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Research
Interpretation and
Report Writing

Why Thesis ?
Fulfills requirement of getting Degree
Provides an opportunity to explore a topic in
depth
Encourages a rigorous, logical and
systematic approach to problem-solving
Career development

RESEARCH REPORT
Any research report contains:
descriptions on methodology,
results obtained,
and recommendations made.

If a research is not
interpreted,
then it is a waste
Finally if research was not
written up
then did it really occur?

RESEARCH REPORT
A research report is:
a written document or oral presentation based on
a written document that communicates the
purpose,
scope,
objective(s),
hypothesis,
methodology, findings, limitations and finally,
recommendations of a research project to others.
The last stage of a research process.;
It is more than a summary of findings; rather it
is a record of the research process.
The researcher has to convince the client [and
others who may read the report] that the research
findings can be acted on for their own benefit.

REPORT PREPARATION AND

PRESENTATION PROCESS
P ro b le m D e fin itio n ,
R e s e a r c h D e s ig n
a n d M e t h o d o lo g y

P r e -r e p o r t
W r iti n g
A ct iv itie s

I n te r p re ta t io n o f
Re se arc h
fin d in g s

The basic orientation of a research report

depends on its audience. Before writing the
report
the researcher must know his or her audience;
he/she may have to make assumptions about the
composition, background and interests of the
target readers.

D a ta
A n a ly s is

R e p o rt
P re p a ra tio n

R ep o rt
W ri tin g
A ct iv itie s

O ra l
P r e s e n ta tti o n

RESEARCH
F O L L O W -U P

R e a d in g o f th e
R e p o r t b y th e
c l ie n t

Post
R ep o rt
W ri tin g

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Aspects of Interpretation

Interpretation and Report Writing

Drawing Inferences
Report Writing
Interpretation
The task of drawing inferences from the
collected facts after an analytical or
experimental study.
Search for broader meanings of research
findings

The effort to establish continuity in research

through linking the results of a given study with
those of another
Establishment of some explanatory concepts
Interpretation is the device through which the
factors that seem to explain what has been
observed by researcher in the course of study
can be better understood and it also provides a
theoretical conception which can serve as a
guide for further researches.

Why Interpretation?

Technique of Interpretation - Steps

To understand the abstract principle that works

beneath his/her findings
For the establishment of explanatory concepts
that can serve as a guide for future research
studies.
To make understand the real significance of the
research findings and why the findings are what
they are
Interpretation is involved in the transition from
exploratory to experimental research

Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the

relations which he/she has found and he/she must
interpret the lines of relationship in terms of the
underlying process
Extraneous information, if collected during the study
must be considered while interpreting the final results of
research study.
Consultation with someone having insight into the study,
for correct interpretation and for enhancing utility of
research results
The task of interpretation should be accomplished only
after considering all relevant factors affecting the
problem to avoid generalization.

Precautions in interpretation
Research process

Researcher must satisfy himself that data is

appropriate, trustworthy, adequate, reflect good
homogeneity and proper analysis done through
methods
Should be cautious about errors, false generalizations
should not be made
Precautions concerning reliability, validity, computation
should be taken
Should disengage the factors that are initially hidden
to the eye
There should be constant interaction between
theoretical conceptions and empirical observations

Hypothesis

Design

Experiment

Problem
definition

Approach to
problem
Research
design

Field
work /
Lab Expt

Data
Report
preparation preparation
& Analysis
&
Proven
Presentation
Tools

Results

Conclusion

Research report
Title

Testing

Reporting

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

References

Appendix

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Significance of Report Writing

Steps in Writing report

Research has no value unless they are

effectively communicated to others.
Research reports must enter the store of
knowledge.
Writing report is a part and parcel of research
project.
Writing report requires a set of skills different
from doing research
Should be taken up with care and must seek
the assistance and guidance of experts

Logical analysis of Subject matter- subject

development logically and chronologically
Preparation of the final outline frameworks on
which long written works are constructed.
Preparation of rough draft writing procedure
and technical analysis
Rewriting and polishing the rough draft
careful revision
Preparation of final bibliography alphabetical
arrangement of all references
Writing the final draft final draft in a concise
and objective style in simple language

