Crafting Effective Research Reports: Structure and Content

The objectives of this research report are twofold: to make findings public and to report on empirical observations, ensuring linearity and absence of noise. The language used must be clear, concise, simple, impersonal, and maintain a detached tone.

Characteristics of a Research Report

Report Structure

1. Title

Maintain neutrality in the title.

2. First Page

• Name of the research center
• End date (month/year)

3. Table of Contents

4. Introduction

State the reasons for the study, define its scope (time and place), and outline the report's chapters. Include acknowledgments in the final lines.

5. Broader Context

Position the research within its specific social context. Tracing the phenomenon's evolution may require historical perspective.

6. Methodology

This section comprises three parts:

1. Justification: Explain the methodological design (e.g., explanatory approach).
2. Design Details: Describe each practice (e.g., samples, questionnaires) – descriptive.
3. Fieldwork Evaluation: Assess the development of fieldwork.

7. Research Results

This is the main body of the report. Results can be presented following these approaches:

• General to Specific: Present findings from broader to more detailed.
• Chronological Timeline: Track the evolution of a phenomenon over time.
• Internal Timeline: Follow the steps taken during typological research.
• Typological Line: Segment different types and establish relationships between them.

Regardless of the chosen approach, maintain a clear argumentative thread.

8. Conclusions

Demonstrate that the proposed objectives have been met. This section should:

• Synthesize existing research.
• Address the stated objectives.
• Highlight the most significant results.
• Establish the research limitations.

9. Recommendations

Based on observed facts, suggest actionable steps or future directions.

10. Bibliography

11. Appendices / Attachments

Illustrative Additions to the Report

These additions serve an illustrative purpose:

• Fragments of Discourse: When practices produce informant discourses, these fragments serve as "eyewitness" accounts of observed reality. They must be clearly identified.
• Tables and Diagrams: Synthesize key fragments of the report.
• Graphics: Visual representations of phenomenon distribution, enhancing readability and comprehension.
• Photographs: Serve an informational, not ornamental, purpose and should be relevant to the report.
• Other Materials: Such as questionnaires, typically included in the appendices.