Research reports are the product of
slow, painstaking, accurate inductive work. The usual steps involved in writing
report are:
(a) Logical analysis of the
subject-matter
(b) Preparation of the final outline
(c) Preparation of the rough draft
(d) Rewriting and polishing
(c) Preparation of the final bibliography
(f) Writing the final draft
Though all these steps are self
explanatory, yet a brief mention of each one of these will be appropriate for
better understanding.
e. Preparation of the final bibliography: Next in order comes the task of the preparation of the final bibliography. The bibliography, which is generally appended to the research report, is a list of books in some way pertinent to the research which has been done. It should contain all those works which the researcher has consulted. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically and may be divided into two parts; the first part may contain the names of books and pamphlets, and the second part may contain the names of magazine and newspaper articles. Generally, this pattern of bibliography is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point of view of reader, though it is not the only way of presenting bibliography.
f. Writing the final draft: This constitutes the last step. The final draft should be written in a concise and objective style and in simple language, avoiding vague expressions such as “it seems”, “there may be”, and the like ones. While writing the final draft, the researcher must avoid abstract terminology and technical jargon. Illustrations and examples based on common experiences must be incorporated in the final draft as they happen to be most effective in communicating the research findings to others. A research report should not be dull, but must enthuse people and maintain interest and must show originality. It must be remembered that every report should be an attempt to solve some intellectual problem and must contribute to the solution of a problem and must add to the knowledge of both the researcher and the reader.
a. Logical
analysis of the subject matter: It is the first step which is primarily concerned with the development
of a subject. There are two ways in which to develop a subject (a) logically
and (b) chronologically. The logical development is made on the basis of mental
connections and associations between the one thing and another by means of
analysis. Logical treatment often consists in developing the material from the
simple possible to the most complex structures. Chronological development is
based on a connection or sequence in time or occurrence. The directions for
doing or making something usually follow the chronological order.
b. Preparation of
the final outline: It is the next step in writing the research report “Outlines are
the framework upon which long written works are constructed. They are an aid to
the logical organization of the material and a reminder of the points to be
stressed in the report.”1
c. Preparation
of the rough draft: This follows the logical analysis of the subject and the
preparation of the final outline. Such a step is of utmost importance for the
researcher now sits to write down what he has done in the context of his
research study. He will write down the procedure adopted by him in collecting
the material for his study along with various limitations faced by him, the
technique of analysis adopted by him, the broad findings and generalizations
and the various suggestions he wants to offer regarding the problem concerned.
d. Rewriting
and polishing of the rough draft: This step happens to be most difficult part of all formal
writing. Usually this step requires more time than the writing of the rough
draft. The careful revision makes the difference between a mediocre and a good
piece of writing. While rewriting and polishing, one should check the report
for weaknesses in logical development or presentation. The researcher should
also “see whether or not the material, as it is presented, has unity and
cohesion; does the report stand upright and firm and exhibit a definite
pattern, like a marble arch? Or does it resemble an old wall of moldering
cement and loose brick.”2 In addition the researcher should give due attention to the fact
that in his rough draft he has been consistent or not. He should check the mechanics
of writing—grammar, spelling and usage.
e. Preparation of the final bibliography: Next in order comes the task of the preparation of the final bibliography. The bibliography, which is generally appended to the research report, is a list of books in some way pertinent to the research which has been done. It should contain all those works which the researcher has consulted. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically and may be divided into two parts; the first part may contain the names of books and pamphlets, and the second part may contain the names of magazine and newspaper articles. Generally, this pattern of bibliography is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point of view of reader, though it is not the only way of presenting bibliography.
f. Writing the final draft: This constitutes the last step. The final draft should be written in a concise and objective style and in simple language, avoiding vague expressions such as “it seems”, “there may be”, and the like ones. While writing the final draft, the researcher must avoid abstract terminology and technical jargon. Illustrations and examples based on common experiences must be incorporated in the final draft as they happen to be most effective in communicating the research findings to others. A research report should not be dull, but must enthuse people and maintain interest and must show originality. It must be remembered that every report should be an attempt to solve some intellectual problem and must contribute to the solution of a problem and must add to the knowledge of both the researcher and the reader.
1 Elliott S.M.
Gatner and Francesco Cordasco, Research and Report Writing, p. 37.
2 Ibid., p. 50.
Reference: Research Methodology methods and techniques, Second edition, C. R. Kothari
2 Ibid., p. 50.
Reference: Research Methodology methods and techniques, Second edition, C. R. Kothari
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