Unit 10: Reports across Disciplines

Lesson 1: Kinds of Reports

Contents

Engage 1
Introduction 1
Objectives 2

Explore 2

Explain and Elaborate 3

Survey Report 3
Field Report 8
Laboratory/Scientific Technical Report 10

Extend 13
Activity 1 13
Activity 2 14

Evaluate 15

Wrap Up 17

Photo Credit 18

Bibliography 18
Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

Engage

Introduction

Fig. 1. Sample graph of survey results

The graph shows how the survey was used to determine how many of the respondents use
Portuguese when they edit written work. Such surveys provide data that are essential in
research, as they can show the sample population that represents the whole. Surveys are a
quick way to gather essential information from various groups of people.
● What are the other ways a researcher can present information?
● Why is a survey an essential part of collecting data?

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Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to do the following:
● Identify the objectives and structure of different kinds of reports.
● Differentiate the kinds of reports according to nature and structure.

DepEd Competency
Determine the objectives and structures of various kinds of reports
(CS_EN11/12A-EAP-IIe-j-6).

Explore

10 minutes

Retrieve your previous research papers. Using the literature and related studies you have
gathered for your research, identify the instrumentation(s) used for data gathering.

Guide Questions

1. Why do you think these methods were the best ways to collect data for the study?

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2. What are the advantages of using a survey, experiment, or observations?

3. What are the disadvantages of using a survey, experiment, or observations?

Explain and Elaborate

Survey Report
A survey report presents information gathered through a survey, as well as its results and
analysis. A survey is a method used for collecting data from a group of respondents to gain
information and insights about a topic. It is a standard way to collect data for research. It
aims to collect data in the most unbiased way possible in order to obtain accurate results.

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

A survey should reflect or align with the study’s objectives before the questions are created
and validated by an expert on the subject. The main steps in creating a survey report are as
follows:
1. Decide on the content of the survey.
2. Confirm the target audience.
3. Send out the survey through a channel.
4. Analyze the survey results.

The content should also be reflective of the research questions. Without proper alignment,
there is no way for the researcher to obtain the needed information to answer the research
questions.

Choosing the right set of respondents will determine if the research questions are
applicable for the given survey. In order for the survey results to be reliable, there is a need
to ensure that the survey reaches the correct sample population, especially if the study
focuses on a particular group of people.

Why is a survey a good instrument for collecting

data?

Once the survey questions and the respondents are finalized, the researcher can distribute
the survey using different channels. Common channels are usually pen and paper, online
through forms or documents accessed in websites or electronic mail, or phone interviews.
The use of a channel for distributing surveys depends on the researchers’ and respondents’
availability and convenience, as well as the survey’s goals and the nature of the survey
questions.

Analysis of the final results requires statistical treatment and counting, as these results are
presented in numerical form. A statistician may be consulted for data analysis if the
research is quantitative in nature and needs complex statistical analysis.

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

Here are some examples of surveys that can be conducted using pen and paper, online, or
phone interview.

Example 1
Table 1: Feedback Survey on the Teacher Training Program

Good day! Please take the time to answer a short survey for the evaluation of the efficiency
and effectiveness of today’s online training.

Question Answer

1. Today’s training date

Please indicate only one of the following responses for each question: 1 -
Strongly Disagree, 2 - Disagree, 3 - Agree, or 4 - Strongly Agree.

2. The objective of the training session was met.

3. The objective of the training session was clearly

discussed.

4. The online modules have excellent content and

interface.

5. The online modules complemented the objectives of

the training session.

6. I was able to learn in a fully online environment.

7. I was given enough time to finish my assessments.

8. Comments and suggestions:

Explanation
The survey is conducted to get feedback about a training session for teachers. Based on the
details of the survey, the research focuses on teacher training in an online learning
environment. The survey aims to get the opinions of the respondents about the training
session using a scale. There is also an opportunity for the respondents to give feedback
through comments via the last question. This survey may be distributed online.

