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Pitchai balakumar.
Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100 Bedong. Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
1 Department of Pharmacology, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2 Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, USA
An interactive workshop on ‘The Critical Steps for Successful Research: The Research Proposal and Scientific Writing’ was conducted in conjunction with the 64 th Annual Conference of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress-2012 at Chennai, India. In essence, research is performed to enlighten our understanding of a contemporary issue relevant to the needs of society. To accomplish this, a researcher begins search for a novel topic based on purpose, creativity, critical thinking, and logic. This leads to the fundamental pieces of the research endeavor: Question, objective, hypothesis, experimental tools to test the hypothesis, methodology, and data analysis. When correctly performed, research should produce new knowledge. The four cornerstones of good research are the well-formulated protocol or proposal that is well executed, analyzed, discussed and concluded. This recent workshop educated researchers in the critical steps involved in the development of a scientific idea to its successful execution and eventual publication.
Creativity and critical thinking are of particular importance in scientific research. Basically, research is original investigation undertaken to gain knowledge and understand concepts in major subject areas of specialization, and includes the generation of ideas and information leading to new or substantially improved scientific insights with relevance to the needs of society. Hence, the primary objective of research is to produce new knowledge. Research is both theoretical and empirical. It is theoretical because the starting point of scientific research is the conceptualization of a research topic and development of a research question and hypothesis. Research is empirical (practical) because all of the planned studies involve a series of observations, measurements, and analyses of data that are all based on proper experimental design.[ 1 – 9 ]
The subject of this report is to inform readers of the proceedings from a recent workshop organized by the 64 th Annual conference of the ‘ Indian Pharmaceutical Congress ’ at SRM University, Chennai, India, from 05 to 06 December 2012. The objectives of the workshop titled ‘The Critical Steps for Successful Research: The Research Proposal and Scientific Writing,’ were to assist participants in developing a strong fundamental understanding of how best to develop a research or study protocol, and communicate those research findings in a conference setting or scientific journal. Completing any research project requires meticulous planning, experimental design and execution, and compilation and publication of findings in the form of a research paper. All of these are often unfamiliar to naïve researchers; thus, the purpose of this workshop was to teach participants to master the critical steps involved in the development of an idea to its execution and eventual publication of the results (See the last section for a list of learning objectives).
The two-day workshop was formatted to include key lectures and interactive breakout sessions that focused on protocol development in six subject areas of the pharmaceutical sciences. This was followed by sessions on scientific writing. DAY 1 taught the basic concepts of scientific research, including: (1) how to formulate a topic for research and to describe the what, why , and how of the protocol, (2) biomedical literature search and review, (3) study designs, statistical concepts, and result analyses, and (4) publication ethics. DAY 2 educated the attendees on the basic elements and logistics of writing a scientific paper and thesis, and preparation of poster as well as oral presentations.
The final phase of the workshop was the ‘Panel Discussion,’ including ‘Feedback/Comments’ by participants. There were thirteen distinguished speakers from India and abroad. Approximately 120 post-graduate and pre-doctoral students, young faculty members, and scientists representing industries attended the workshop from different parts of the country. All participants received a printed copy of the workshop manual and supporting materials on statistical analyses of data.
A research project generally comprises four key components: (1) writing a protocol, (2) performing experiments, (3) tabulating and analyzing data, and (4) writing a thesis or manuscript for publication.
A protocol, whether experimental or clinical, serves as a navigator that evolves from a basic outline of the study plan to become a qualified research or grant proposal. It provides the structural support for the research. Dr. G. Jagadeesh (US FDA), the first speaker of the session, spoke on ‘ Fundamentals in research process and cornerstones of a research project .’ He discussed at length the developmental and structural processes in preparing a research protocol. A systematic and step-by-step approach is necessary in planning a study. Without a well-designed protocol, there would be a little chance for successful completion of a research project or an experiment.
The first and the foremost difficult task in research is to identify a topic for investigation. The research topic is the keystone of the entire scientific enterprise. It begins the project, drives the entire study, and is crucial for moving the project forward. It dictates the remaining elements of the study [ Table 1 ] and thus, it should not be too narrow or too broad or unfocused. Because of these potential pitfalls, it is essential that a good or novel scientific idea be based on a sound concept. Creativity, critical thinking, and logic are required to generate new concepts and ideas in solving a research problem. Creativity involves critical thinking and is associated with generating many ideas. Critical thinking is analytical, judgmental, and involves evaluating choices before making a decision.[ 4 ] Thus, critical thinking is convergent type thinking that narrows and refines those divergent ideas and finally settles to one idea for an in-depth study. The idea on which a research project is built should be novel, appropriate to achieve within the existing conditions, and useful to the society at large. Therefore, creativity and critical thinking assist biomedical scientists in research that results in funding support, novel discovery, and publication.[ 1 , 4 ]
Elements of a study protocol
The next most crucial aspect of a study protocol is identifying a research question. It should be a thought-provoking question. The question sets the framework. It emerges from the title, findings/results, and problems observed in previous studies. Thus, mastering the literature, attendance at conferences, and discussion in journal clubs/seminars are sources for developing research questions. Consider the following example in developing related research questions from the research topic.
Hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia arjuna and Apium graveolens on paracetamol-induced liver damage in albino rats.
How is paracetamol metabolized in the body? Does it involve P450 enzymes? How does paracetamol cause liver injury? What are the mechanisms by which drugs can alleviate liver damage? What biochemical parameters are indicative of liver injury? What major endogenous inflammatory molecules are involved in paracetamol-induced liver damage?
A research question is broken down into more precise objectives. The objectives lead to more precise methods and definition of key terms. The objectives should be SMART-Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-framed,[ 10 ] and should cover the entire breadth of the project. The objectives are sometimes organized into hierarchies: Primary, secondary, and exploratory; or simply general and specific. Study the following example:
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of single oral doses of compound X in normal volunteers.
To assess the pharmacokinetic profile of compound X following single oral doses.
To evaluate the incidence of peripheral edema reported as an adverse event.
