Page 311 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Unit 14: Report Writing

i. Creative expressions in the form of superlatives, similes should be avoided. Notes
ii. The report should be concise.
iii. Jargon of any kind should be avoided.
iv. Common words with multiple meaning should be avoided.

v. Language of the report must be simple. For example, sentences like "illumination must be
extinguished when premises are not in use" can be expressed in simple words say "switch
off the lights when you leave".
vi. Avoid using 'I' 'we'. The report should be more impersonal.
vii. Sometimes, the current research uses the data of research conducted in the past. In this case
it is better to use past tense than present tense.
The following are the hindrances for clarity of any research report.
 Ambiguity
 Jargon

 Misspelled words
 Excessive prediction
 Improper punctuation

 Unfamiliar words
 Clerical error
Some of the illustrations that can cause inaccuracy in report writing are given below:
 Addition/subtraction error: Assume that a survey was conducted to ascertain the income
of various strata of population in a city. Suppose, it is found that 15% belong to super rich,
18% belong to rich class, 61% belong to middle class.
By oversight the total is recorded as (15+61+18) which is not equal to hundred. This error
can be corrected easily by the researcher. This type of error leads to confusion because the
reader or decision maker does not know which categories are left out (may be lower
middle class and lower class).
 Confusion between percentage and percentage points: Suppose the report indicates that
raw material cost of a product as a percentage of total cost increased from 8 percentage
points in 2003 to 10 percentage points in 2009. Therefore, the raw material cost has increased
by only 2 percentage points in 6 years. The real increase is 2 percentage points or
25 percent.
 Wrong conclusion: Mr. X annual income has increased from 20,000 to 40,000 in 8 years.
Therefore, the conclusion is, since income has doubled, the purchasing power also has
doubled. This may not be true because due to inflation in 8 years, purchasing power might
come down or money value could get eroded.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. The research report will differ based on the …………of the particular managers using the
report.
2. Accuracy refers to the degree to which information reflects……………..

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