August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 1 Preparing Reports (for assignments 7y900 & 7y910) Reports are prepared according to a fixed scheme that is explained on the following sheets A template is available Please consult the description of the assignment for additional requirements, such as the total number of words or pages from title to acknowledgement

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 2 Preparing Reports Scientific reports consist of the following elements in the order given and with a typical length: Section % of length in words Titlep.m. Author name(s) p.m. Abstract5% 100% of prescribed pages Introduction5-10% Methodology28-30% Results28-30% Discussion (last paragraph = Conclusion) 28-30% (Acknowledgements)p.m. Reference(s)p.m. (Appendices)p.m.

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 3 Title = Message of the report in brief

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 4 Author Name(s) Full names of all authors with their scientific titles (student ID’s) (Authors are those persons who took a full share in data collection, and discussing the results)

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 5 Abstract Starting with title and author name(s), it contains summarizing sentences of introduction, methodology, results and discussion, including the conclusion Abstracts do not contain references!

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 6 Introduction 3 Paragraphs: Placing the title in its domain Working towards the problem to be solved Aim of the report

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 7 Scientific research 3 steps: Data  Information  Knowledge [Informationn = tables, graphs, schema's, statistical probabilities]

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 8 Methodology Object of study Which information sources have been utilized, and how this was done Why do the collected data serve your purpose? (Any other investigator should obtain the same results when following the described methodology)

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 9 Results Summarize the results obtained Place them in a logical order fitting the aim of the report

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 10 Discussion In a logical order, discuss the results obtained, compare them with results already published, and add your own well-funded conclusion

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 11 Acknowledgement(s) When applicable, mention names and titles of persons who have contributed to the report, but did not take a full share in researching and discussing

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 12 Reference(s) Full bibliographic details of all publications referred to in the report text Do not include publications that are absent in the report text!

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 13 Validity of References -Research Methodology = Reliability -Affiliation gives information too -Refer to specific facts or conclusions -Read the article as full text -List it bibliographically complete

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 14 A full bibliographic reference To an article in a peer-reviewed research journal contains: (i)Surname + all initials of each author (ii)Year of publication (iii)Full title (iv)Full name of journal (v)Volume number (vi)Issue number (vii)Number of first page (viii)Number of last page

August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk 15 Of research and design AttributeScientificResearchDesign Aim Producing knowledge new to science Producing a new product (service) Methodology 1. Collect all relevant existing information 1. Find sufficient existing knowledge 2. Execute an experiment, survey, or meta-analysis 2. Select a design method 3. Analyze data & compare with known knowledge 3. Design the product / service Result Scientific publication presenting new knowledge Unique product / Prototype