Purpose of Report

Style and composition of the report

It is important to make sure your report fits the

purpose and meets its aims.
Your audience
who is your report for? What are the readers
need and characteristics?
Your aim
what end result do you want-to inform, persuade,
recommend, will it lead to decision, or policies
Your topic and focus
what is the main subject area and which particular
aspect/issue will you cover

Clear , logical and concise

Open , straightforward and dignified
Simple style with short sentences
Writing in third person as far as possible
Figures, charts and tables should be
captioned carefully and concisely
Presented in an organized manner
properly captioned

Principles of Thesis writing

Principles of Thesis Writing - contd

Consistency in objectives, results and

conclusions
Connectivity logically without abrupt and
ragged beginning or ending
Indentation into meaningful chapters and
sections
Continuity of the flow of thoughts and ideas
in each section
Highlighting the major aspects or points
which are significant

Openness regarding limitations and errors

Clarity in communication and not impressing
or confusing the reader
Asserting without support are highly
detrimental to scientific research
Ordering of objectives, results, variables etc
in the same way
Compatibility, confining the results to data
or techniques

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Types of reports

Principles of Thesis Writing - contd

Jargons should be appropriate to the
discipline
Elaboration/Brevity wherever required
Self sufficiency of tables, graphs, figures
and illustrations without further reference
Enrichment by presenting by-products
and related results
Synthesis-analysis-synthesis approach
in cycles

Technical Report whenever a full report

of the study is required whether for record
keeping or public dissemination.
Popular report is used if the research
results have policy implications.

Types of Technical Reports

Dissertations/Thesis submitted for obtaining
research degrees like M.Tech, MBA, M.Phil,
or Ph.D in a university
Reports of research submitted to the
organization sponsoring the research
Publications in the form of research papers in
research journals
Reports of research to a client organization of
contract research or consultancy research

Popular report General outline

Findings and implications

Recommendation of actions
Objectives of study
Methods employed
Results
Technical appendices

Technical Report General outline

Summary of results
Nature of study
Methods employed
Data
Analysis of data and presentation of findings
Conclusions
Bibliography
Technical appendices
Index

Layout of the research report

Preliminary Pages
Main Text
End Matter

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CONTENTS OF RESEARCH REPORT

I.

II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.

Title page
Letter of transmittal
Table of contents
List of tables
List of graphs
List of appendices
List of exhibits
Executive summary
a. Major findings
b. Conclusions
c. Recommendations

IX.

Introduction

a. Type of research design

b. Information needs
c. Data collection from secondary
sources
d. Data collection from primary sources
e. Scaling techniques
f. Questionnaire development and
pretesting
g. Sampling techniques

h. Field work
XII. Data analysis
a. Methodology
b. Plan of data analysis

a. Background to the
problem
b. Statement of the
problem

X.
Approach to the
problem

Preliminary pages

XI. Research design

XIII. Results
XIV. Limitations and caveats
XV. Conclusions and
recommendations

Title
Date
Acknowledgements
Preface / Forward
Table of contents
List of tables and figures

XVI. Appendix
a. Questionnaires

and forms
b. Statistical output
c. Lists

Thesis Title

Main Text

It should be precise.
It should be argumentative.
It should be an indication of the structure of
the thesis.
It should not be an announcement.
It should reflect the key idea (s) of your
project.
Try and use only single sentence for the Title.
It should be specific.

Introduction subject introduction, context,

rationale, summary of research, methodology.
Statement of findings should be in a
summarized form
Results Detailed presentation of findings of the
study with tables, charts and interpretations.
Implication of results statement of inference
applicable in similar circumstances, conditions that
legitimate generalizations and relevant questions
remaining un answered
Summary brief summary of major findings,
conclusions of the research

Abstract or Summaryan example

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Introduction
The introduction tells the reader:
what the topic of the paper is in general terms,
why the topic is important
what to expect in the paper.

