Page 165 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes (2) Layout of the report

A good physical layout is important, as it will help your report :
• make a good initial impression,
• encourage the readers, and

• give them an idea of how the material has been organised so the reader can make a
quick determination of what he will read first.

Particular attention should be paid to make sure there is:
• An attractive layout for the title page and a clear table of contents.
• Consistency in margins and spacing.
• Consistency in headings and subheadings, e.g,.: font size 16 or 18 bold, for headings of
chapters; size 14 bold for headings of major sections; size 12 bold, for headings of sub-
sections, etc.
• Good quality printing and photocopying. Correct drafts carefully with spell check as
well as critical reading for clarity by other team-members, your facilitator and, if possible,
outsiders.

• Numbering of figures and tables, provision of clear titles for tables, and clear headings
for columns and rows, etc.

• Accuracy and consistency in quotations and references.

12.3 Common Weaknesses in Writing

Writing is always a challenging job, which requires courage. Starting is usually most difficult.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, otherwise you will never begin! However, it is good to be
aware of common pitfalls, which you might try to avoid.
An almost universal weakness of beginning report writers is omitting the obvious. Hardly
ever does the description of the country or area contain sufficient data to permit outsiders to
follow the presentation of findings and discussion without problems. On the other hand, some
data (e.g., exact geographical location on the globe) could be left out which are usually in.

Endless description without interpretation is another pitfall. Tables need conclusions, not
detailed presentation of all numbers or percentages in the cells which readers can see for
themselves. The chapter discussion, in particular, needs comparison of data, highlighting of
unexpected results, your own or others’ opinions on problems discovered, weighing of pro’s
and con’s of possible solutions. Yet, too often the discussion is merely a dry summary of
findings.

Neglect of qualitative data is also quite common. Still, quotes of informants as illustration of
your findings and conclusions make your report lively. They also have scientific value in
allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions from the data you present. (Assuming
you are not biased in your presentation!)

Sometimes qualitative data (e.g., open opinion questions) are just coded and counted like
quantitative data, without interpretation, whereas they may be providing interesting illustrations
of reasons for the behaviour of informants or of their attitudes. This is serious maltreatment
of data that needs correction.

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