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

Example 2
Blended Class Evaluation (Online Component)

This survey is intended to evaluate the performance of the faculty members conducting
online classes on the LMS platform. The information gained from this will be used to
improve their conduct of e-classes. Check the appropriate box that best corresponds to
your assessment of the faculty member.
1. Basic Information
1.1. Name of faculty member:
1.2. E-Class:
2. Performance Standards
a. 5 - Always
b. 4 - Most of the time
c. 3 - Sometimes
d. 2 - Rarely
e. 1 - Never

Question 5 4 3 2 1

2.1. The content of the lessons uploaded are

comprehensive.

2.2. The content of the lessons are current and related to

day-to-day experiences, current issues, or concerns.

2.3. The subject content instills the value of responding to

community involvements.

2.4. The faculty member clearly provides an introductory

module that informs the student of the expectations,
rules, and routine.

2.5. The faculty member effectively implements the

content of the uploaded e-syllabus/course calendar.

2.6. The modules are presented in a systematic manner.

2.7. The assessments are varied and measure the

expected learning outcomes.
(Source: Pareja, M.)

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Explanation
The survey aims to evaluate the teachers and the quality of an e-class for further
improvement. Specifically, it intends to gather data using a 5-point scale. This survey may
be done using pen and paper, online, or via phone.

Example 3
Panel Application Form
Please help out the Student Research Council (SRC) and our Grade 12 students this year!
Disclaimer: if you are a panel member for midterms, please be informed that you will also
be a panel member for their final defense. Thank you!

1. Name of Faculty Member:

2. Cluster:
3. Are you a Practical Research 2 Teacher? (yes or no only):
4. If yes, kindly list all the sections for whom you teach Practical Research 2:
5. Are you a current research adviser? (yes or no only):
6. If yes, kindly list all the sections of your advisees:
7. Three topics of research that fall under your expertise:
a. Choice 1:
b. Choice 2:
c. Choice 3:
8. Finally, what are the days you are available to participate as a member of the
research defense panel:

Explanation
This survey can be used to get information about teachers who could be possible panelists
for students’ research defense. The Student Research Council had to field this particular
survey in order to gain answers from interested teachers from the department. There are
certain qualifications the teachers need to have to be prospective panelists, as stated in
questions three to seven.

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

Field Report
The field report aims to describe the observations of people, places, and/or events. It also
aims to analyze the observation of data and categorize them into themes in relation to the
research study.

Like the survey report, it is imperative to know the research study and its research questions
before taking down observations. The following are the steps in creating a laboratory field
report:
1. Decide on the aspects that need to be observed.
2. Take note of the observations in a systematic way.
3. Analyze the data using themes.
4. Use a theoretical framework in order to fit all observations into a research study.

The process for creating field reports may seem short; however, this is a continuous
process. The researcher must be specific in noting all the details of any of the aspects that
are being observed. There is also the possibility that the themes for analysis may constantly
change in terms of their descriptions and the specific classification of data. Some of the
observed data may be added or deleted from a category after constant observation.

How would photographs be a good way to

document observations for field reports?

A researcher can make use of the following to take field notes:

● Written/typed notes
● Photos
● Video and audio recordings
● Illustrations and drawings

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Example 1

Observations about Behavior of People While Buying Groceries during Community

Quarantine (Dates: March to April, 2020)

1. Many people are wearing masks while buying groceries.

2. Not many people are practicing social distancing.
3. Body language of the people is tense and nervous.
4. Their movements are quick, as if trying to get out in as little time as possible.
5. Many apparent strangers want to “close a gap” through conversation; they do not
know each other yet they keep attempting to converse.
6. Though running can be done, people maintain a pace of brisk walking to get to
places.
7. Grocery stores are packed with lines; how do they expect to stay safe?

Explanation
Note-taking may be used in listing field observations. In the example, the observer noted
certain behaviors or actions of the people in a specific area, which in this case is the grocery.
These details should be carefully considered in the next research processes, such as
developing a theoretical framework based on a problem.

