Informative report

Research Report

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Informative report

An informative report is a factual text, which means it provides information about something. An information report is used as a way to gain a better understanding about a living or non-living subject. An informative report:

• uses facts to explain something

• gives details about a topic

• does not contain personal views

• Is usually written, but can also be presented orally (spoken).

Examples of informative reports

Topics, or subjects, found in informative reports can be about one specific thing or a group of things. Some examples of topics might include:

• cars

• ocean animals

• rainforests

• pollution

• computers

Structure of an informative report

Formal written informative reports usually follow a very specific structure. The first part of an informative report is the title, or heading, of the report. This will tell the reader what topic is covered in the report.

The first introductory paragraph, known as the classification, explains the aspects of the topic that will be covered in the report.

Structure of an informative report

The following information is contained in the body paragraphs. This is where the topic of the report is covered in more detail. These paragraphs use factual information to give the reader a better understanding of the topic. Often, these paragraphs are broken up by sub-headings to help organize the information.

The conclusion of an information report gives any final details or facts about the topic. It may also be used to review what the report was about.

Structure of an informative report

• Visual elements are important because they help the reader to understand the topic better. Visual elements can include drawings, photographs, graphs, maps or diagrams.

• A glossary is often put at the end of an information report. A glossary is a list of technical words used in the report and their definitions.

• The bibliography is a list of resources like books, magazines and websites, which were used to help write the information report.

Creating an informative report

• The first step in preparing an information report is to choose the topic of the report. Then you will need to research the topic. Textbooks, websites, an encyclopedia and other information reports are good places to gather information. You might also want to look for pictures and diagrams to use in your report.

• Once you have the information, you will need to organize it into the structure of an information report. It is also important to make a list of any important words to use in the glossary. Information reports are generally written in the present tense.

• When you have finished writing the report, read it again to make sure that it uses facts, gives details, and does not contain personal views. Always check your text for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Research report

“Research reports are detailed and accurate accounts of the conduct of

disciplined studies accomplished to solve problems or to reveal new knowledge.”

(Busha and Harter, 1988).

How to write a research How to write a research reportreport

Purpose of Psychology ReportsPurpose of Psychology ReportsReports enable you to communicate to others:

What was carried out How it was carried out Why it was carried out What was found What the results actually mean

Reports enable further exploration of ideas.Any psychologists who publishes their research uses the same APA/BPS report format.Dissemination of research findings is the end goal of all research.

Research Report RulesResearch Report Rules

Standardised format (quick finding of details) format guidelines of the American Psychological

Association (APA).

The abstract and conclusions are arguably the most important sections of the report.

The key aim of a report is replication

Research Report StructureResearch Report Structure

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Results

Discussion & Conclusion

References

ParticipantsDesignApparatus/MaterialsProcedure

IntroductionIntroduction

Rationale (including previous research in the area and the current hypotheses).

The introduction should contain: Review of (relevant) background material including

existing theories and key findings. Outline the exact problem to be researched and the

research hypotheses. Outline the expected results – what do you expect to

find once you have conducted the research?

Introduction ‘Tips’Introduction ‘Tips’Start broad and become narrower as you reach your research hypotheses.

Include 3-6 key pieces of previous research or theories.

References from peer-reviewed journals and books are more credible and provide more ‘weight’ to your arguments than Internet-based sources.

MethodMethod

The method should be one of the first sections of the report that is ‘written-up’ immediately after the study has finished.

The method should contain sufficient information for the reader to understand and replicate the study exactly as you did it.

The method is split into the following principle sections: Participants Design Apparatus/Materials Procedure

Introduction to the ResultsIntroduction to the Results

Report the key findings, but does not say why

Clear and concise summary of the data that was collected and the results of any statistical tests.

Each statistical test has its own format for reporting which should be adhered to (more information on reporting statistical tests will be provided during future lectures/seminars).

The results section is one of the most (without justice!) feared sections of the report.

The Results SectionThe Results Section

The results section should start with descriptive (summary) statistics (e.g. Mean, median, range etc.) before reporting any statistical tests.

A summary table of descriptive statistics can be provided – only display information once and in one format (e.g. Written or table, table or chart).

Use graphs where meaningful but ensure axis are consistent, graphs and axis are titled and the graph means something to the overall report.

Report the statistical tests used in the study.

Discussion: Discussion: StructureStructure

ReferencesReferences

Harvard (or APA) style

At the end of the report

Before the appendices

Successful Report Writ ingSuccessful Report Writ ingStart writing early – important details about the study may be forgotten if the write-up is left to the last minute.

Remember – a naive reader should be able to follow your report and replicate your findings.

Read – reading journal articles and past dissertations will help you with structuring your report and understanding the required style.

Reflect – reflect upon the comments you receive on your practical reports and essays – these are provided to help you!