations - not just report writing.
1. TELL THEM WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY: in the introduction and summary you set the scene for what follows in your report.
2. THEN SAY IT : you spell things out in
results/findings
3. THEN TELL THEM WHAT YOU SAID: you remind your readers through the discussion what it was all about.
It is useful to circulate copies of your report prior to the feedback meeting. Meaningful discussion can then take place during the feedback meeting with recommendations for change more likely to be agreed upon which can then be included in your conclusion. The following questions should be asked at this stage to check whether the Report served the purpose:
1. Does the report have impact?
2. Do the summary /abstract do justice to the report?
3. Does the introduction encourage the reader to read more?
4. Is the content consistent with the purpose of the report?
5. Have the objectives been met?
6. Is the structure logical and clear?
7. Have the conclusions been clearly stated?
8. Are the recommendations based on the conclusions and expressed clearly and logically?
Good research report should satisfy some of the following basic characteristics:
STYLE
Reports should be easy to read and understand. The style of the writer should ensure that sentences are succinct and the language used is simple, to the point and avoiding excessive jargon.
LAYOUT
A good layout enables the reader to follow the report’s intentions, and aids the communication process. Sections and paragraphs should be given headings and sub¬-headings. You may also consider a system of numbering or lettering to identify the relative importance of paragraphs and sub-paragraphs. Bullet points are an option for highlighting important points in your report.
ACCURACY
Make sure everything you write is factually accurate. If you would mislead or misinform, you will be doing a disservice not only to yourself but also to the readers, and your credibility will be destroyed. Remember to refer to any information you have used to support your work.
CLARITY
Take a break from writing. When you would come back to it, you’ll have the degree of objectivity that you need. Use simple language to express your point of view.
READABILITY
Experts agree that the factors, which affect readability the most, are:
1. Attractive appearance
2. Non-technical subject matter
3. Clear and direct style
4. Short sentences
5. Short and familiar words
REVISION
When first draft of the report is completed, it should be put to one side atleast for 24 hours. The report should then be read as if with eyes of the intended reader. It should be checked for spelling and grammatical errors. Remember the spell and grammar check on your computer. Use it!
REINFORCEMENT
Reinforcement usually gets the message across. This old adage is well known and is used to good effect in all sorts of circumstances e.g., presentations - not just report writing.
1. TELL THEM WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY: in the introduction and summary you set the scene for what follows in your report.
3. THEN TELL THEM WHAT YOU SAID: you remind your readers through the discussion what it was all about.
FEEDBACK MEETING
It is useful to circulate copies of your report prior to the feedback meeting. Meaningful discussion can then take place during the feedback meeting with recommendations for change more likely to be agreed upon which can then be included in your conclusion. The following questions should be asked at this stage to check whether the Report served the purpose:
1. Does the report have impact?
2. Do the summary /abstract do justice to the report?
3. Does the introduction encourage the reader to read more?
4. Is the content consistent with the purpose of the report?
5. Have the objectives been met?
6. Is the structure logical and clear?
7. Have the conclusions been clearly stated?
8. Are the recommendations based on the conclusions and expressed clearly and logically?
Tags : Research Methodology - Types Of Reports: Characteristics Of Good Research Report
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