The objectives and research questions are then formulated into a workable or testable hypothesis. The latter forces us to think carefully about what comparisons will be needed to answer the research question, and establishes the format for applying statistical tests to interpret the results. The hypothesis should link a process to an existing or postulated biologic pathway. A hypothesis is written in a form that can yield measurable results. Studies that utilize statistics to compare groups of data should have a hypothesis. Consider the following example:
All biological research, including discovery science, is hypothesis-driven. However, not all studies need be conducted with a hypothesis. For example, descriptive studies (e.g., describing characteristics of a plant, or a chemical compound) do not need a hypothesis.[ 1 ]
Another important section to be included in the protocol is ‘significance of the study.’ Its purpose is to justify the need for the research that is being proposed (e.g., development of a vaccine for a disease). In summary, the proposed study should demonstrate that it represents an advancement in understanding and that the eventual results will be meaningful, contribute to the field, and possibly even impact society.
A literature search may be defined as the process of examining published sources of information on a research or review topic, thesis, grant application, chemical, drug, disease, or clinical trial, etc. The quantity of information available in print or electronically (e.g., the internet) is immense and growing with time. A researcher should be familiar with the right kinds of databases and search engines to extract the needed information.[ 3 , 6 ]
Dr. P. Balakumar (Institute of Pharmacy, Rajendra Institute of Technology and Sciences, Sirsa, Haryana; currently, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Malaysia) spoke on ‘ Biomedical literature: Searching, reviewing and referencing .’ He schematically explained the basis of scientific literature, designing a literature review, and searching literature. After an introduction to the genesis and diverse sources of scientific literature searches, the use of PubMed, one of the premier databases used for biomedical literature searches world-wide, was illustrated with examples and screenshots. Several companion databases and search engines are also used for finding information related to health sciences, and they include Embase, Web of Science, SciFinder, The Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Scopus, and Google Scholar.[ 3 ] Literature searches using alternative interfaces for PubMed such as GoPubMed, Quertle, PubFocus, Pubget, and BibliMed were discussed. The participants were additionally informed of databases on chemistry, drugs and drug targets, clinical trials, toxicology, and laboratory animals (reviewed in ref[ 3 ]).
Referencing and bibliography are essential in scientific writing and publication.[ 7 ] Referencing systems are broadly classified into two major types, such as Parenthetical and Notation systems. Parenthetical referencing is also known as Harvard style of referencing, while Vancouver referencing style and ‘Footnote’ or ‘Endnote’ are placed under Notation referencing systems. The participants were educated on each referencing system with examples.
Dr. Raj Rajasekaran (University of California at San Diego, CA, USA) enlightened the audience on ‘ bibliography management ’ using reference management software programs such as Reference Manager ® , Endnote ® , and Zotero ® for creating and formatting bibliographies while writing a manuscript for publication. The discussion focused on the use of bibliography management software in avoiding common mistakes such as incomplete references. Important steps in bibliography management, such as creating reference libraries/databases, searching for references using PubMed/Google scholar, selecting and transferring selected references into a library, inserting citations into a research article and formatting bibliographies, were presented. A demonstration of Zotero®, a freely available reference management program, included the salient features of the software, adding references from PubMed using PubMed ID, inserting citations and formatting using different styles.
The workshop systematically instructed the participants in writing ‘ experimental protocols ’ in six disciplines of Pharmaceutical Sciences.: (1) Pharmaceutical Chemistry (presented by Dr. P. V. Bharatam, NIPER, Mohali, Punjab); (2) Pharmacology (presented by Dr. G. Jagadeesh and Dr. P. Balakumar); (3) Pharmaceutics (presented by Dr. Jayant Khandare, Piramal Life Sciences, Mumbai); (4) Pharmacy Practice (presented by Dr. Shobha Hiremath, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru); (5) Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (presented by Dr. Salma Khanam, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru); and (6) Pharmaceutical Analysis (presented by Dr. Saranjit Singh, NIPER, Mohali, Punjab). The purpose of the research plan is to describe the what (Specific Aims/Objectives), why (Background and Significance), and how (Design and Methods) of the proposal.
The research plan should answer the following questions: (a) what do you intend to do; (b) what has already been done in general, and what have other researchers done in the field; (c) why is this worth doing; (d) how is it innovative; (e) what will this new work add to existing knowledge; and (f) how will the research be accomplished?
In general, the format used by the faculty in all subjects is shown in Table 2 .
Elements of a research protocol
Biostatistics is a key component of biomedical research. Highly reputed journals like The Lancet, BMJ, Journal of the American Medical Association, and many other biomedical journals include biostatisticians on their editorial board or reviewers list. This indicates that a great importance is given for learning and correctly employing appropriate statistical methods in biomedical research. The post-lunch session on day 1 of the workshop was largely committed to discussion on ‘ Basic biostatistics .’ Dr. R. Raveendran (JIPMER, Puducherry) and Dr. Avijit Hazra (PGIMER, Kolkata) reviewed, in parallel sessions, descriptive statistics, probability concepts, sample size calculation, choosing a statistical test, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and ‘ P ’ values, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), t tests, Chi-square test, type I and type II errors, correlation and regression, and summary statistics. This was followed by a practice and demonstration session. Statistics CD, compiled by Dr. Raveendran, was distributed to the participants before the session began and was demonstrated live. Both speakers worked on a variety of problems that involved both clinical and experimental data. They discussed through examples the experimental designs encountered in a variety of studies and statistical analyses performed for different types of data. For the benefit of readers, we have summarized statistical tests applied frequently for different experimental designs and post-hoc tests [ Figure 1 ].
Conceptual framework for statistical analyses of data. Of the two kinds of variables, qualitative (categorical) and quantitative (numerical), qualitative variables (nominal or ordinal) are not normally distributed. Numerical data that come from normal distributions are analyzed using parametric tests, if not; the data are analyzed using non-parametric tests. The most popularly used Student's t -test compares the means of two populations, data for this test could be paired or unpaired. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to compare the means of three or more independent populations that are normally distributed. Applying t test repeatedly in pair (multiple comparison), to compare the means of more than two populations, will increase the probability of type I error (false positive). In this case, for proper interpretation, we need to adjust the P values. Repeated measures ANOVA is used to compare the population means if more than two observations coming from same subject over time. The null hypothesis is rejected with a ‘ P ’ value of less than 0.05, and the difference in population means is considered to be statistically significant. Subsequently, appropriate post-hoc tests are used for pairwise comparisons of population means. Two-way or three-way ANOVA are considered if two (diet, dose) or three (diet, dose, strain) independent factors, respectively, are analyzed in an experiment (not described in the Figure). Categorical nominal unmatched variables (counts or frequencies) are analyzed by Chi-square test (not shown in the Figure)
The legitimate pursuit of scientific creativity is unfortunately being marred by a simultaneous increase in scientific misconduct. A disproportionate share of allegations involves scientists of many countries, and even from respected laboratories. Misconduct destroys faith in science and scientists and creates a hierarchy of fraudsters. Investigating misconduct also steals valuable time and resources. In spite of these facts, most researchers are not aware of publication ethics.