Introductions should:
funnel from general ideas to the specific topic of
the paper
justify the research that will be presented later

Introductions are sometimes folded into

literature reviews

Introductionan example

Introductionan example

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Results

Results

End Matter
Appendices

technical
data,
questionnaires, instrument specifications,
sample
information,
mathematical
derivations,
Bibliography sources consulted
Index alphabetical listing of names,
places and topics along with page
numbers

Styles of Reporting

Appropriate language
Layout of a presentation
Use of images/visuals
Editing
Information
Accuracy
Format
Language
Presentation
Evaluate and improve your report

Appropriate language
Precise
Concise
Explain words/terms your reader may not
understand
Abbreviations should be written in full first
with the abbreviation in brackets, after
which the abbreviation can be used
Short sentences

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Layout of a report presentation

Overall image: word processing
Headings: use headings
Numbering: numbering your sections and
makes things clearer

Use of images/visuals
To make something clearer rather than to
pretty things up
When something is difficult to describe in
words or visual in nature
To show how something works

A Flow Chart

A Process Model

Process Model

Editing
Purpose

Have your clarified your purpose?

Have you identified your readers

needs/characteristics?

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Prewriting Considerations

Mechanics of writing a
Research Report

Researcher should put himself in the

position of a reader
Make draft as close as possible to the
finished product
Develop a longer synopsis initially and
then edit to shorten it
Footnotes should be given for important
references

Size and Physical Design Typewritten

on one side in standard (A4) sheet, double
spaced using specified font, Margins one
and a half inch on left with 1 inch on all
other three sides.
Procedure various steps should be
adhered
Layout Keeping in view of objective and
nature of problem

Mechanics of writing a
research report

Mechanics of writing a report

Treatment of quotations - should be placed

in quotation marks and double spaced.
The footnotes for cross references, placed
at the bottom of the page, numbered
consecutively, typed in single space.
Documentation style should be complete
in its documentation giving all the essential
facts of the edition used.

Punctuation and abbreviations

Use of statistics charts and graphs
usually presented in the form of tables,
charts and graphs and pictograms should
be suitable and appropriate
The final draft clear sentences, no
Grammatik errors, convey what is meant,
various points to fit logically

The Use of Data In Reports

Mechanics of writing a report

Tables should support

discussion points

Bibliography Should be prepared and

appended to report

90
80
70

Third quarter performance

peaked dramatically in
the East relative to the
West and North. Overall
brand performance
remained stagnant from
region to region in the
first, second, and fourth
quarters.

60
50

East
West
North

40
30
20

Preparation of Index - Should be

prepared and appended to report

10
0
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

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Bibliography
Name of the Author, Title of the Book/Periodical,
Name of the Publication, Year of Publication,
Place of Publication, Page No.
Krishnaswamy,K.N., (2006) , Management
Research Methodology: Integration of Principles,
Methods and Techniques, Pearson Education ,
New Delhi, Pg 201

References

Book references
Book Chapter:
Last Name, first name. Year. Chapter Name. Pages in the
book in Book Name, edited by first name last name. City of
Publisher: Publisher.
Bianciardi, Roberto. 1997. "Growing Up Italian in New York
City." Pp.179-213 in Adult Narratives of Immigrant Childhoods,
edited byAna Relles. Rose Hill, PA: Narrative Press.
Book:
Last name, first name. Year. Book Name. City of Publisher:
Publisher.
Stryker, Sheldon. 1980. Symbolic Interactionism: A Social
Structural Version. Menlo Park, CA: Benjamin/Cummings.

References

General Social Survey:

Davis, James Allan and Smith, Tom W.: General Social Surveys, 1972-2008.
[machine-readable data file]. Principal Investigator, James A. Davis; Director
and Co-Principal Investigator, Tom W. Smith; Co-Principal Investigator, Peter
V. Marsden, NORC ed. Chicago: National Opinion Research Center,
producer, 2005; Storrs, CT: The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research,
University of Connecticut, distributor. 1 data file (53,043 logical records) and
1 codebook (2,656 pp).
Website:
Last Name (if available), first name. Year (if available). Article or web page
title. Journal or Report Name Volume (if available). Retrieved date
(http://address).
Markowitz, Robin. 1991. Canonizing the Popular. Cultural Studies Central.
Retrieved
October 31, 2001 (http://culturalstudies.net/canon.htm).
Note: Do your best to replicate this style in the case of missing information. If
there is no author, use the title in that position. Always have a retrieved date
and website address.

