1. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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

2. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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.

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

4. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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)

5. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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!

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

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

8. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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)

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

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

11. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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

12. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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!

13. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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

14. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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

15. August 28, 2007J.E.M.H. van Bronswijk www.phe.bwk.tue.nl 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