Day 1 of the workshop ended with a presentation on ‘ research and publication ethics ’ by Dr. M. K. Unnikrishnan (College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal). He spoke on the essentials of publication ethics that included plagiarism (attempting to take credit of the work of others), self-plagiarism (multiple publications by an author on the same content of work with slightly different wordings), falsification (manipulation of research data and processes and omitting critical data or results), gift authorship (guest authorship), ghostwriting (someone other than the named author (s) makes a major contribution), salami publishing (publishing many papers, with minor differences, from the same study), and sabotage (distracting the research works of others to halt their research completion). Additionally, Dr. Unnikrishnan pointed out the ‘ Ingelfinger rule ’ of stipulating that a scientist must not submit the same original research in two different journals. He also advised the audience that authorship is not just credit for the work but also responsibility for scientific contents of a paper. Although some Indian Universities are instituting preventive measures (e.g., use of plagiarism detecting software, Shodhganga digital archiving of doctoral theses), Dr. Unnikrishnan argued for a great need to sensitize young researchers on the nature and implications of scientific misconduct. Finally, he discussed methods on how editors and peer reviewers should ethically conduct themselves while managing a manuscript for publication.
Research outcomes are measured through quality publications. Scientists must not only ‘do’ science but must ‘write’ science. The story of the project must be told in a clear, simple language weaving in previous work done in the field, answering the research question, and addressing the hypothesis set forth at the beginning of the study. Scientific publication is an organic process of planning, researching, drafting, revising, and updating the current knowledge for future perspectives. Writing a research paper is no easier than the research itself. The lectures of Day 2 of the workshop dealt with the basic elements and logistics of writing a scientific paper.
Dr. Amitabh Prakash (Adis, Auckland, New Zealand) spoke on ‘ Learning how to write a good scientific paper .’ His presentation described the essential components of an original research paper and thesis (e.g., introduction, methods, results, and discussion [IMRaD]) and provided guidance on the correct order, in which data should appear within these sections. The characteristics of a good abstract and title and the creation of appropriate key words were discussed. Dr. Prakash suggested that the ‘title of a paper’ might perhaps have a chance to make a good impression, and the title might be either indicative (title that gives the purpose of the study) or declarative (title that gives the study conclusion). He also suggested that an abstract is a succinct summary of a research paper, and it should be specific, clear, and concise, and should have IMRaD structure in brief, followed by key words. Selection of appropriate papers to be cited in the reference list was also discussed. Various unethical authorships were enumerated, and ‘The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) criteria for authorship’ was explained ( http://www.icmje.org/ethical_1author.html ; also see Table 1 in reference #9). The session highlighted the need for transparency in medical publication and provided a clear description of items that needed to be included in the ‘Disclosures’ section (e.g., sources of funding for the study and potential conflicts of interest of all authors, etc.) and ‘Acknowledgements’ section (e.g., writing assistance and input from all individuals who did not meet the authorship criteria). The final part of the presentation was devoted to thesis writing, and Dr. Prakash provided the audience with a list of common mistakes that are frequently encountered when writing a manuscript.
The backbone of a study is description of results through Text, Tables, and Figures. Dr. S. B. Deshpande (Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India) spoke on ‘ Effective Presentation of Results .’ The Results section deals with the observations made by the authors and thus, is not hypothetical. This section is subdivided into three segments, that is, descriptive form of the Text, providing numerical data in Tables, and visualizing the observations in Graphs or Figures. All these are arranged in a sequential order to address the question hypothesized in the Introduction. The description in Text provides clear content of the findings highlighting the observations. It should not be the repetition of facts in tables or graphs. Tables are used to summarize or emphasize descriptive content in the text or to present the numerical data that are unrelated. Illustrations should be used when the evidence bearing on the conclusions of a paper cannot be adequately presented in a written description or in a Table. Tables or Figures should relate to each other logically in sequence and should be clear by themselves. Furthermore, the discussion is based entirely on these observations. Additionally, how the results are applied to further research in the field to advance our understanding of research questions was discussed.
Dr. Peush Sahni (All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) spoke on effectively ‘ structuring the Discussion ’ for a research paper. The Discussion section deals with a systematic interpretation of study results within the available knowledge. He said the section should begin with the most important point relating to the subject studied, focusing on key issues, providing link sentences between paragraphs, and ensuring the flow of text. Points were made to avoid history, not repeat all the results, and provide limitations of the study. The strengths and novel findings of the study should be provided in the discussion, and it should open avenues for future research and new questions. The Discussion section should end with a conclusion stating the summary of key findings. Dr. Sahni gave an example from a published paper for writing a Discussion. In another presentation titled ‘ Writing an effective title and the abstract ,’ Dr. Sahni described the important components of a good title, such as, it should be simple, concise, informative, interesting and eye-catching, accurate and specific about the paper's content, and should state the subject in full indicating study design and animal species. Dr. Sahni explained structured (IMRaD) and unstructured abstracts and discussed a few selected examples with the audience.
The next lecture of Dr. Amitabh Prakash on ‘ Language and style in scientific writing: Importance of terseness, shortness and clarity in writing ’ focused on the actual sentence construction, language, grammar and punctuation in scientific manuscripts. His presentation emphasized the importance of brevity and clarity in the writing of manuscripts describing biomedical research. Starting with a guide to the appropriate construction of sentences and paragraphs, attendees were given a brief overview of the correct use of punctuation with interactive examples. Dr. Prakash discussed common errors in grammar and proactively sought audience participation in correcting some examples. Additional discussion was centered on discouraging the use of redundant and expendable words, jargon, and the use of adjectives with incomparable words. The session ended with a discussion of words and phrases that are commonly misused (e.g., data vs . datum, affect vs . effect, among vs . between, dose vs . dosage, and efficacy/efficacious vs . effective/effectiveness) in biomedical research manuscripts.
