REPORT WRITING AND DOCUMENTATION

i.                    Research Report

One of the reasons for carrying out research is to add to the existing body of knowledge. Therefore, when conducting research, there is need to document the processes and findings in a research report. With a research report, it is easy to outline the findings of a systematic investigation and any gaps needing further inquiry. Knowing how to create a detailed research report will prove useful when you need to conduct 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.

In many ways, a research report can be considered as a summary of the research process that clearly highlights findings, recommendations, and other important details. Reading a well-written research report should provide you with all the information you need about the core areas of the research process.

This report present findings and analyses from scientific or academic research. They typically include an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

Features of a Research Report 

Here are some of the basic features that define a research report. 

• It is a detailed presentation of research processes and findings, and it usually includes tables and graphs. 
• It is written in a formal language.
• A research report is usually written in the third person.
• It is informative and based on first-hand verifiable information.
• It is formally structured with headings, sections, and bullet points.
• It always includes recommendations for future actions. 

Types of Research Report 

The research report is classified based on two things; nature of research and target audience.

 

Nature of Research

• Qualitative Research Report

This is the type of report written for qualitative research. It outlines the methods, processes, and findings of a qualitative method of systematic investigation. In educational research, a qualitative research report provides an opportunity for one to apply his or her knowledge and develop skills in planning and executing qualitative research projects. A qualitative research report is usually descriptive in nature. Hence, in addition to presenting details of the research process, one must also create a descriptive narrative of the information.

• Quantitative Research Report

A quantitative research report is a type of research report that is written for quantitative research. Quantitative research is a type of systematic investigation that pays attention to numerical or statistical values in a bid to find answers to research questions. In this type of research report, the researcher presents quantitative data to support the research process and findings. Unlike a qualitative research report that is mainly descriptive, a quantitative research report works with numbers; that is, it is numerical in nature. 

 

ii.                  Technical Research Report

Technical reports are detailed documents that provide information on technical processes, procedures, or products (detailed document presented after carrying out industry-based research). This writing is often used in engineering, science, and technology to communicate research findings, design specifications, or troubleshooting solutions. This report is highly specialized because it provides information for a technical audience; that is, individuals with above-average knowledge in the field of study. 

In a technical research report, the researcher is expected to provide specific information about the research process, including statistical analyses and sampling methods. Also, the use of language is highly specialized. 

Examples of technical research reports include legal and medical research reports.  

 

iii. Academic reports

Academic reports, such as a book report, are used in educational settings and research institutions. It is one created for a class, often in a graduate or undergraduate university. This report format follows a formal writing style and dives into a topic related to the student's academic studies.

Academic reports communicate the results, analysis, and conclusions of scholarly research or academic investigations. They are often structured similarly to research types and may include writing sections such as an Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Analyses, Conclusions, And Recommendations.

NB: If you are writing an academic report, remember to include proper citations and follow specific style guides, like APA or MLA, to ensure academic quality and integrity.