You have been told that research is useful for generating findings that are used for rational
decision making and as a spring board for further research. Therefore the findings and the procedures used to generate such findings must be disseminated to make research serve these purposes.
ii. Acceptance page or approval page
iii. Dedication
iv. Acknowledgement
v. Abstract
vi. Table of content
vii. List of tables
viii. List of figures
ii. Appendix
iii. Index
THE PRELIMINARY PAGES
The first page of the report is the title page, where the table of the project is clearly, briefly and
to the point stated. The title should contain such essential elements as the major variables and the target population. It should be phrased in such a way that it describes what the study is all about. It should not be phrased in an emotionally laden way in order to suggest that a particular point of view is being sold or emphasized to the reader. Look at this title „Gender differences in Mathematics enrolment among NECO candidate in 2008”.
decision making and as a spring board for further research. Therefore the findings and the procedures used to generate such findings must be disseminated to make research serve these purposes.
To do this, the research reports are written for circulation to a wide audience. The final stage of the research report is to communicate to the literate world the findings of the researches activities in the course of conducting the study. The contents of your research report in principle should include the description of the research problem investigated why the problem was investigated, how it was investigated and the method used in the process, what the findings and conclusions of the analysis were.
In order to present a lucid and co-ordinated research, you must have a through grasp of the entire nature of the research process as well as a good command of written English. This unit will help you learn the details of how to write your research project report, and more.
analyzing problems. As a model of science, the research process in its simplified form will be constituted by the following stages of activities:
i. Problem identification and definition
ii. Hypothesis or answer(s) formulation
iii. Research design and data collection
iv. Data analysis and discussion
v. Conclusion and generalization making
In all applied research studies, these basic stages of activities are mechanically followed in the
process of investigating problems peculiar to the various specific areas of life. In writing the research report, the impersonal mode is preferred for communication. Instead of stating that “I did this” or “I did that”, you can say “the study was carried out……, the samples are…….,” the research report will depend on the research philosophy and the culture of the institution, organization or the department in control. NOUN has different schools which have their own house styles. Before you start writing your research report, find out the house style of your own school.
The arrangement of different parts of the report should make it possible for a reader to easily locate any section of particular interest to him. To give you a guideline, a conventional format fro arranging research reports in these/dissertations is given in this section. A particular thesis need not have all the sections therefore; relevant sections would be used in the appropriate order. The format is as follows:
In order to present a lucid and co-ordinated research, you must have a through grasp of the entire nature of the research process as well as a good command of written English. This unit will help you learn the details of how to write your research project report, and more.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:-- List the chapters and sections constituting a research reports
- .Describe the chapters and sections of a research project report
- Explain the differences between research proposal and report.
CHAPTER AND SECTIONS CONSTITUTING A RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT
Speaking technically, the research process is a model of the scientific method of thinking or ofanalyzing problems. As a model of science, the research process in its simplified form will be constituted by the following stages of activities:
i. Problem identification and definition
ii. Hypothesis or answer(s) formulation
iii. Research design and data collection
iv. Data analysis and discussion
v. Conclusion and generalization making
In all applied research studies, these basic stages of activities are mechanically followed in the
process of investigating problems peculiar to the various specific areas of life. In writing the research report, the impersonal mode is preferred for communication. Instead of stating that “I did this” or “I did that”, you can say “the study was carried out……, the samples are…….,” the research report will depend on the research philosophy and the culture of the institution, organization or the department in control. NOUN has different schools which have their own house styles. Before you start writing your research report, find out the house style of your own school.
The arrangement of different parts of the report should make it possible for a reader to easily locate any section of particular interest to him. To give you a guideline, a conventional format fro arranging research reports in these/dissertations is given in this section. A particular thesis need not have all the sections therefore; relevant sections would be used in the appropriate order. The format is as follows:
a. Preliminary pages:
i. Title pageii. Acceptance page or approval page
iii. Dedication
iv. Acknowledgement
v. Abstract
vi. Table of content
vii. List of tables
viii. List of figures
ix. List of appendices
ii. Statement of the problem
iii. Significance of the study
iv. Objectives of the study or purpose of the study
v. Scope of the study
vi. Area of study / context of the study
b. Chapter One- Introduction:
i. Background to the problem or Rationale for the problemii. Statement of the problem
iii. Significance of the study
iv. Objectives of the study or purpose of the study
v. Scope of the study
vi. Area of study / context of the study
vii. Research questions and or hypothesis
viii. Definition of terms (operational definitions)
i. Research design ii. Population
iii. Sampling technique and samples
iv. Instrumentation – development and administration of instruments
viii. Definition of terms (operational definitions)
c. Review of literature:
i. Theoretical and conceptual frame workd. Research Methodology
ii. Review of related researchesi. Research design ii. Population
iii. Sampling technique and samples
iv. Instrumentation – development and administration of instruments
v. Data collection
vi. Data analysis techniques
vii. Limitations
vi. Data analysis techniques
vii. Limitations
e. Results and discussion
i. Presentation and analysis of dataf. Summary and Conclusion
- Summary of results.