The appropriateness in selecting the journal for submission and acceptance of the manuscript should be determined by the experience of an author. The corresponding author must have a rationale in choosing the appropriate journal, and this depends upon the scope of the study and the quality of work performed. Dr. Amitabh Prakash spoke on ‘ Working with journals: Selecting a journal, cover letter, peer review process and impact factor ’ by instructing the audience in assessing the true value of a journal, understanding principles involved in the peer review processes, providing tips on making an initial approach to the editorial office, and drafting an appropriate cover letter to accompany the submission. His presentation defined the metrics that are most commonly used to measure journal quality (e.g., impact factor™, Eigenfactor™ score, Article Influence™ score, SCOPUS 2-year citation data, SCImago Journal Rank, h-Index, etc.) and guided attendees on the relative advantages and disadvantages of using each metric. Factors to consider when assessing journal quality were discussed, and the audience was educated on the ‘green’ and ‘gold’ open access publication models. Various peer review models (e.g., double-blind, single-blind, non-blind) were described together with the role of the journal editor in assessing manuscripts and selecting suitable reviewers. A typical checklist sent to referees was shared with the attendees, and clear guidance was provided on the best way to address referee feedback. The session concluded with a discussion of the potential drawbacks of the current peer review system.
Posters have become an increasingly popular mode of presentation at conferences, as it can accommodate more papers per meeting, has no time constraint, provides a better presenter-audience interaction, and allows one to select and attend papers of interest. In Figure 2 , we provide instructions, design, and layout in preparing a scientific poster. In the final presentation, Dr. Sahni provided the audience with step-by-step instructions on how to write and format posters for layout, content, font size, color, and graphics. Attendees were given specific guidance on the format of text on slides, the use of color, font type and size, and the use of illustrations and multimedia effects. Moreover, the importance of practical tips while delivering oral or poster presentation was provided to the audience, such as speak slowly and clearly, be informative, maintain eye contact, and listen to the questions from judges/audience carefully before coming up with an answer.
Guidelines and design to scientific poster presentation. The objective of scientific posters is to present laboratory work in scientific meetings. A poster is an excellent means of communicating scientific work, because it is a graphic representation of data. Posters should have focus points, and the intended message should be clearly conveyed through simple sections: Text, Tables, and Graphs. Posters should be clear, succinct, striking, and eye-catching. Colors should be used only where necessary. Use one font (Arial or Times New Roman) throughout. Fancy fonts should be avoided. All headings should have font size of 44, and be in bold capital letters. Size of Title may be a bit larger; subheading: Font size of 36, bold and caps. References and Acknowledgments, if any, should have font size of 24. Text should have font size between 24 and 30, in order to be legible from a distance of 3 to 6 feet. Do not use lengthy notes
After all the presentations were made, Dr. Jagadeesh began a panel discussion that included all speakers. The discussion was aimed at what we do currently and could do in the future with respect to ‘developing a research question and then writing an effective thesis proposal/protocol followed by publication.’ Dr. Jagadeesh asked the following questions to the panelists, while receiving questions/suggestions from the participants and panelists.
The panelists and audience expressed a variety of views, but were unable to arrive at a decisive conclusion.
At the end of this fast-moving two-day workshop, the participants had opportunities in learning the following topics:
Overall, the workshop was deemed very helpful to participants. The participants rated the quality of workshop from “ satisfied ” to “ very satisfied .” A significant number of participants were of the opinion that the time allotted for each presentation was short and thus, be extended from the present two days to four days with adequate time to ask questions. In addition, a ‘hands-on’ session should be introduced for writing a proposal and manuscript. A large number of attendees expressed their desire to attend a similar workshop, if conducted, in the near future.
We gratefully express our gratitude to the Organizing Committee, especially Professors K. Chinnasamy, B. G. Shivananda, N. Udupa, Jerad Suresh, Padma Parekh, A. P. Basavarajappa, Mr. S. V. Veerramani, Mr. J. Jayaseelan, and all volunteers of the SRM University. We thank Dr. Thomas Papoian (US FDA) for helpful comments on the manuscript.
The opinions expressed herein are those of Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Food and Drug Administration
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
A research report is a concise document that summarizes the findings, methods, and conclusions of a research study or investigation. There are various types of research reports available for different purposes.
It typically includes details on the research question, methodology, data analysis, and results, providing a structured and informative account of the research process and outcomes.
Limitations, key highlights.
1. technical or scientific reports.
Technical and scientific reports communicate research findings to experts and professionals in a particular field.
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Characteristics:
Popular reports are designed for a general audience and aim to inform, educate, or entertain on a wide range of topics.
Survey reports include data collected through surveys and focus on presenting insights and opinions on specific issues or questions.
Market research reports provide insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and industry analysis.
Case study reports focus on an in-depth examination of a single entity, often to explore complex, real-life situations.
Analytical research reports involve a deep analysis of data to uncover patterns, trends, or relationships.
Literature review reports provide an overview of existing research on a specific topic, highlighting gaps and trends.
Experimental research reports involve controlled experiments to test hypotheses and determine if the results support or reject the hypothesis.
Descriptive research reports aim to provide a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon, group, or situation. They seek to answer the “what” and “how” questions.
Exploratory research reports are conducted when there is little prior knowledge about a subject. They aim to identify key variables and research questions.
Explanatory research reports seek to understand the relationships between variables and explain why certain phenomena occur.
Policy or white papers aim to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about specific issues and recommend actions.
These are some common components you must know while writing different types of research reports.
1. Title Page:
2. Abstract: Add a concise summary of the research, including the research question or objective, methodology, key findings, and implications. Typically, it should be no more than 150-250 words.
3. Table of Contents: Include a list of sections and subsections with page numbers.
4. List of Figures and Tables: If your research includes numerical data, add all the statistics and tables along with their corresponding page numbers. It is similar to a table of contents for quantitative data.
5. List of Abbreviations and Symbols: Include any abbreviations or symbols you have used in the report and their meanings.
6. Introduction:
7. Literature Review:
8. Methodology:
9. Results:
10. Discussion:
11. Conclusion:
12. References: Include a list of all the sources cited in your report in a standardized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Let us see an example of a research report.
Research Report: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Labor Market
This research study explores the profound changes occurring in the labor market due to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The study examines the potential benefits and challenges AI poses for the workforce, job displacement, and the skills required in the future job market.
Introduction, literature review, methodology.
