Transcript Report Writing - Teesside University

Report Writing
Guidance for Your Research Project
A recommended format
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Title page
Abstract
Table of contents
Introduction
Literature Survey
Methodology
Results & Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations for further work
Appendices
References/ bibliography
Title page
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Title
Image
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(Optional)
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Author
Supervisor
Date
Clear title appropriate to
purpose of report
Make it attractive but
Avoid unnecessary
decoration
Only use an image if it
 is relevant
 adds to the project
Abstract
The purpose of the abstract is to provide those
with little time the opportunity to quickly grasp
the main points
 Should be a miniature of the main report with
 Aims
 Methodology
 Results/Conclusion
 Must only consider points contained in the report
 Make it short – ½ page maximum
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Table of Contents
Contents
Page
1
Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Aims
1.3 Objectives
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2
2
Literature Search
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3
4
Materials and Methods 4
Etc.
Decide on appropriate level
of headings & sub-headings
Use “Insert” function
in Word to build Contents
Introduction
Why Undertake the research?
 Set the scene
 Include aims and/or objectives
 What hypothesis are you testing?
 State value of the report
 How is the report structured?
 Keep it brief
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Literature review
A summary of previous research as reported in
books, journals and other media
 Critical summary of current and recent research
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What is the current state of knowledge?
What are the strengths & weaknesses of existing
research?
Where does your project fit in?
Should also provide an account of the theoretical
background to the project
Methodology
How, when, where, (why?) did you collect the
data/ information, e.g.
 Laboratory testing
 Survey
 Literature search
 You should try to give clear reasons for your
choice of methodolgy
 This may include choice of equipment
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Results & Discussion
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The bulk of the report.
Provide a logical flow, for example;
3.
Results and Discussion
3.1 Analytical Results
3.1.1 Protein
3.1.2 Ash
3.1.3 Moisture
3.1.4 Fat
3.2 Preference testing
3.3 Statistical analysis
Results & Discussion
Use a “Storyboard” for preparation and logical
structure
 Allocate word count at planning stage; most
important section gets largest share
 Present your information, but also analyse it;
 give possible explanations for your findings
 How do your findings relate to theory?
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Recommendations & Conclusions
Conclusions
 Draws your findings together
 Refer to your aims and objectives when writing
this section (i.e. aims and objectives considered
as questions, conclusion the answer)
 Recommendations:
 Now that all important issues have been
considered, what do you think should happen
now?
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Appendices
Contains essential information but could be a
distraction to the reader, e.g. copy of questionnaire
used
 Allows the reader to decide if they should refer to
this information
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References
Difference between reference and bibliography?
 References have been directly used and cited in
the body of the text
 Bibliography includes sources that have been
consulted, but have not been directly used or
cited – often a guide to further reading
 Your report should contain a list of references
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References/ Bibliography
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A full list – in proper format should be provided –
see DISSC website (Below)
 Use the Harvard System unless your supervisor
says otherwise
 Information
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on referencing at
http://dissc.tees.ac.uk/references/Content.htm
General Points
Headings & numbering
 Use third person
 Never introduce new material in conclusion
 ABC; Accurate, brief, concise
 Proof read (use English spellchecker)
 Editing and printing takes time
 Computer failure not an excuse for late
submission
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General Points
Adopt a consistent style.
 Write in the third person.
 Label all diagrams, photographs, data presentation
& refer to them in the text!
 Source all photographs etc. And so avoid
accusation of plagiarism
 Word process, 1.5 or double line spacing
 Adequate margins all round
 Min. 3.2 cm all round.
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