Writing a Research Report (Adapted from “Engineering Your Report: From Start to Finish” by Krishnan, L.A. et. al., 2003) Writing a Research Write the introduction Write the literature review section Write methodology section Write the results and discussion section Write the conclusions and recommendations section

Structure of a Thesis CHAPTER HEADING Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Background of Your Study  1.2 Statement of the Problem  1.3 Objectives of the Study  1.4 Research Questions  1.5 Theoretical Perspectives  1.6 Significance of the Study  1.7 Limitations of the Study 1.8 Definitions of Terms Chapter2 Review of Related Literature 2.0 Introduction 2.1 (Themes – related to the topic) 2.2 2.9 Related Studies on Collaborative Writing 2.9.1 ….

Structure of a Thesis (Cont.) CHAPTER HEADINGS CHAPTER 3 (RESEARCH METHODOLOGY) 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Subjects/Samples 3.2 Instrument   3.3 Procedure 3.4 Data Analysis CHAPTER 4 (RESULTS AND DISCUSSION) 4.0 Introduction 4.1 (Report Findings based on Research Questions) 4.2 CHAPTER 5 (CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS) 5.0 Introduction 5.1 Summary of Findings 5.2 Recommendations for Further Research 5.3 Conclusion

Structure of a Research Article Introduction - Background, Objectives/Research Questions, Literature Review Methodology Results/Findings Conclusion

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction In this section, you give a summary of the chapter. For example: This chapter begins by giving information on the background of the study and the statement of the problem. The general objective forms the next section, followed by the research questions, significance and limitations of the study. …….. This chapter ends with the operational terms that are used in this study.

1.1 Background of the Study Use the funnel approach (General to Specific) Use the keywords in the topic and research questions to guide you to do the funnel mind-mapping Read other literature review to get ideas Make sure the information is not overlapped in the literature review

1.2 Statement of the Problem This section is a well-documented, detailed description of the problem to be addressed and the need for the proposed project. It can be represented in a few sentences, in paragraphs or may be a page long (Glatthorn, 1998). According to Hernon and Schwartz (2007), a problem statement generally should: Introduce the reader to the importance of the problem. The reader is presented with the significance of the study Indicate the central focus of the study Have a declaration of originality Explain the benefits to be derived from an investigation of the problem

1. 3 Research Objectives - give a sense of direction of your research 1.3 Research Objectives - give a sense of direction of your research. Use the action verbs to formulate the objectives of the study. Action verbs To determine To evaluate To find out To assess To compare To identify To examine To develop To investigate Examples: To investigate the reasons why employees leave an organization after receiving training. To determine the relationship between class size and academic performance. To examine whether self-efficacy contributes to predicting academic performance.

1.4 Research Questions They are based on the objectives of the study Start with Wh questions such as Why? What? (commonly used) Use simple present tense Avoid Yes or No questions or one word answer. E.g Do/Does/Is/Are

1.5 Theoretical framework -discuss the relevant theories and explain why they are relevant to your study Sekaran (2003) concluded that a sound literature review provides a good theoretical framework and this in turn “provides the logical base for developing testable hypotheses” (p.98). The importance of devising a theoretical framework can be seen diagrammatically in the following figure: Literature review forms Theoretical framework tests hypotheses Conceptual framework

Theoretical vs Conceptual Framework Theoretical Framework A conceptual framework is typically derived from a theory. It identifies the concepts included in a complex phenomenon and shows their relatiionships (Glatthorn & Joyner, 2005). A theoretical framework provides a structure that guides research by relying on a formal theory – constructed by using an established, coherent explanation of certain phenomena and relationships (Eisenhart, 1991). A conceptual framework is a skeletal structure of justification, rather than a skeletal structure of explanation (Eisenhart, 1991). A theoretical framework elaborates the relationships among the variables, explains the theory underlying these relations and describes the nature and direction of the relationships (Sekaran, 2003). A conceptual framework is developed to support one’s study to enable one to answer the research questions (Smyth, 2004). A theoretical framework provides a basis for the analysis and interpretation of the data. Sometimes, “model” can be used interchangeably with “theory” (Potter, 2002). A conceptual framework explains (either graphically or in narrative form or both) the main things to be studied – the key factors, variables – and the presumed relationship among them (Miles & Huberman, 1994). A theoretical framework can be thought of as a map or a travel plan. One needs to ascertain the abilities, expectations and equipment that may help to achieve a successful journey with good outcomes and to achieve the objectives (Sinclair, 2007).

1.6 Significance of the Study Explains why the study is important and to whom. It is hoped that the findings of this study can provide insights into the field of ... These insights can explain the use of ...

1.7 Limitations of the Study State the shortcomings of the study There are several limitations in this study. First, …..

1.8 Definitions of Terms Defines important concepts that will help readers understand their meanings in relation to the study Use in-text citations For example: According to ... (2016), collaborative writng is viewed ...

CHAPTER 2 : REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE - show the scope and depth of your reading; show your analytical and synthesis skills in critical reviews 2.0 Introduction A brief overview of the content and its organisation 2.1 (Themes related to your topic) 2.2  2.3 Past Studies on Collaborative Writing - Review on methodologies and results through past studies

CHAPTER 2: Review of Related Literature Organize the framework of the review Chronological – arrange materials in the passage according to when they were published By publication : order the progression of studies by publication chronology By trend : examine the history 2) Thematic – organize the literature around a theme, a topic or an issue rather than the progression of time 3) Methodological – focus not on the content of the material but the “method” employed by the researcher