The introduction section provides an overview of the research topic. It explains the significance of studying the impact of AI on the labor market, outlines the research questions, and previews the structure of the report.
The literature review section reviews existing research on the effects of AI on employment and the labor market. It discusses the different perspectives on whether AI will create new jobs or lead to job displacement. It also explores the skills and education required for the future workforce.
This section explains the research methods used, such as data collection methods, sources, and analytical techniques. It outlines how data on AI adoption, job displacement, and future job projections were gathered and analyzed.
The results section presents the key findings of the study. It includes data on the extent of AI adoption across industries, job displacement rates, and projections for AI-related occupations.
The discussion section interprets the results in the context of the research questions. It analyzes the potential benefits and challenges AI poses for the labor market, discusses policy implications, and explores the role of education and training in preparing the workforce for the AI era.
In conclusion, this research highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market. While AI brings opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also presents challenges related to job displacement and workforce adaptation. Preparing for this evolving job landscape is crucial for individuals and policymakers.
Given below are various types of research reports writing that researchers and organizations use to present findings, progress, and other information.
Outlines a plan for a project or research for approval or funding. | Research proposal submitted to study the impact of climate change on local ecosystems. | |
Generated at regular intervals to provide project updates. | Weekly sales reports summarizing product sales figures. | |
Detailed, structured reports often used in academic, scientific, or business settings. | Formal business report analyzing a company’s financial performance for the year. | |
Less structured reports for quick internal communication. | Email summarizing key takeaways from a team meeting. | |
Concise documents offering a brief overview of a specific topic. | A one-page summary of customer feedback from a product launch. | |
Comprehensive reports with in-depth analysis and information. | 100-page research report on the effects of a new drug on a medical condition. | |
Focus on data analysis and provide insights or recommendations. | Market research report analyzing consumer behavior trends and recommending marketing strategies. | |
Convey information without providing analysis or recommendations. | Report detailing the steps of a manufacturing process for new employees. | |
Flow within the organizational hierarchy, moving up or down. | Report from a department manager to the company’s vice president on department performance. | |
Sent between individuals or departments at the same organizational level. | Report from one project manager to another project manager in a different department. | |
Created and distributed within an organization for internal purposes. | Internal audit report examining the company’s financial records for compliance. | |
Prepared for external audiences, such as clients, investors, or regulators. | A publicly traded company publishes an annual report for shareholders and the general public. |
Here is why the different types of research reports are important.
Listed below are some limitations of different types of research reports.
Different types of research reports are important for sharing knowledge, making smart choices, and moving forward in different areas of study. It’s vital for both researchers and those who use research to grasp the different kinds of reports, what goes into them, and why they matter.
Q1. Are research reports the same as research papers? Answer: Research reports and research papers share similarities but have distinct purposes and structures. Research papers are often more academic and can vary in structure, while research reports are typically more structured and cater to a broader audience.
Q2. How do I choose the right type of research report for my study? Answer: The choice of research report type depends on your research goals, audience, and the nature of your study. Consider whether you are conducting scientific research, market analysis, academic research, or policy analysis, and select the format that aligns with your objectives.
Q3. Can research reports be used as references in other research reports? Answer: Yes, research reports can be cited and used as references in other research reports as long as they are credible sources. Citing previous research reports adds depth and credibility to your work.
This article lists all the types of research reports available for research methodologies. We have also included its format, example, and several report-writing methods. For similar articles, you can check the following articles,
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In July 2024, the U.S. median rent continued to decline year over year for the 12th month in a row, down $12 (-0.7%) for 0-2 bedroom properties across the top 50 metros, faster than the rate of -0.4% seen in June 2024. The median asking rent was $1,741, down by $2 from last month, reflecting a similar seasonal trend as observed in the for-sale market.
Despite the 12th month of decline, the U.S. median rent was just $13 (-0.7%) less than the peak seen in August 2022. Notably, it was still $288 (19.8%) higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic), but this increase is rough ly on par with what has occurred in overall consumer prices (up 22.6% in the five years ending July 2024) and pales in comparison with the 51.9% increase in the median price per square foot of for-sale home listings in the five years ending July 2024.
In July 2024, the median asking rent for two-bedroom units dropped -0.6%, a larger dip than the rate seen in June, and the 13th consecutive month of annual declines. The median rent for two bedrooms was $1,933 nationally, $19 (-1.0%) lower than the peak seen in August 2022. Nevertheless, larger unit rents had the highest growth rate over the past five years, up by $345 (21.7%).
The rent for one-bedroom units slipped -1.4% in July 2024 on a year-over-year basis, marking the 14th decline in a row and also a faster pace compared with the decline of -1.1% in June. The median rent was $1,615, $39 (-2.4%) lower than the peak observed during August 2022, but still $243 (17.7%) higher than in July 2019.
In July 2024, the median asking rent for studios fell by -0.9%, marking the 11th consecutive month of annual declines. The median rent of studios was $1,460 in July, down by $30 (-2.2%) from its peak in October 2022. Nevertheless, the median asking rent for studios was still $192 (15.1%) higher than five years ago.
Overall | $1,741 | -0.7% | 19.8% |
Studio | $1,460 | -0.9% | 15.1% |
1-bed | $1,615 | -1.4% | 17.7% |
2-bed | $1,933 | -0.6% | 21.7% |
A common question potential first-time homebuyers face is whether it makes sense to continue renting or make a home purchase. One of the top considerations is the financial costs and benefits of renting versus owning, and one approach is to compare the monthly housing costs of renting a home against the costs of buying a home. This approach does not factor in longer-run costs and benefits such as the opportunity cost of not investing upfront closing costs or the equity built over time that tools like the Rent vs. Buy calculator can help households think through. Nevertheless, a simple monthly cost comparison is indicative.
With such cost comparisons, we are able to identify whether a market favors renting or buying. This is particularly important given today’s landscape, marked by elevated mortgage rates and still-high home prices , posing substantial challenges for would-be homeowners. In addition, understanding the evolving financial advantages in rent-favoring and buy-favoring markets provides valuable insights into the timing and trade-offs involved in making informed choices between buying and renting.
To determine the monthly cost of buying a home, we find the median list price of 0-2 bedroom home listings (i.e., starter homes). As first-time homebuyers plan lower down payments , we assume an 8% down payment and use the 30-year fixed mortgage rate during the month to calculate a monthly mortgage payment. We also include the HOA fees, taxes, and homeowners insurance averaged at metro levels as part of the costs. We then compare this buy cost with the median rent in each metro and focus on the difference between monthly expenses for each.
