We explain what a research report is, the elements that compose it, the characteristics of each one and various examples.
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What is a research report?
A research report is a type of academic or professional document that accounts for the findings and results obtained during a research project of any nature.
Generally, these studies aspire to answer a series of questions or to verify some type of hypothesis in the matter, and it is in the report where this information is developed, explained and systematized, ready for presentation to third parties.
All research reports should be guided by the principles of an expository and argumentative text , offering the reader the information in a leisurely, organized and clear manner. It is based on the principle of objectivity and rigor, since opinions, assumptions or fiction have no place in such reports.
Commonly, these types of texts are composed of:
- An index , which allows the reader to navigate the content of the report and know where everything is.
- An introduction , which offers a general perspective of the subject, the state of things before starting the investigation, the objectives , scope and limitations of the same, that is, its context and motivation, and also clarifies all those terms You need to drive to get into the body of work.
- A methodological framework , in which it is explained what was the procedure put in place to carry out the investigation and why, the instruments, methods and decisions taken regarding the conduct of the same are detailed , always justifying its reasons adequately .
- A theoretical framework , in which the hypotheses or the questions that triggered the investigation and the authors that served to formulate them in an appropriate or pertinent manner are detailed, as well as the antecedents that were illuminating in the formulation of the project.
- A section of results , which details in an orderly and systematic way what the research showed in its different stages, areas or mechanisms, always based on citations, figures, comparative tables, graphs and other conceptual tools that put into perspective what was found .
- Some conclusions , in which the results obtained are analyzed and placed within the relevant material, historical or thematic context, to explain what exactly was found and why it is important, and what it means in light of the full picture .
- A bibliography , where complete reference will be made to all the sources of information consulted (books, magazines, articles, recordings, etc.), providing the necessary information so that others can consult them in turn.
- A section of annexes , where all the supplementary or additional information will go that allows to go further into the subject of the investigation, even if it is not strictly relevant to it. Here you can go cuts, graphs, tables, etc., which may or may not be referred to within the body of the work.
These types of reports are frequent in different areas of human knowledge, from science and technological research, to marketing, administration , sociology , statistics and many others.
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Examples of research report
Here are some useful links to get an idea of the content of a research report, by way of examples:
- Report: “The influence of anime on young people” of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
- Report: “The curriculum before the demands of the new economy” in the Mexican Council of Educational Research (COMIE).
- Report: “Academic activities and performance” in the Easy Classroom.
