1. Notes for Assignment One: Research reports
Possible purposes:
Investigative
Specific topic (eg. System failure)
Scientific

2. Research reports
Traditional structure which covers logical requirements, ensures a “balanced” viewpoint, and ensures the most effective outcome
Abstract
Introduction (purpose of report/ why it is being written)
Historical background (context)
Research method (how the investigation was carried out)
Results (raw facts/findings eg. Who did what?, when?)
Discussion (Interpretation/ opinion)
Conclusion (Point out any shortcomings in your research. Suggest further investigation paths.)

3. Abstract Summary of major elements within a report
see Executive Summary
150 words a good limit
last job of writing
first page after title
its purpose is to indicate its relevance to a prospective reader (both topic and outcome)

4. Introduction
Strict structure required for all parts of research reports
Background
- who commissioned the report
- purpose of the report
Introduce the topic
- scope of the research in relation to the topic as a whole
Its purpose is to indicate why the research was undertaken and what it is about

5. Historical background
history of the topic
other research on the subject known to the researcher
explanation of special terms, concepts
Its purpose is to indicate where this research fits into what is already commonly known about the subject

6. Research method
a description of exactly how the research was carried out
an explanation of why it was carried out the way it was
a justification for how the data was manipulated to get a result
The purpose of this section is to clarify how the research was carried out AND to allow anyone else to repeat the research project

7. Results present the raw data - as it “fell out”
- in summarised form (having prepared the audience by explaining the method of summerisation in the previous section)
data analysed, clarified to highlight results worthy of further discussion
NO OPINION AT THIS STAGE
Its purpose is to allow the audience to apply their own logic/ opinion/ belief about the results, before they hear your explanation.

8. Discussion local - what data shows about the immediate situation broad
- what implications the data has in regard to the topic as a whole
counter opinion
- address possible contrary opinion to your own
any other relevant matters about the subject
Its purpose is to INTERPRET the results, and their implication. OPINION goes here.

9. Conclusion
explanation of any restrictions which might have biased the research to the results found
suggest any further research that could be undertaken to clarify inconclusive results or the subject generally

10. why this structure? logic clarity discipline effectiveness
professional – excellent, clear-minded