Example 2
Transcript of the interview:
Question: Why do you prefer street vending over other livelihoods?
“Sa akin, ‘di na. Siguro sa mga anak ko na lang. Ilalaan ko na lang sa mga
anak ko. Kumbaga hindi ako nakapagtapos, sa kanila ko na lang... sila na
lang [magtatapos]”. (“For me, I won’t [have any other job]. I will leave
that to my children. I will just work hard so my children will be able to
do so. Since I wasn’t able to finish school, at least they… at least they
should be able to finish [school].”)
(Source: Canaya, A. et al.)

Explanation
Researchers may use audio recordings to transcribe interviews for their field notes. A
translation, such as in the example, would help synthesize the responses into themes or
specific categories.

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Example 3

Themes Statements from News Articles and Analysis

Researches

Personal Reasons Clearing operations open more spaces for The vendor was not
pedestrians on downtown Cebu’s sidewalks given a chance to
relocate to another
“Junjun Ignaco, 35, says he now travels area to continue his
around the city to fix the shoes of his business. Most of the
customers instead of having a physical LGUs do not give
stall on Colon street after the clearing street vendors a place
operation was implemented. But he still to relocate to before
comes back to the same spot because his doing the clearing
clients may come looking for him.” operation.

Exploring the Socio-economic Life of The money that the

Sidewalk Vendor street vendors earn
are used for their
“It was revealed that the primary reason basic needs such as
why they undertake such an enterprise is food, shelter, and
due to poverty. This suggests that clothing.
sidewalk vendors engage in this kind of
business in order to survive in this world
and to sustain their basic needs.”
(Source: Canaya, A., et al.)

Explanation
This example shows a theme and how the excerpts from articles can be used for analysis.
Documented clips or passages from field reports are essential in developing conclusions
and analyzing gathered data in research.

Laboratory/Scientific Technical Report

The laboratory/scientific technical report has two major aims: to document findings and
communicate their significance by sharing the results. It entails interpreting the research
phenomenon and experiments in a way that readers can comprehend. A scientific technical

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

report is structured in a way that there is an end goal or objective that the researcher aims
to fulfill. Once it is fulfilled, a write-up must be created.
The steps in fulfilling a scientific technical report are the following:
1. Determine what is being observed.
2. Create and control the experiment.
3. Conduct the experiment in the laboratory.
4. Observe results.
5. Report the findings.

What is the importance of controlling the

environment for a laboratory report?

Researchers work in a laboratory in order to fulfill the aims of their study. They labor toward
these objectives by manipulating small phenomena in a controlled environment.
Researchers run several trials of an experiment in order to produce and validate reliable
results. Once done with the experiment, researchers have to make a write-up in the IMRaD
format to discuss the experiment and its specific findings.

Example 1
Objectives and Variables
The experiment aimed to demonstrate how inelastic collisions happen, to verify the
conservation of momentum in the systems, and to prove that kinetic energy doesn’t get
conserved when objects collide inelastically. Vernier carts were the objects to be tested.
The experiment was divided into two main setups with three trials each. The first one
made use of the Vernier cart’s bumper while the second one did not. The independent
variable in both setups is the force being applied to the carts, while the dependent
variables are the velocity and consequently, the momentum of the object. The controlled
variable in the experiment is the mass of the carts that will be used.
(Source: Title: Verifying the Conservation of Momentum in Inelastic Collision Simulations,
Authors: Arelagado, K., et al.)

