In addition to their function of suggesting to the reader the contents of each section,
headingsenhance the formal appearance and professional quality of the report, increase
to some degree the writer' S credibility by reflecting a logical and methodical approach
to the reporting process, and eliminate the need for wordy transitional devices between
sections. Research data should be presented in a way that places proper emphasis on major
aspect of the project. For different readers different aspects will take on different
agrees of importance, and some : consideration should be given to structuring research
reports differently for different audiences. Management, for example,will be most
concerned with the results of a research project, and thus the results section should be
emphasized, probably by presenting it immediately after the problem section and before
the procedures section. Other researchers would be most interested in the procedures
section, and this should be highlighted in writing up research projects for publication
in professional journals or for presentation at professional conferences.
For non-technical readers and federal agencies, the implications of the results might be
the most important consideration,and emphasis should be placed on the discussion of
the report for this readership. For additional clarity and emphasis, major results
should be presented in a visual format -- tables, charts, graphs, diagrams - - - as well
as in a verbal one. Beyond checking the report for clarity and accuracy in the
presentation of technical data,the author of a research report should review for basic
grammatical and mechanical accuracy. Short sentences are preferable to 1ong in the
presentation of complex information. Listings should be used to break up 1ong passages
of prose and to emphasize information. The research writer should try to use the simplest
possible 1 anguage without sacrificing the professional quality of the report. Although
specialized terms can be used, pretentious jargon should be avoided. A finished research
report should be readable and useful document prepared with the reader in mind.
Although we struggle with research reports in high school, dread them in college,
and are often burdened by them in our professional live, 1earning to live comfortably
with them is a relatively easy task. A positive attitude (i. e. one that seem the oral
or written presentation of research results as of equal importance to the data- gathering
process) ; an order1y approach which includes prewriting and a formal research report
structure as the framework for the investigation; and a reasonable approach to the
actual writing process including editing for accuracy and clarity, will help one to
produce effective research reports efficiently.