References

References

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Editing Considerations

Information
Have you included the main points?
Are points supported by evidence?
Is the information relevant to the purpose?

Information
Accuracy
Format
Language
Presentation

Accuracy

Are there any spelling mistakes

Is the grammar/punctuation correct?
Do figures add up?
Are the reference correct, in the text and
at the end?
Are the reference of information listed in
the reference sections?
Are abbreviations consistent?

Language
Is it clear? Direct, easy to read?
Will the readers understand it?
Will its tone help you achieve the
purpose?
Can unnecessary words/phrases be
deleted?
Is there any repetitions?

Format
Is there a balance between sections? Do
the most important items take up the most
space?
Is the report easy to follow?
Is it easy to find information in the report?
Are headings and numbering clear?
Are the arguments followed through?
Is it logical/easy to follow?

Presentation

Is the layout appealing?

Does it highlight important points?
Are images clear?

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Evaluate and improve your report

Look at any assessment criteria to see
how far it meets them
Look at your aim to see if you have met
them
Use feedback

Precautions in Writing reports

Regarding length of reports it should be long
enough to cover the subject but short enough
to maintain interest
Should not be dull, should sustain interest
Abstract terminology and technical jargon
should be avoided.
Charts graphs and statistical tables should be
used appropriately wherever required
Layout should be in accordance with the
problem

Precautions in writing reports

Precautions in writing Reports

Reports should be free from grammatical

mistakes and must be prepared strictly in
accordance with techniques.
Should have a structure and flow a logical
analysis
Should show originality and should solve a
problem
Report should state policy implications

Appendices should be enlisted

Bibliography is a must and should be given
Index is also considered as an essential part of
report
Should be attractive in appearance, neat and
clean whether typed or printed
Calculated confidence level should mentioned with
limitations
Objectives of study, nature of problem, methods
employed and analysis techniques all be clearly
stated in the beginning.

Plagiarism What is it?

Plagiarism What is it?

All knowledge in your head has either been

copied from some place or originally
discovered by you.
Most knowledge was copied.
This is true in most settings.
General
knowledge is copied. Most teachers lectures
are copied knowledge.
Human culture would not exist without our
keen ability to copy!
Humans are natural copiers, but that is not
what is meant by the term plagiarism.

Among other things, plagiarism refers to

taking others work and representing it as if it
were your own.
In academics this is bad because with
plagiarism:
One cannot assess students development
accurately
The person who makes his or her livelihood by
scholarly pursuit is being robbed of credit
It masks the lineage of ideas and facts.

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Avoiding Plagiarism
Document every source for information that is not
general knowledgethis includes facts and ideas.
Cite every time a fact or idea is used unless it is clear
that one citation is referring to a group of facts or
ideas.
If you quote material, put quotation marks around the
quoted stuff and include a page number within the
citation.
It is alright to paraphrase material, but you still have to
cite from where the paraphrased material came.
When in doubt, cite the source. Improper citing is
grounds for failure on the course paper.

Significance and Relevance in

Engineering / Management

Thesis Evaluation Parameters

Research objective/ problem definition / Scope of thesis

Research methodology / Description used
Research results//analysis
Achievement of aims / research objectives
Originality /Value addition
Quality of recommendations & conclusion
Relevance of the Literature used
Structure and technical presentation of the thesis
(Writing style , Grammar, Punctuation ,Spelling ,communicativeness and
Layout requirements )

Assessment of Process
(Independency shown by the student , Pace of work and Response sheet
follow-ups)

Viva Performance and Assessment of handwritten summary of

thesis work

Research Never Stops The Wheel of Research

Aid to Informed decision making

Helps identify problem areas
Aid to forecasting
Helps business budgeting
Tool for efficient production and investment
decision making
Optimal utilization of resources
Basis for innovation
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