- iInterpretation of the findings
- General conclusion
- Implications of the study and / or recommendations.
- Suggestion for further study
g. Supplementary
i. Bibliographyii. Appendix
iii. Index
Let us describe some of these sections
THE PRELIMINARY PAGES
The first page of the report is the title page, where the table of the project is clearly, briefly and
to the point stated. The title should contain such essential elements as the major variables and the target population. It should be phrased in such a way that it describes what the study is all about. It should not be phrased in an emotionally laden way in order to suggest that a particular point of view is being sold or emphasized to the reader. Look at this title „Gender differences in Mathematics enrolment among NECO candidate in 2008”.
You will notice that the title clearly shows the variable is gender and mathematics enrolment while the target population is NECO candidates in 2008. The title page will also show the degree that will be awarded on the successful completion of the research, the awarding institution sometimes the faculty/school, the date of the award, the students name and matriculation number where applicable. In some cases previous qualifications of the student are stated after the students name.
The acceptance page: This is laid out in a way specified by the institution to which the research project report is submitted for a degree. This page may contain the following information: The names, signatures of the departmental head, the dean, the supervisors, the dates, and the name of the students and very importantly an attestation of the originality of the research report. Some institutions also require the name and signature of the external examiner.
The dedication page: This permits emotionally laden words in which tribute is paid to individual or group who are dear to the writer or hose who would be interested in the research findings.
The Acknowledgment Page: This page expresses gratitude to all those who helped you in the research process, that is in conducting the research and preparing the report.
Abstract: This succinctly summarizes the research process by stating the aim of the investigation, the population, samples, and methods of investigation, the measuring instruments used and the findings.
The Table of Content: This lays out in a tabular form, the chapters, headings and sub-headings of the report with the page numbers in which various sections of the report may be located. You have to sequentially arrange and number the content from preliminary to supplementary pages. The List of Tables: This is similar to the table of contents. It shows the page numbers in which the table presented in the report are located. The number and title of each table should be serially listed. Similarly, the list of figures tabulates all figures, their numbers, titles and the pages where they are presented in the report or where they can be located. Again, the list of appendices should also be serially arranged in numerical order.
The background to the problem: This presents reasonable statements to indicate that it is
valuably worthwhile to spend time, energy, to dissipate resources to carry out this investigation in the problem area. You have to present the reasoning to be clear and convincing to the readers. The problem statement: Some of the times, this is stated in interrogative or question statements which define and limit the scope and direction of interest of the researcher in his topic of study. It deals with the nature of the topic or issue of study which needs clarification.
The significance of the study: This shows the utility value of the research. The findings of your research are expected to profit some individuals or institutions, etc. These beneficiaries and the benefit expected to accrue to them ought to be mentioned.
The objectives of the study: This should state the specific aspects of the problem investigated in the research and the reasons for focusing on these aspects. This section should give a brief overview of all the elements that would be investigated. Some of the times this section is interchanged with the purpose of the study.
The scope of the study: This indicates the extent to which the researcher intended to cover the topic, the geographical area, time period and variables to be covered. Some of the times, this section is interchanged with delimitation of the study.
The research questions and / or hypotheses: These are stated in order to guide and direct the researcher in the investigation especially in the area of literature review, collection an analysis of data, discussion etc.
The definition of terms: This section is used to educate and inform the reader on the operational meaning of any coined or technical words, phrases or expression which cannot otherwise be understood because of their unconventional usage. You should not include any terms to which appropriate meaning is attached by conventional usage. The essence of definition is to make sure your readers understand the specific meanings you ascribe to the term in your study.
In this chapter section, you are expected to show what other researchers and writers have done,
said, written, found out in the area of the research topic you are investigating. You are expected to make reviews of theoretical, conceptual and empirical literature. Any literature review should provide guidance on the research hypotheses/questions and problem, the methodology to use for the study and on the anticipated findings of the study. The theoretical and conceptual literature review will provide theoretical and conceptual
The acceptance page: This is laid out in a way specified by the institution to which the research project report is submitted for a degree. This page may contain the following information: The names, signatures of the departmental head, the dean, the supervisors, the dates, and the name of the students and very importantly an attestation of the originality of the research report. Some institutions also require the name and signature of the external examiner.
