Reporting and thesis writing – Structure and components of
scientific reports - Types of report – Technical reports and thesis –
Significance –Different steps in the preparation – Layout, structure and Language of typical reports – Illustrations and tables - Bibliography, referencing and footnotes - Oral presentation – Planning – Preparation – Practice – Making presentation – Use of visual aids - Importance of effective communication. 4 hours Application of results and ethics - Environmental impacts - Ethical issues - ethical committees - Commercialization – Copy right – royalty - Intellectual property rights and patent law – Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights – Reproduction of published material – Plagiarism - Citation and acknowledgement - Reproducibility and accountability. 3 hours
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 1 University, Bangalore-64 The Process of Research
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Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 2 University, Bangalore-64 Reporting and thesis writing – • After collecting data-----analyze data • Then comes the step of ‘Interpret and report’ • Interpreting is drawing inferences • Reporting is all about the documentation of the entire research process---research process of 5 steps
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 3 University, Bangalore-64 Meaning of Interpretation
• ‘Interpretation’ refers to the task of drawing
inferences from the analysis of the collected data • It looks at the research findings • It does the mapping of ‘findings’ with the ‘research objectives’ • It gives a clear picture of refinement/improvement achieved (by you) compare to your predecessor Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 4 University, Bangalore-64 Why Interpretation? • It is considered a basic component of research process because of the following reasons: 1. The researcher can well understand the abstract principle that works beneath his findings 2. He / She can ascertain the logic end of the research 3. Continuity in research can be maintained (concepts that can serve as a guide for future research studies) 4. The researcher can make others to understand the real significance of his/her research findings Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 5 University, Bangalore-64 5. The interpretations of exploratory research study often results into hypotheses for experimental research 6. Since an exploratory study does not have a hypothesis to start with, the findings of such a study have to be interpreted on a ‘post-factum’ basis 7. Such interpretation is technically described as ‘post factum’ interpretation’.
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 6 University, Bangalore-64 Techniques of interpretation • The task of interpretation is tough job • It requires a great skill and ease (dexterity) on the part of researcher • Interpretation is an art that a researcher learns through practice and experience • Researcher should take the help of the guide to accomplish important job of the research process namely ‘the interpretation’ • The technique of interpretation involves the steps given in the next slide:
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 7 University, Bangalore-64 1. The researcher must take up the interpretation task only after considering all relevant factors affecting the problem…this will avoid false conclusion 2. Researcher should not be in a hurry while interpreting results….may give 2-3 runs of conclusion ( to avoid conflicts and contradictions) 3. The entire interpretation depends on the results(or data)…so must be careful in obtaining the genuine data 4. The line of interpretation should be consistent 5. Extraneous information, if collected during the study must be considered while interpreting the final results Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 8 University, Bangalore-64 Precautions in interpretation • Even if the data collected are correct, genuine and proper, even if the analysis carried out is correct, wrong interpretations might lead to inaccurate and improper conclusions • Therefore the job of interpretation be accomplished systematically, slowly and in an impartial manner • In that direction a researcher must pay attention to the following points to make the interpretation a meaningful exercise: 1. Researcher should be pretty much convinced about the data collected--- appropriate, trustworthy, consistent and adequate to depend on it Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 9 University, Bangalore-64 2. Researcher should be well equipped with and must know the correct use of statistical measures for drawing inferences concerning his/her study 3. Researcher must always bear it in mind that the task of interpretation and analysis are interconnected ( don’t interpret keeping analysis in isolation) 4. Broad generalization should be avoided as the coverage may be restricted to a particular time, area and condition 5. Ideally in the course of a research study, there should be constant interaction between initial hypotheses, empirical observation and theoretical conceptions
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 10 University, Bangalore-64 Significance of report writing • Research task remains incomplete if the report has not been presented and /or written • The purpose of research is not well served unless the findings are made known to others • The most brilliant hypothesis, well designed conducted research study, the most striking generalizations, findings and conclusions are of little value unless they are effectively communicated to others • Research results must invariably enter the general store of knowledge
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 11 University, Bangalore-64 • There are many objectives of research • The purpose of the research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures • The main aim of the research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered yet • Each research study has its own specific purpose • In general research objective is to: 1. Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (exploratory or formulative research studies)
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 12 University, Bangalore-64 2. Portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (Descriptive research study) 3. Determine the frequency with which something occurs or frequency with which it is associated with something else (diagnostic research study) 4. Test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables ( hypothesis –testing research studies) Similarly the motivation for research: 1. Desire to get a research degree ( a PhD degree) 2. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 13 University, Bangalore-64 3. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problem 4. Desire to be of service to society • For all the above said reasons, writing research report becomes significant (it is tedious and time consuming….a minimum of 6 months)
