Page 162 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 12: Research Report Writing

• List of tables, figures Notes

If you have many tables or figures it is helpful to list these also, in a ‘table of contents’ type
of format with page numbers.
• List of abbreviations (optional)

If abbreviations or acronyms are used in the report, these should be stated in full in the text
the first time they are mentioned. If there are many, they should be listed in alphabetical order
as well. The list can be placed before the first chapter of the report.
The table of contents and lists of tables, figures, abbreviations should be prepared last, as only
then can you include the page numbers of all chapters and sub-sections in the table of contents.
Then you can also finalise the numbering of figures and tables and include all abbreviations.

Chapter 1: Introduction
The introduction is a relatively easy part of the report that can best be written after a first draft
of the findings has been made. It should certainly contain some relevant (environmental/
administrative/ economic/ social) background data about the country, the health status of the
population, and health service data which are related to the problem that has been studied.
You may slightly comprise or make additions to the corresponding section in your research
proposal, including additional literature, and use it for your report.

Notes The statement of the problem should follow, again revised from your research
proposal with additional comments and relevant literature collected during the
implementation of the study. It should contain a paragraph on what you hope(d)
to achieve with the results of the study.

Global literature can be reviewed in the introduction to the statement of the problem if you
have selected a problem of global interest. Otherwise, relevant literature from individual
countries may follow as a separate literature review after the statement of the problem. You
can also introduce theoretical concepts or models that you have used in the analysis of your
data in a separate section after the statement of the problem.

Chapter 2: Objectives
The general and specific objectives should be included as stated in the proposal. If necessary,
you can adjust them slightly for style and sequence. However, you should not change their
basic nature. If you have not been able to meet some of the objectives this should be stated
in the methodology section and in the discussion of the findings. The objectives form the
HEART of your study. They determined the methodology you chose and will determine how
you structure the reporting of your findings.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The methodology you followed for the collection of your data should be described in detail.
The methodology section should include a description of:

• the study type;
• major study themes or variables (a more detailed list of variables on which data was
collected may be annexed);

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