The document provides information on reporting and evaluating research. It discusses what a research report is, its purpose and types. It explains the typical structure of a research report, including preliminary sections like the title page and abstract, and main body sections covering the introduction, methodology, results, discussion and references. It also discusses evaluating research reports by assessing factors like the research question, methodology, data collection and analysis, results, and overall significance. The document emphasizes that effectively reporting and evaluating agricultural research plays a critical role in addressing challenges, improving sustainability and contributing to growth.
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Topics
What is a Report
What is a Research Report
Purpose of Report Writing
Need of Research Report
Purpose and Need of Good Research Report
Types of Report
Writing Research Proposal
Evaluating a Research Report
References
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What is a Report
• A report is a written document on a particular topic, which conveys
information and ideas and may also make recommendations.
• Report places the research study in the public domain for consideration and
confirmation.
• Inaccurate, incomplete, poorly written, excessively long or structure less
reports fail to achieve their purpose.
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Writing a research report
► A research report is a well crafted
document that outlines the processes,
data, and findings of a systematic
investigation.
► It is an important document that
serves as a first-hand account of the
research process, and it is typically
considered as an objective and
accurate source of information.
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Purpose of Report writing
► The first step in writing any research report is to identify the intended
readers. Because the organization, style, and even the mode of presentation
depend on the target audience.
■ Reports aimed at colleagues and intended for publication in scholarly
and professional journals or for presentation at a convention.
■ Reports aimed at decision makers / management / government and
intended for in-house use only.
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What is a Good Report
► All points should be clear to the intended reader.
► Should be concise with information and arranged logically under various
headings and sub- headings.
► All information should be correct and supported by proper and enough
number of evidences.
► All relevant material should be included in a complete report. For example
data set, maps, appendices, graphs etc.
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Need of research report
► The research work must be communicable to the general public .
► It encourages to take up some problem for further investigation.
► It also suggest some new problems for further studies.
► It will provide a clear picture of research method, sample and techniques.
► A clear explanation of the researchers’ methods provides an opportunity for
readers to completely understand the project.
► An accurate report provides the necessary information for those who wish
to replicate the study. Enough information must be included to enable
reproduction of the study.
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WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
• All types of research reports are expected to follow a general uniform, common
pattern of format, style and structure.
• As Psychologists we tend to adhere to some standards.
• Such standard conventions have been neatly outlined by publication manual of
the American psychological association and have been universally accepted.
• The following format is the typical research format prepared according to the
APAs public manual (1983).
• It is viewed in three major categories:
A. Preliminaries B. Textual Body and C. References.
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Each category outlined as follows
Major Parts Sections ( VIII)
Preliminary Part I. Title page
II. Abstract
Main Body III. Introduction
IV. Methodology
V. Results
VI. Discussion
End Part VII. References
VIII. Appendices
Thus , APA Publication manual divides the format of writing research report
into eight parts
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Preliminary section
I. Title page :
■Title should be concise and indicate the purpose of the study.
■The best length of the title should be 12 to 15 words approximately.
■A study of …., An Investigation of …..Such phrases should be
avoided.
For ex ; “A study of unlearning, spontaneous recovery and
partial reinforcement effects in paired associate and serial
learning” shoud be avoided .
The title should be “ Unlearning spontaneous
recovery and partial reinforcement effects in paired associate
and serial learning.”
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■Authors Name should be centered below the title.
■Next line indicate the name of the institution to which author is
affiliated.
For ex ;
Preliminary section Contd..
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Preliminary section Contd..
II. Abstract:
■The abstract is written on separate sheet
and describes in about 100 t0 150 words.
■Abstract is the summary of the study.
■It includes problem of the study , method ,
research design , results and conclusions as
well as implications.
■References must not be cited in abstract.
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Main Body
III. Introduction:
■ A good introduction has three components:
• The Researcher must give a clear and definitive statement of the
problem. He must indicate why the problem is important in terms of
theory / practice.
• Review of previous literature. He need to study logically the previous
body of literature with the present study.
