Report writing - Research Protocol
- 2. Report – A highly structured document written in a formal style They are based on one’s reading / practical findings that is presented in a readable and technically acceptable way. Good writing is essential for a report to convey the importance and usefulness of the findings. The overall quality of a finding / project is judged on how well the report is written. Generally reports aim to: Set out the issue. Describe what was done and how it was done . Present the findings, conclusions, and any recommendations . Introduction
- 3. Front page Short, relevantand interesting title. - Maximum 16 words - Avoid ‘filter’words ,Question marks, Abbreviations. For eg: Red hens undergo spontaneous chromosome rearrangement when exposed to ultraviolet light Insteadwrite as, “Ultraviolet light induced chromosome rearrangementin red hens”. - Enough informationshould be provided in the title. For eg: Novel cancer biomarker Informationregarding the type of cancer, type of biomarkersshould be provided. - No oversellingof manuscriptwith your title For eg: Molecular mechanism of Chromosome rearrangement in red hens when exposed to UV light. If no enough data is available onthe complete mechanism of chromosome rearrangement, it will lead to the downfall of the manuscript. Date and releaseof publication Report Structure
- 4. Author name and contact details. Acknowledgements Copyright and license information- if published Table of contents This allows the reader to gain an overview and quickly locate sections they may wish to read. - List the main sections including the page numbers. - Tables, diagrams and illustrations also needed to be included in the separate list. Abstract/ Summary Summarization of all the key points – Introduction, methods, results and conclusions (miniature of the whole report) Limited to one or two pages. A reader should get all the messages without reading the main report.
- 5. Introduction Should state the background of the survey / experiment and the reasons for which the current researchis being undertaken – quoted with references Eg: Survey on prevalence of herbal supplementation amongcancer patients in a tertiary care hospital- Why & What? Followed by objectives(aim), limitations,expected results and how the expected results are intended to be used. Methods For a Survey - This part should discussabout the target population, inclusion and exclusion criteria,no. of people, their mode of contact, detailsof questionnaireand the method of data collection. For a lab experiment - Material details,procedure followed ( with references) and any variation in the procedure.
- 6. Results and Discussions: This is the main body of the report. Structure the section according to the objectives of the Project / Survey Results should report the data and also should interpret / analyze the data. Eg: Reporting data 26% of the population in India are reported knowing how to perform emergency procedures like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Interpreting data (Discussion) This finding shows how unprepared Indians are in emergencies and illustrates that perhaps efforts are to be taken to provide emergency training. Graphs, charts and diagrams can be used to identify key results and break the flow of written text.
- 7. References Precise and accurate details of authors that you have cited within the report. They are normally listed in alphabetical order by the authors' names or in numerical order - Depends on type of Journal Appendices: Additional related information which is not essential to read but can be consulted if the reader wishes - Tables, Graphs and questionnaires
- 8. Style Journal agencies and organisations will have their own preferences in terms of style. Regardless of specific style preferences, the report should be consistent in application of the following components: • Font • Spacing • Abbreviations • dot points • formatting of headings and subheadings • page numbering • quotes and references.
- 9. Careful usage of language/word is important. Poor quality may lead to misinterpretation of results. For eg: 1. Above – Often people tend to refer something preceding, but not necessarily above. 2. Accurate / Estimate 3. Alternate / Alternative 4. Among 5. As well as.. Keep the words simple. Basic Principles to be followed
- 10. Avoidance of Jargon, cliches, vague (eg: various, some, numerous),(In my opinion, I think..) unnecessary (eg: that) and technical language. If technical terms are used, it should be defined. Shorten the sentences as possible. There should be a flow in sentences from beginning to end - Usage of tense and voice - Transition between and within paragraphs Use of too many nominalisation make a report look dull. For eg: The implementation of the policy has been done by a team Instead write as, A team has implemented the policy Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation should be taken care of. Consider the audience – Information should be properly conveyed to the decision makers.
- 11. A good report should: • Address the objectives • present clear findings with strong conclusions (and recommendations if appropriate) • be accurate and free of errors • use tables, graphs and text appropriately • be written in a way that will convey the results without boring the reader.