The dedication page: This permits emotionally laden words in which tribute is paid to individual or group who are dear to the writer or hose who would be interested in the research findings.
The Acknowledgment Page: This page expresses gratitude to all those who helped you in the research process, that is in conducting the research and preparing the report.
Abstract: This succinctly summarizes the research process by stating the aim of the investigation, the population, samples, and methods of investigation, the measuring instruments used and the findings.
The Table of Content: This lays out in a tabular form, the chapters, headings and sub-headings of the report with the page numbers in which various sections of the report may be located. You have to sequentially arrange and number the content from preliminary to supplementary pages. The List of Tables: This is similar to the table of contents. It shows the page numbers in which the table presented in the report are located. The number and title of each table should be serially listed. Similarly, the list of figures tabulates all figures, their numbers, titles and the pages where they are presented in the report or where they can be located. Again, the list of appendices should also be serially arranged in numerical order.
The background to the problem: This presents reasonable statements to indicate that it is
valuably worthwhile to spend time, energy, to dissipate resources to carry out this investigation in the problem area. You have to present the reasoning to be clear and convincing to the readers. The problem statement: Some of the times, this is stated in interrogative or question statements which define and limit the scope and direction of interest of the researcher in his topic of study. It deals with the nature of the topic or issue of study which needs clarification.
The significance of the study: This shows the utility value of the research. The findings of your research are expected to profit some individuals or institutions, etc. These beneficiaries and the benefit expected to accrue to them ought to be mentioned.
The objectives of the study: This should state the specific aspects of the problem investigated in the research and the reasons for focusing on these aspects. This section should give a brief overview of all the elements that would be investigated. Some of the times this section is interchanged with the purpose of the study.
The scope of the study: This indicates the extent to which the researcher intended to cover the topic, the geographical area, time period and variables to be covered. Some of the times, this section is interchanged with delimitation of the study.
The research questions and / or hypotheses: These are stated in order to guide and direct the researcher in the investigation especially in the area of literature review, collection an analysis of data, discussion etc.
The definition of terms: This section is used to educate and inform the reader on the operational meaning of any coined or technical words, phrases or expression which cannot otherwise be understood because of their unconventional usage. You should not include any terms to which appropriate meaning is attached by conventional usage. The essence of definition is to make sure your readers understand the specific meanings you ascribe to the term in your study.
CHAPTER TWO – Literature Review.
In this chapter section, you are expected to show what other researchers and writers have done,
said, written, found out in the area of the research topic you are investigating. You are expected to make reviews of theoretical, conceptual and empirical literature. Any literature review should provide guidance on the research hypotheses/questions and problem, the methodology to use for the study and on the anticipated findings of the study. The theoretical and conceptual literature review will provide theoretical and conceptual
information. In other words it will provide the definitions and meanings of the key concepts and variables in the study and also the theoretical bases for the study while the empirical literature review will provide if possible, a comprehensive account of research findings of other studies related to your own study in order to provide comparative empirical findings upon which to evaluate the new ones to be generated in the study on your hand.
The research design: In this section, you should make a write up to show the extent to which extraneous variables were controlled or eliminated. You should also report any lapses as limitations. The design may or may not fall into the neat categories of research design described earlier. Infact, you can use a combination of design if need be. Effective control of extraneous variables may dictate the use of unlabelled designs. Therefore any plan that you use should be clearly described even if it cannot be classified under a conventional label used in research.
CHAPTER THREE – Methodology
The research design: In this section, you should make a write up to show the extent to which extraneous variables were controlled or eliminated. You should also report any lapses as limitations. The design may or may not fall into the neat categories of research design described earlier. Infact, you can use a combination of design if need be. Effective control of extraneous variables may dictate the use of unlabelled designs. Therefore any plan that you use should be clearly described even if it cannot be classified under a conventional label used in research.
The population: You should make a description of this in order to specify all the necessary
parameters to ensure that all he constituents and characteristics of the target population are not
ambiguous. You should not take the population as the area of study. For instance, an area of
study could be hotel management staff. To enhance the population description, you should
tabulate the constituents elements and their characteristics. For instance, you can take hotel
management staff in Lagos state to be managers, accountants, supervisors, board members etc.
