Page 321 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Unit 14: Report Writing

 Use adverbs and adjectives sparingly. Notes
 Avoid the passive voice, if possible, as it creates vagueness (e.g., 'patients were interviewed'
leaves uncertainty as to who interviewed them) and repeated use makes dull reading.

 Aim to be logical and systematic in your presentation.

!
Caution In report writing, be consistent in the use of tenses (past or present tense).

14.6.2 Layout of the Report

A good physical layout is important, as it will help your report:

i. Make a good initial impression,
ii. Encourage the readers, and
iii. 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:
i. An attractive layout for the title page and a clear table of contents.
ii. Consistency in margins and spacing.
iii. Consistency in headings and subheadings, for example, 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.
iv. 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.
v. Numbering of figures and tables, provision of clear titles for tables, and clear headings for
columns and rows, etc.

vi. Accuracy and consistency in quotations and references.

14.6.3 Precautions in Report Writing

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.

Notes The unit 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

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