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Example 2
Procedure
A. Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers first set up the entire experiment before carrying out measurements,
including all calibrations and necessary adjustments to ensure track balance. Then,
researchers placed a bumper cart on the initial side of the track. They then started
recording with the motion sensor, noting the time for the sensor to start working prior
to runtime. Then, the cart was pushed once to initiate movement. Data was recorded
until after the cart collided and rebounded from the end stop on the terminal side of the
track. The process was done three times at different speeds with the spring bumper
deployed, and three times again without the bumper.
B. Data Analysis Procedure
The data recorded is shown as a velocity-time graph. A specific time interval per trial is
spliced so that only the pertinent part of the recording (when the cart is actually moving
on its own after the push, until after it collides with the wall) remains in the graph. This is
to ensure that no unnecessary data is included in the generation of a trendline and in
the interpretation of data. Finally, a trendline is generated per graph of a descriptor to
compensate for possible remaining anomalous data within the time period of the trial.
(Source: Title: Verifying the Conservation of Momentum in Inelastic Collision Simulations,
Authors: Arelagado, K., et al.)

Example 3
C. Discussion
Based on the data that was gathered, it could be observed that inelastic collisions occur
when the total momentum before and after the collision remains the same. This is
evident during the three trials for the setup that involved collision with the deployed
bumper. In the said setup, the results showed that the measurements of the velocity of
the cart were relatively close to each other, which means that the momentum before the
collision is almost the same as the momentum after the collision. The magnitude for the
velocity of the cart and the mass of the cart remained constant during the first setup;
only the direction of the cart after colliding with the wall changed.

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

(Source: Title: Verifying the Conservation of Momentum in Inelastic Collision Simulations,

Authors: Arelagado, K., et al.)

Explanation
The researchers explored the conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions for this
laboratory report. Based on the different parts of the write-up, the researchers justified why
the trials were important. The alignment of the paper relies on the methodology to report
the findings. The laboratory report contains actual measurements; however, the analysis
confirms the concepts, which aimed to verify that there is conservation before and after the
collision. The examples imply that it is imperative to understand the concepts before
experimentation to report the findings more easily.

Extend

Activity 1
List the differences of the survey report, field report, and laboratory/scientific laboratory
report. Use a triple Venn diagram to show the contrast.

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Guide
Review how the three are different from one another with regard to what kind of
information they convey to readers and audiences.

Activity 2
Justify which method would be the best one to use to collect and present data for your
intended action research.

Guide
Check the concepts of your paper, along with the research aims. They should be
aligned with how you intend to collect your data.

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Evaluate

A. Answer the following questions as accurately and

precisely as you can.

1. What is a survey report?

2. What is a field report?

3. How is the laboratory/scientific technical report presented in terms of format?

4. How is data from field reports presented?

5. What are the different ways to analyze data collected using a survey report?

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B. Carefully think before writing a complete answer for each

question.

1. When should a laboratory/scientific technical report be presented?

2. Why should a researcher be careful when choosing themes for analyzing data in a field
report?

3. What kind of report is more appropriate to use for a study about children doing
household chores?

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4. Why do you think survey reports are more commonly used by researchers compared to
other types of reports?

5. Name two research areas that would use a survey report for data collection.

Wrap Up
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● A survey report collects data from respondents, and it usually reflects opinions
or attitudes about different topics.
● A field report constantly reports observations about certain aspects of human
behavior that can be categorized into themes for data collection.
● A laboratory/scientific technical report aims to report findings to readers
using the IMRaD format.
● The researcher controls the setup of the laboratory in order to get results and
report them to the readers.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

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Unit 10.1: Kinds of Reports

Photo Credit
PT-WP editor survey respondents by Jwild is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.

Bibliography
“Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Writing a Field Report.” Research Guides.
Accessed June 10, 2020. https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/fieldreport.

Roy, Raj. “Survey Research: Definition, Examples and Methods.” QuestionPro. QuestionPro,
August 22, 2017. https://www.questionpro.com/article/survey-research.html.

The Function of Field Reports. Accessed June 10, 2020.

https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/5a.html.

“The Lab Report.” Writing Advice. Accessed June 10, 2020.

https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/lab-report/.

“Writing a Science Lab Report.” Research & Learning Online, February 24, 2020.
https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142615/https://www.monash.edu/rlo/assignm
ent-samples/science/science-writing-a-lab-report.

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