In July 2024, the cost of buying a starter home in the top 50 metros was $1,067 (61.3%) higher than renting one. In addition, renting continues to be a more affordable option than buying in all 50 of the largest metros, whereas the number of metros favoring renting was 47 at the same time last year. Specifically, Memphis, TN, Birmingham, AL, and Pittsburgh, PA, were the three metros that flipped from buy-favoring to rent-favoring markets over the past 12 months.
In the top 10 metros where the scales are tilted the most toward renting, the average monthly payments for a starter home were $1,944 (94.1%) higher than rents—nearly double. Similar to findings in February 2024 , these top rent-favoring metros are mostly markets with a higher concentration of tech workers and high earners, where both the average rent cost and buy cost are higher than the national average.
Austin, TX, once again topped the list of markets that favor renting, where the monthly cost of buying a starter home was $3,588, which was 144.4% more than the monthly rent of $1,468, for a monthly savings of $2,120. Interestingly, while the monthly buy cost was below the top 50 average, both Dallas, TX, and Columbus, OH, popped up as two of the top rent-favoring metros in July 2024.
Metro | ||||||
Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $1,468 | $3,588 | $2,120 | 144.4% | -10.2% | -10.7% |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $2,064 | $4,286 | $2,222 | 107.7% | 0.6% | -5.4% |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $2,797 | $5,581 | $2,784 | 99.5% | -1.8% | 1.9% |
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $1,500 | $2,899 | $1,399 | 93.3% | -10.1% | -1.8% |
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $1,524 | $2,920 | $1,396 | 91.6% | -5.6% | -1.4% |
Columbus, OH | $1,194 | $2,284 | $1,090 | 91.3% | -1.9% | -0.2% |
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $1,481 | $2,788 | $1,307 | 88.3% | -4.1% | -5.9% |
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $2,770 | $5,212 | $2,442 | 88.2% | -5.4% | -12.1% |
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $2,887 | $5,229 | $2,342 | 81.1% | 0.4% | 3.6% |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $2,973 | $5,309 | $2,336 | 78.6% | -2.5% | -2.9% |
In July 2023, the average monthly cost of buying a starter home in the top 50 metros was $1,109 (63.3%) higher than renting, whereas the cost of buying was $1,067 (61.3%) higher than renting in July 2024. Although the overall advantage of renting narrowed by $42 across the top 50 metros compared with a year ago, it was still $758 higher when compared with five years ago (pre-pandemic). Specifically, in July 2019, the average monthly cost of buying a starter home in the top 50 metros was only $309 (21.3%) higher than renting one.
While the rent cost declined by $12, from $1,753 to $1,741 over the past 12 months, the buy cost for a starter home dropped by $54, from $2,862 to $2,808, during the same time, including a $56 decline from changes in list prices and a $2 increase from a slightly higher mortgage rate. Specifically, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was at 6.85% in July 2024 and 6.84% 12 months ago. Although the median U.S. list price has been roughly stable in the past year , a greater influx of smaller and more affordable homes for sale has helped listing prices for starter homes slip.
Over the past year, 23 of the top 50 markets saw a diminishing rent advantage. Specifically, the advantage of renting a starter home shrank the most in San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, Denver, CO, Washington, DC, and Miami, FL, in dollar terms.
For example, renting a starter home in San Francisco could save $2,442 more than buying one in July 2024, but the savings from renting was $3,005 in July 2023, shrinking by $563. Additionally, the savings from renting a starter home shrank by $468 in San Jose and $314 in Denver over the past 12 months. It is not surprising to see the rent advantage diminished most in these five metros as homes in these markets experienced large list price declines on a yearly basis .
Metro | Median Rent | Monthly Buy Cost: | $ Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 | % Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 | $ Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 vs. 2023 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $2,770 | $5,212 | $2,442 | 88.2% | -$563 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $3,390 | $6,003 | $2,613 | 77.1% | -$468 |
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $1,924 | $3,199 | $1,275 | 66.3% | -$314 |
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $2,273 | $3,261 | $988 | 43.5% | -$282 |
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $2,368 | $3,176 | $808 | 34.1% | -$273 |
Meanwhile, the savings from renting expanded most in Memphis, TN, and Birmingham, AL. In fact, Memphis and Birmingham are the two metros that flipped from buy-favoring to rent-favoring during the past 12 months. In addition, they were also among the top markets seeing a high share of homebuying from investors .
In July 2024, the cost to buy a starter home in Memphis was $210 (17.1%) higher than renting one. However, in July 2023, the cost to buy was $36 (-2.8%) lower than the cost to rent. In other words, renting a starter home in Memphis in July 2024 could save an additional $246 than buying when compared with the same time last year. In Birmingham, the cost of buying a starter home was $105 (8.0%) higher in July 2024, whereas buying a starter home in July 2023 cost $104 (-8.0%) less than renting one. Meanwhile, New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Richmond, VA, were also among the top markets seeing higher savings from renting than buying in July 2024 when compared with a year ago.
