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This type of document is also called an Extended Research Report, when more details are wanted in one particular area (which is decided by the lecturer).

Universities vary in the format style that they want a Research Report to be written in (e.g., APA, Harvard, and MLA). Each format style allows the reader to access further information about a topic or study. And each format style follows a general pattern of organising information and its critique. Using a format style makes it unlikely for plagarism to occur as each paragraph is cited and placed on a reference/bibliography list …

You can download this extremely helpful research report outline for just $2 right here:

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Format style also helps you to write, as you must cite where you get your information from – you can place information according to the dates of citation, or the research question the cited sources investigated for example. Overall, formatting makes a Research Report easy to write and to read and talk about in comparison to other studies.

What to write in a Research Report is easily done if you follow your format style. Each Report has two main aims:

1. Assess/Evaluate information
2. Communicate findings

• Assess/evaluate information (purpose of introduction and literature review)

: significance and definitions?

: what was done?

: how was it done?

: why done this way?

: what was found?

: develop research question/s for this study?

• Communicate findings and implications

: how the results support/not support hypothesis/s?

: how do findings “fit” with current knowledge?

(refer to literature review)

: can the results be generalised?

: assess/evaluate this study

: future recommendations

Make an Outline of your First Draft by answering each of the above questions using peer-reviewed journals, books, DVDs etc. Simply “cut-and-paste” parts of abstracts of literature reviews/discussions etc onto your word document. By hand you can start paraphrasing (using your own words) the work of others directly to your document. Cite sources as you move through each question. Take note of how those you are citing critically assess/evaluate information in their Research Report. What do they look for? How do they explain things? What can you add to this, if anything? Your aim is not to write new ideas, but to translate/interpret what others have to say. This is critical analysis.

Ultimately, you want to use your Research Report to show that you are comfortable with the systematic testing of concepts and theories (i.e., you are not just listening to “gossip” you are going to the sources and seeing for yourself what concepts and theories best explain a phenomenon). The Report is also to demonstrate your ability to choose the most appropriate test to answer your research question. And your knowledge of the importance of sampling, reliability and validity tests and the use of an analysis package to interpret raw data. Being able to link your results to current literature illustrates the value and implications of your study to others. The Research Report gives meaning to your study.

Further help with writing a Research Report:

* Have a private tutor J www.psitutor.org

* Use your subject’s discussion boards or forum groups

* Form study groups- online IM and chat rooms are great for busy people

* Highlight the assessment/evaluation and communication in the Research Reports of others

* Form a reading group – the Internet is a great resource!

* Purchase the style guide for your course

* Email/knock on your tutor/lecturer’s door – often- to check you are on the right track

DO NOT try to write the entire Report in one sitting. The Report needs to reflect your thoughts about the study, and current knowledge – this cannot be done in 3 short hours!

1)  Write up the Method section first

2)  Write up your Results, and make notes for the Discussion

3) Write up your Literature Review, and make notes for the Discussion

4) Write up the Discussion using notes

5) Write up the Abstract/Executive Summary

6) Check formatting; check References