Pharos University in Alexandria Faculty of Engineering

HU 164 Research Methods and Techniques

Lect7

Reporting of Research

Prof. Dr. Abdelsamie Moet Spring 2012/13

Lecture Overview
Refer to your Assigned Paper

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

Why Publish ? The goal of scientific research is publication. A scientific experiment, no matter how spectacular the results, is not complete until the results are published.
HU164_Lect6_Reporting 3

Reference

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

Format and Organization

Reports generally include these sections in this order:
Title Abstract Introduction (includes Literature Review) Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

The Title
Shorter is better. No jargon or abbreviations. Put the main message in the title. Avoid words like investigation, characterization, analysis. TAKE TIME TO DEVISE THE TITLE.

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

 Abstract
Short (100 300 Words) Summarizes:
Research Problem Approach Main Findings Main Conclusions
Appears First . . . But Written Last
HU164_Lect6_Reporting 7

Introduction
Explains the research problem and its context
Explains importance of the problem (Why does it matter? Why is more information needed?) Explains reason and goals for study Explains the limitations of the research performed

Literature Review
Summarizes and evaluates the literature that you have used considering:
How that literature has contributed to your area of research The strengths and weaknesses of previous studies How does that literature lead to your research problem
HU164_Lect6_Reporting 8

 Methodology
Explains how data was gathered Explains how data was analyzed Assumes reader understands material
Does not include explanatory material

Is in past tense and passive voice

A 1 piece of coil was cut
The research has been carried out It is the research, and not your activities, that are of interest

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

 Results
Visually and textually represents research findings
Visual representation of results:
Graphs, tables, diagrams, photos, charts

Explanatory text:
Text points out the most significant portions of research findings Indicates key trends or relationships Highlights expected and/or unexpected findings
HU164_Lect6_Reporting 10

 Discussion
Includes:
Explanation for Results
Comments on unexpected results, offering hypothesis for them

Comparison to literature
Does your research confirm previous studies? Deviate from them?

Explanation for how info can be applied in broader context

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

11

 Summary
Discusses:
What was learned through research What remains to be learned Weaknesses and shortcomings of study Strengths of study Possible applications of study (how it can be used) Recommendations

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

12

Source Documentation
Cite sources whenever you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing work that is not your own
Quoting directly is discouraged

Sources include:
Books Journal, magazine, or newspaper articles Interviews Conference Proceedings Lectures
HU164_Lect6_Reporting 13

Finishing Touches
Usability Testing
Have a colleague read your report for clarity, organization, and visual design

Check your sources for proper citations Proofread carefully or better yet, ask someone to do it for you

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

14

Acknowledgements
Includes those who
Supported Facilitated Assisted Suggested

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

15

HU164_Lect6_Reporting

16