Metro | Median Rent | Monthly Buy Cost | $ Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 | % Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 | $ Diff. (Buy-Rent): July 2024 vs. 2023 |
Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,229 | $1,439 | $210 | 17.1% | $246 |
Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,305 | $1,410 | $105 | 8.0% | $209 |
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $2,887 | $5,229 | $2,342 | 81.1% | $173 |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $2,797 | $5,581 | $2,784 | 99.5% | $156 |
Richmond, VA | $1,513 | $2,486 | $973 | 64.3% | $130 |
Metro | Median Rent | Monthly Buy Cost | $Difference (Buy-Rent) | % Difference (Buy-Rent) | Rent Cost: YY | Buy Cost: YY |
$1,585 | $2,497 | $912 | 57.5% | -6.1% | -2.3% | |
$1,468 | $3,588 | $2,120 | 144.4% | -10.2% | -10.7% | |
$1,807 | $2,135 | $328 | 18.2% | -2.5% | 3.1% | |
$1,305 | $1,410 | $105 | 8.0% | 0.5% | 18.0% | |
$2,973 | $5,309 | $2,336 | 78.6% | -2.5% | -2.9% | |
$1,274 | $2,168 | $894 | 70.2% | 16.0% | 0.4% | |
$1,516 | $2,226 | $710 | 46.8% | -6.1% | -2.8% | |
$1,839 | $2,719 | $880 | 47.9% | 0.2% | 0.0% | |
$1,389 | $1,997 | $608 | 43.8% | 2.9% | -4.9% | |
$1,214 | $1,773 | $559 | 46.0% | 0.1% | 6.6% | |
$1,194 | $2,284 | $1,090 | 91.3% | -1.9% | -0.2% | |
$1,481 | $2,788 | $1,307 | 88.3% | -4.1% | -5.9% | |
$1,924 | $3,199 | $1,275 | 66.3% | -1.5% | -9.7% | |
$1,339 | $1,755 | $416 | 31.1% | 2.2% | 8.7% | |
$1,837 | $2,514 | $677 | 36.9% | 8.0% | 15.4% | |
$1,402 | $2,442 | $1,040 | 74.2% | -2.2% | -4.6% | |
$1,324 | $1,842 | $518 | 39.1% | 1.1% | 0.4% | |
$1,508 | $2,440 | $932 | 61.8% | -5.0% | -2.4% | |
$1,347 | $1,771 | $424 | 31.5% | 1.2% | 1.6% | |
$1,470 | $2,318 | $848 | 57.7% | -3.9% | 0.5% | |
$2,797 | $5,581 | $2,784 | 99.5% | -1.8% | 1.9% | |
$1,245 | $1,706 | $461 | 37.0% | -2.8% | 3.6% | |
$1,229 | $1,439 | $210 | 17.1% | -3.9% | 15.8% | |
$2,368 | $3,176 | $808 | 34.1% | -3.5% | -10.1% | |
$1,717 | $2,352 | $635 | 37.0% | 3.5% | 1.3% | |
$1,559 | $2,501 | $942 | 60.4% | 4.4% | -6.2% | |
$1,500 | $2,899 | $1,399 | 93.3% | -10.1% | -1.8% | |
$1,242 | $2,383 | $1,141 | 91.9% | -4.0% | 0.8% | |
$2,887 | $5,229 | $2,342 | 81.1% | 0.4% | 3.6% | |
$1,014 | $1,594 | $580 | 57.2% | -0.4% | -13.1% | |
$1,672 | $2,211 | $539 | 32.2% | -4.8% | -3.0% | |
$1,823 | $2,518 | $695 | 38.1% | -0.4% | 3.1% | |
$1,524 | $2,920 | $1,396 | 91.6% | -5.6% | -1.4% | |
$1,484 | $1,492 | $8 | 0.5% | 2.7% | 4.3% | |
$1,748 | $3,106 | $1,358 | 77.7% | 3.9% | -4.6% | |
$2,158 | $3,340 | $1,182 | 54.8% | 5.3% | 7.5% | |
$1,533 | $2,622 | $1,089 | 71.0% | -3.6% | 0.3% | |
$1,513 | $2,486 | $973 | 64.3% | -2.8% | 3.6% | |
$2,169 | $3,246 | $1,077 | 49.7% | 0.2% | 1.9% | |
$1,385 | $2,920 | $1,535 | 110.8% | 7.9% | 4.0% | |
$2,023 | $3,602 | $1,579 | 78.1% | 8.3% | -2.1% | |
$1,232 | $2,035 | $803 | 65.2% | -7.8% | -11.9% | |
$2,919 | $5,051 | $2,132 | 73.0% | -1.3% | -4.4% | |
$2,770 | $5,212 | $2,442 | 88.2% | -5.4% | -12.1% | |
$3,390 | $6,003 | $2,613 | 77.1% | 4.1% | -5.3% | |
$2,064 | $4,286 | $2,222 | 107.7% | 0.6% | -5.4% | |
$1,327 | $1,549 | $222 | 16.7% | -0.4% | 7.9% | |
$1,746 | $2,564 | $818 | 46.8% | -2.2% | -5.8% | |
$1,560 | $1,944 | $384 | 24.6% | 4.4% | -3.5% | |
$2,273 | $3,261 | $988 | 43.5% | 0.4% | -7.7% |
Rental data as of July 2024 for studio, 1-bedroom, or 2-bedroom units advertised as for rent on Realtor.com®. Rental units include apartments as well as private rentals (condos, townhomes, single-family homes). We use rental sources that reliably report data each month within the 50 largest metropolitan areas. Realtor.com began publishing regular monthly rental trends reports in October 2020 with data history stretching back to March 2019.
The monthly cost of buying a home was calculated by averaging the median list prices of studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed homes, weighted by the number of listings, in each housing market. Monthly buying costs assume an 8% down payment, with a mortgage rate of 6.85%, and include taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.
With the release of its July 2024 rent report, Realtor.com incorporated a new and improved methodology for capturing and reporting more comprehensive rental listing trends and metrics. The new methodology is expected to yield a cleaner, more representative, and more consistent measurement of rental listings and trends at both the national and local levels.
The methodology has been adjusted to better represent the true cost of primary housing for renters. Most areas across the country will see minor changes with a smaller handful of areas seeing larger updates. As a result of these changes, the rental data released since July 2024 will not be directly comparable with previous releases and Realtor.com economics blog posts. However, future data releases, including historical data, will consistently apply the new methodology.
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A dissertation preface is an integral part of the dissertation writing process for both graduate and doctoral students. Even though the preface is found at the beginning of the dissertation, it is essentially a task that authors engage in at the very end of their dissertation work.
A dissertation preface is a section that precedes the main body of your dissertation. Unlike other sections of the dissertation, which are strictly academic and formal, the preface offers a more personal touch as it provides context and insight into your research journey. In this section, the author outlines the background and criticality of the work they have done, acknowledges contributions, and reflects on the experiences and challenges they faced during the research process.
The dissertation preface serves various purposes, including:
Here are the essential components that should be covered in a dissertation preface:
While both the preface and the acknowledgements sections are personal, they are two very distinct sections that serve different purposes and are placed differently within a dissertation. Usually, dissertations contain either a preface or an acknowledgement section. As detailed above, the preface provides context, shares personal experiences while writing and the circumstances that motivated the conduct of the study. Institutions and critical individuals are also acknowledged for their contributions. The acknowledgements section is focused entirely on expressing gratitude to all persons and institutions that contributed significantly to the research and dissertation writing process.