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 14 University, Bangalore-64 Different steps in writing report • Research reports are the product of slow, painstaking, accurate inductive work • The usual steps are: a) Logical analysis of the subject-matter b) Preparation of the final outline c) Preparation of the draft d) Rewriting and fine tuning e) Preparation of the final draft
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 15 University, Bangalore-64 Logical analysis of the subject-matter • It is the first step which is primarily concerned with the development of a subject • There are 2 ways in which a subject is developed----i) Logically and ii) Chronologically • The logical development is made on the basis of analysis • Logical treatment often consists in developing the material from the simple possible to the most complex structures • Chronological development is based on a connection or sequence in time or occurrence Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 16 University, Bangalore-64 Preparation of the final outline • Outline is the framework (skeleton) upon which the report is built • The structure (body) of the works is then constructed • The outlines are an aid to the logical organization of the material and a reminder of the points to be emphasized in the report
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 17 University, Bangalore-64 Preparation of the draft • After completing the research investigation ( after successfully completing all the 6-7 research processes), researcher will sit down and edit his work • The researcher has to make the research document in a systematic way • He has to follow certain guide lines while preparing the document • Initially he makes a rough document (draft)
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 18 University, Bangalore-64 Rewriting and fine tuning….. • It is a formal writing part of the thesis • This is the most difficult and important part of the thesis preparation • The draft is a rough copy of the thesis • This has to be fine tuned and improved by many aspects like: 1. Organization of the report 2. Figures, equations and their numbers 3. References at the appropriate places and the chronological order 4. The volume of the report etc, Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 19 University, Bangalore-64 Layout of the research report • Research report must convey complete information about the research • Information should also be relevant to the investigation carried out • The layout of the report must comprise: i) Preliminary pages ii) The main text and iii) The end matter
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 20 University, Bangalore-64 Preliminary pages • Covering page comprising of ‘title’, name of the investigator, name of the guide and the name of the University to which the thesis is submitted for the award of degree • It should carry a certificate …. • Acknowledgement in the form of ‘Preface’ or ‘foreword’ • An abstract (an abridged version of the report) • Table of contents with the page numbers • List of tables, figures • List of acronyms used etc Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 21 University, Bangalore-64 Main text • Each main section ( chapter) of the report should begin on a new page • The main text of the report should have the following sections: 1. Introduction 2. Literature survey 3. The details of the methodology(ies) used for the investigation 4. The results 5. Analysis and the conclusions drawn
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 22 University, Bangalore-64 End matter • List of all the references in the chronological and IEEE format • Appendices if any • Index
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 23 University, Bangalore-64 Types of reports • Basically there are 2 types of reports------i) Technical report (ii) A popular report • A technical report is used whenever a full written report of the study is required whether for record keeping or for public dissemination • A popular report is used if the research results have policy implications
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 24 University, Bangalore-64 Technical report • The main emphasis in the technical report is: i) The methods employed to reach the objectives of the research study ii) Hypotheses/protocols/algorithms developed to drive home the objectives iii) The detailed presentation of the findings including their limitations and supporting data
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 25 University, Bangalore-64 A general outline: 1. Nature of the study: description of the general objectives of study, formulation of the problem in operational terms, the working hypotheses, the data collection and the type of analysis carried out 2. Methods employed: Specific methods used in the study and their limitations, if it is an experimental study one has to give all the details of the set up, if it is a simulation study, one should give the simulation environment details etc 3. Data: Details of the primary data collected ( source, limitation and characteristic), if secondary data are used, their suitability to the investigation be fully justified Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 26 University, Bangalore-64 4.Analysis of data and presentation of findings: The data has to be churned and analyzed properly, outcome of the analysis has to be properly interpreted (increase, decrease %s,) using tables and charts, This becomes the heart of the findings and it consumes bulk of the report writing 5. Summary of results: A brief review of the main findings in 2-3 pages 6. Conclusions: A detailed summary ( starting from the problem formulation to result interpretation) of the research investigation and the policy implication drawn from the results to be explained
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 27 University, Bangalore-64 7. Bibliography / References: see next slides… 8.Technical appendices: Appendices be given for all technical matters relating to questionnaire, mathematical derivations, theory, procedures etc 9. Index: Index must be prepared and be given invariably at the end of the report, this will have lot of advantages for a reader to go through the report quickly
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 28 University, Bangalore-64 Reference v/s Bibliography • A reference list includes the details of all the resources you have quoted or paraphrased in your assignment. A bibliography includes details of all the resources you used to produce your assignment (record), including those you did not quote or paraphrase. • In APA Style, however, each reference cited in-text must appear in the reference list, and each entry in the reference list must be cited in-text.
