Crafting Effective Qualitative and Quantitative Research Reports
1. Selecting Material for Analysis
When preparing a research report, it is crucial to select the appropriate material for analysis. This may involve:
- Highlighting information deemed important or significant for the study.
- Emphasizing theories or interpretations relevant to the analysis.
Summary and Conclusions
The report should conclude with a summary section that presents the main findings of the research. The purpose of this summary is to provide conclusive information that addresses the research problem.
Presentation of the Report
The presentation of a report involves communicating the final results verbally. This can create an opportunity for dialogue and interaction with the researcher. Often, supporting materials are used during the presentation to highlight key research achievements.
Writing and Visualizing the Qualitative Report: Stylistic and Rhetorical Aspects
A. Rhetorical Aspects
The primary rhetorical goals of any report are clarity and precision. The report should accurately communicate all information that the reader expects and might need. The style should be accessible and practical. Consider the following requirements:
- Avoid sophisticated terminology: Many reports are read by individuals without extensive theoretical or practical knowledge of the subject. Therefore, use simple language without specialized terminology to avoid pedantry and ensure understanding.
- Use the present tense: Using the present tense is advisable, as the future or conditional tense can create a sense of vagueness or incompleteness.
- Express uncertainty when appropriate: When presenting inferences or interpretations, especially without direct data backup, use expressions of uncertainty like “Could it be…”, “It seems that…”, or “It is likely that…”. This helps the reader distinguish between descriptive statements and the author’s interpretations.
- Structure the exposition logically: Present a preview of each chapter, explaining what will be discussed, how it will be presented, and the purpose of the discussion.
- Ensure coherence and logical flow: The ideas in the report should be interconnected and integrated into an overall pattern. Maintain a logical thread throughout the report, ensuring order and coherence. Follow an expository structure that moves from the general to the particular, focusing on the study’s objectives.
B. Stylistic Aspects
A written report can also be visual. Incorporate graphic representations to enhance clarity and make the report more engaging. Examples include:
1. Quantitative Representations
- Tables
- Statistical Graphs
2. Qualitative Representations
- Space Maps or Axes: These instruments show the general location of information, organizing content into categories using axes and compartments.