The hotels could be classified as five stars, four stars, three stars etc.
parameters to ensure that all he constituents and characteristics of the target population are not
ambiguous. You should not take the population as the area of study. For instance, an area of
study could be hotel management staff. To enhance the population description, you should
tabulate the constituents elements and their characteristics. For instance, you can take hotel
management staff in Lagos state to be managers, accountants, supervisors, board members etc.
The hotels could be classified as five stars, four stars, three stars etc.
The sampling technique: This should be described in such a way as not a leave your
readers in doubt about what you have actually done in selecting your sample. It is not enough to
say „A simple random sample of 100 respondents was drawn from the population. You have to report the specific manner in which a simple random sample was drawn. For instance, you can report that a table of random numbers was used to select 100 out of 1000 subjects or that pieces of numbered papers were jumbled in a basket and members of the population were picked from it. This is very important.
Instrumentation: In this section, you have to describe the tools used for data collection, such as questionnaire, attitude scales, tests opinionnaire, etc. in order to show their essential characteristics. You should also report the reliability indices and validation procedures. If you have used a standard instrument, you have to report and give reasons why you considered it most appropriate. You also have to show that all necessary conditions for its administration were fulfilled. But if you developed new instrument, you have to outline the procedures followed in the development.
You should not present the detailed substantive content of the instrument in the body of the report. Rather, it may be included in the appendix.
Data Collection: In this section, you should indicate the method(s) through which you
obtained the data. Such details as whether research assistance were used, if yes, whether they were trained, whether you wee present at each location to collect the data or postal system were used, did you obtain permission before collecting data etc, should all be reported. You should also report whether the instruments used for recording went faulty during data collection and steps taken to correct them.
say „A simple random sample of 100 respondents was drawn from the population. You have to report the specific manner in which a simple random sample was drawn. For instance, you can report that a table of random numbers was used to select 100 out of 1000 subjects or that pieces of numbered papers were jumbled in a basket and members of the population were picked from it. This is very important.
Instrumentation: In this section, you have to describe the tools used for data collection, such as questionnaire, attitude scales, tests opinionnaire, etc. in order to show their essential characteristics. You should also report the reliability indices and validation procedures. If you have used a standard instrument, you have to report and give reasons why you considered it most appropriate. You also have to show that all necessary conditions for its administration were fulfilled. But if you developed new instrument, you have to outline the procedures followed in the development.
You should not present the detailed substantive content of the instrument in the body of the report. Rather, it may be included in the appendix.
Data Collection: In this section, you should indicate the method(s) through which you
obtained the data. Such details as whether research assistance were used, if yes, whether they were trained, whether you wee present at each location to collect the data or postal system were used, did you obtain permission before collecting data etc, should all be reported. You should also report whether the instruments used for recording went faulty during data collection and steps taken to correct them.
These details, when reported will help future researchers to be formed. These practical details and problems encountered when reported will serve the additional purpose of confirming that you actually carried out the investigation and experience the realities of research. So, you have to report all the steps you have taken in order to ensure the collection of valid data.
Data Analysis techniques: This section describes the methods you have applied to the data and, if applicable, the reasons for their choice. These reasons for choice should be related to the research design, the nature of the sample and the types of data. If the mode of analysis is not widely known, you have to report it in details. Note that it is better as far as possible to use the simplest, ell known techniques. It is not very necessary to report the formula and details of computation of very popular techniques like chi-square, t-test or ANOVA.
Limitations of the study: In this section, you are expected to state the desirable conditions
which were not met and which are expected to influence the external and /or internal validity of the research study. It may be possible, for instance that an experimental study is inevitably limited in generalizability of the findings to the target population because of restrictive conditions in which the research was conducted. While a non-experimental research may fail to control for all the relevant extraneous variables therefore, it will reduce the internal validity of the research study.
Data Analysis techniques: This section describes the methods you have applied to the data and, if applicable, the reasons for their choice. These reasons for choice should be related to the research design, the nature of the sample and the types of data. If the mode of analysis is not widely known, you have to report it in details. Note that it is better as far as possible to use the simplest, ell known techniques. It is not very necessary to report the formula and details of computation of very popular techniques like chi-square, t-test or ANOVA.
Limitations of the study: In this section, you are expected to state the desirable conditions
which were not met and which are expected to influence the external and /or internal validity of the research study. It may be possible, for instance that an experimental study is inevitably limited in generalizability of the findings to the target population because of restrictive conditions in which the research was conducted. While a non-experimental research may fail to control for all the relevant extraneous variables therefore, it will reduce the internal validity of the research study.
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