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 29 University, Bangalore-64 Reference v/s bibliography • A bibliography includes details of all the resources you used to produce your assignment, including those you did not quote or paraphrase. • In APA Style, however, each reference cited in-text must appear in the reference list, and each entry in the reference list must be cited in-text.
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 30 University, Bangalore-64 APA STYLE… • APA (American Psychological Association) style is most frequently used within the social sciences, in order to cite various sources. • This APA Citation Guide, revised according to the 6th edition of the APA manual, provides the general format for in-text citations and the reference page. • For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed.). • Select from one of the source types below to start creating the perfect citation in APA format. • We also have a powerful automatic APA citation generator. • To begin just check out our APA citation generator.
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 31 University, Bangalore-64 IEEE format for references
• Go to pdf file…….IEEE_ReferenceExamples.pdf
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 32 University, Bangalore-64 Popular report • The popular report is one which gives a emphasis on simplicity and attractiveness • The simplification should be sought through clear writing • There should be minimum technical details such as mathematical derivations and explanations • There should be minimum use of tables, charts and other illustrative diagrams • Attractive layout, large print with many subheadings are some features of this type of report • Occasional cartoons could also be seen in between • The main emphasis is given on practical aspects and policy implications
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 33 University, Bangalore-64 Mechanics of writing a research report • There are very definite and set rules which should be followed in the actual preparations • The following points to be followed while preparing the report: 1. Size and physical design 2. Layout ( organization/composition) 3. Punctuation and abbreviation 4. Use of statistics, charts and graphs 5. Documentation style (line spacing, font style etc.) 6. References 7. REVA University will furnish all these details and you have to adhere to them strictly Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 34 University, Bangalore-64 Precautions for report writing • Research report is a medium (channel) of communicating the research findings to the readers of the report • A good research report is one which does this task efficiently and effectively • So the report must be prepared keeping the following precautions in view: 1. Length of the report…Long enough to cover the subject and details but short enough to maintain the interest
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 35 University, Bangalore-64 2. The report should be able to convey the matter as simply as possible-----this means that the report should be written in an objective style in simple language, avoiding words and phrases which are ambiguous (avoid abstract terminology) 3. Interpretation of the results through tables and charts enhances the clarity of the findings 4.The organization of the report in terms of chapters should be meticulous 5.The report should be free from grammatical mistakes and must be prepared with proper punctuation 6. Report should have logical end ( 2 journal papers, end the thesis abruptly and submit the thesis) Advanced research methodology, REVA 15/10/2016 36 University, Bangalore-64 • Should not use the same word/phrase again and again • Report should be attractive in appearance, neat and clean----figures should be legible and equations should have the correct symbols • It should contribute to the solution of a problem and must add to the knowledge repository (store) • It should contain the articles published out of the investigation carried out • At the end report should indicate some direction for the extension of the investigation by other researchers ( scope for future extension)
Advanced research methodology, REVA
15/10/2016 37 University, Bangalore-64 • One should always keep in mind the fact that the report writing is an art which is learnt by practice and experience
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