Preface example
Understanding the existential issue of climate change and its impact on our environment, specifically on fragile coral reef ecosystems, has been a persistent goal for me since high school. The work before you is the result of this passion and my desire to discover ways to mitigate the damages caused by quickly changing climate conditions. Over the years, I have followed and put in many years of research and hard work to find ways to preserve these “rainforests of the sea.” Engaging with subject experts and advocates of environmental sustainability across academic circles and also the industry gave me the necessary wherewithal to start thinking of this research work.
As I went along this challenging journey, I learned many things that have enriched this study. From navigating the complexities of data collection to balancing academic commitments, each step taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and critical thinking. This would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of many people.
I am deeply grateful to my mentor and supervisor, Professor Janine Forsythe, for her guidance and support throughout this project. Her expertise and encouragement were invaluable in my research. A special thanks to my faculty for their support and for providing me with an enriching research environment. It would be remiss of me not to mention and thank the National Endowment Fund for providing me with the necessary grant, without which this work would not have been completed. Lastly, I am grateful to my family and friends for putting up with my long working hours and often distracted self. I hope my work will inspire others to take up further research and study in this field.
Peter Morris
Washington DC, 11 June 2022
In writing the dissertation preface, always remember to keep it brief, engaging, and impactful. Providing a personalized account of your motivations and study approach helps the intended audience to relate to your work. While you can write in the first person, ensure that you do not stray from an academic tone.
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The multi-PD/PI option presents an important opportunity for investigators seeking support for projects or activities that require a team science approach. This option is targeted specifically to those projects that do not fit the single-PD/PI model, and therefore is intended to supplement and not replace the traditional single PD/PI model. The overarching goal is to maximize the potential of team science efforts in order to be responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century..
This page last updated on: August 13, 2024
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Components of a Research Report Partido, B.B. Elements of research report ... The research report contains four main areas: Introduction - What is the issue? What is known? What is not known? What are you trying to find out? This sections ends with the purpose and specific aims of the study. Methods - The recipe for the study.
Research Report is a written document that presents the results of a research project or study, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions, in a clear and objective manner.
Research reports are recorded data prepared by researchers or statisticians after analyzing information gather by conducting organized research. Learn all about research reports definition, components, and tips on writing research reports.
This quick guide will help you identify the common elements and basic format of a research report at the University of Melbourne.
Writing a Research Report .pdf version of this page This review covers the basic elements of a research report. This is a general guide for what you will see in journal articles or dissertations. This format assumes a mixed methods study, but you can leave out either quantitative or qualitative sections if you only used a single methodology.
A research report is one type that is often used in the sciences, engineering and psychology. Here your aim is to write clearly and concisely about your research topic so that the reader can easily understand the purpose and results of your research.
A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.
A research report is a well-crafted document that outlines the processes, data, and findings of a systematic investigation. It is an important document that serves as a first-hand account of the research process, and it is typically considered an objective and accurate source of information.
A research report is a collection of contextual data, gathered through organized research, that provides new insights into a particular challenge (which, for this article, is business-related). Research reports are a time-tested method for distilling large amounts of data into a narrow band of focus. Their effectiveness often hinges on whether ...
Abstract. This guide for writers of research reports consists of practical suggestions for writing a report that is clear, concise, readable, and understandable. It includes suggestions for terminology and notation and for writing each section of the report—introduction, method, results, and discussion. Much of the guide consists of ...
Write up a state-of-the-art research report. Understand how to use scientific language in research reports. Develop a structure for your research report that comprises all relevant sections. Assess the consistency of your research design. Avoid dumbfounding your reader with surprising information.
Every research/study is judged for its adequacy, quality and validity, on the basis of four such documents - the research proposal, research summary, research abstract and the research report. Research report is the main document on the basis of which the contribution of the research is judged.
Research designs falls into one of two broad categories: qualitative research designs, and quantitative research designs. Qualitative research designs focus on things in their natural settings, and seek in-depth understanding of underlying meanings-the why-of social phenomena. smaller group or sample to a larger population.
Research Paper Structure Whether you are writing a B.S. Degree Research Paper or completing a research report for a Psychology course, it is highly likely that you will need to organize your research paper in accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. Here we discuss the structure of research papers according to APA style.
Reports of research studies usually follow the IMRAD format. IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, [and] Discussion) is a mnemonic for the major components of a scientific paper. These elements are included in the overall structure outlined below.
In a research report th ese components are arranged succ essively in the body. sections consisting of introduction, literature review, method, results, discussion, and. conclusion. In addition t o ...
The six components of a research report are as follows: An abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references. The Abstract The abstract is an overview of the research study and is typically two to four paragraphs in length.
us components. Besides this, the significance of aresearch report and different t. tanding about the format of a research article, anabst. act, a thesis and dissertation. es for research journals and to prepare a compl. report after conducting a research worwproject.
A research report is an end product of research. As earlier said that report writing provides useful information in arriving at rational decisions that may reform the business and society. The findings, conclusions, suggestions and recommendations are useful to academicians, scholars and policymakers.
Learn how to design and conduct a successful research project with this comprehensive guide on the basic concepts of research.
Simply, a research paper/report is a systematic write up. on the findings of the study including methodologies, discussion, conclusions etc. following a definite. style. T he resea rch report ...
What is a Research Report? A research report is a concise document that summarizes the findings, methods, and conclusions of a research study or investigation. There are various types of research reports available for different purposes.
The 'research summary, conclusions, limitations, and recommendations' focuses on four related aspects of a research report. First, it provides for the outputs of research by summarising its ...
July 2024 marks the 12th year-over-year rent decline in a row for 0-2 bedroom properties observed since trend data began in 2020. Asking rents dipped by $12, or -0.7%, year over year.
The SD oversees the scientific and administrative management of the basic and clinical components of the intramural cancer research program and reports directly to the NCI Director, a presidentially appointed position.
Discover the definition, purpose, and essential components of a dissertation preface with examples. Learn how to write and differentiate it from acknowledgements.
The multi-PD/PI option presents an important opportunity for investigators seeking support for projects or activities that require a team science approach.
In addition, limitations on electronic components used in high-power RF-WPH systems are discussed. The organised structure of this review paper has provided a detailed journey through the world of RF-EH, addressing key aspects ranging from the classification of RFEH systems to design methodologies and efficiency considerations.