• Final component is Hypothesis. Every hypothesis is clearly stated so
that it is clear how it would be scientifically tested. Variables properly
defined.
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Main Body Contd..
IV. Methodology:
■ The main purpose of this section is to tell the reader how the research was
conducted.
■ In general the following sub-sections are included in the method section.
a. Subject :
• The population should be clearly specified , such as characteristics
like , age , sex , geographical location , SES , race , institutional
affiliation etc.,
• The researcher should also state that the treatment given to subjects
was in accordance with the ethical standards of APA.
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b. Design:
• The type of RD should also be specified.
• IV and DV should be clerly mentioned and these variabes carefully be
defined .
c. Procedure:
• It describes the actual steps carried out in conducting the research.
• This includes the instruction given to the subjects , how IV was
administered and DV was measured.
Main Body Contd..
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V. Results:
■ This will provide sufficient information about how the conclusion was
reached.
■ The heart of this section is the presentation of data relevant to test the
hypothesis.
■ Results of statistical analysis carried should be provided and the level of
significance for these statistical analysis should also be presented.
Main Body Contd..
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VI. Disusssion:
■ This is the final section of the main body.
■ The major function of this section is to interpret the results of the study
including the hypothesis supported or not supported are discussed.
■ A brief disucussion of the limitations of the present study and proposal
for future research is appropriately discussed here.
■ The researcher finally includes conclusions that reflect whether the
original problem is better resolved as a result of the investigation.
Main Body Contd..
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End Part Contd..
VIII. Appendix:
■ In an Appendix those items of the
information are provided that
would be inappropriate or too long
.
■ Each appendix appears as a new
page with the label ‘Appendix’
along with the identifying letter,
centred.
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TITLE PAGE Title of project, Sub–title, Date, Author, Organization, Logo
BACKGROUND History (if any) behind the project
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Author thanks people and organization. In articles it comes in last.
SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
A condensed version of a report – outlines salient points, emphasizes
main conclusions , recommendations.
LIST OF CONTENTS
List that tells the reader what is in the report and what page number(s) to
find it on.
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES As above, specifically for tables and figures.
LIST OF APPENDICES As above, specifically for appendices.
INTRODUCTION Author sets the scene and states his/ her intentions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
AIMS – general aims of the audit/ project, broad statement of intent.
OBJECTIVES – specific things expected to do/ deliver(e.g. expected outcomes)
Structure of a Report (In the Beginning )
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Include the work of previous researchers and investigating
historical background and development of the proposed research
work.
METHOD &
MATERIALS
Work steps; what was done – how, by whom, when? What
material, tools, software etc is used.
RESULT / FINDINGS
Honest presentation of the findings, whether these were as
expected or not.
Give the facts, including any inconsistencies or difficulties
encountered
Structure of a Report (In the Middle )
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DISCUSSION
Explanation of the results.
CONCLUSIONS
The author links the results/ findings with the points made in
the introduction and strives to reach clear, simply stated and
unbiased conclusions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The author states what specific actions should be taken, by
whom and why.
They must always be linked to the future and should always
be realistic. Don’t make them unless asked to.
REFERENCES
A section of a report, which provides full details of
publications mentioned in the text, or from which extracts
have been quoted.
Structure of a Report (In the End )
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► The word Evaluation has its origin in the latin “valour” meaning “to be
strong”.
Definition :
► The process of evaluation is essentially determining to what extent the
objectives are actually realized – Tyler (1950)
► Evaluation is a process of systematically drawing up on experience as a
measure of making future efforts more effective – Beaglehold (1955)
► Evaluation is the process of determining the extent to which objectives have
been attained in evaluation – Thiede (1964)
EVALUATION
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Purpose of Evaluation
A) To Study the impact or effectiveness of the programme in achieving its objective.
B) To provide the feedback of relevant important information to the agencies
concerned in order to attain higher standards of excellence
EVALUATION
Impact Aspect Feedback Aspect
(To study the effectiveness) (Intended for improvement)
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Types of Evaluation
a) Concurrent Evaluation :
Example - Assessment of the effectiveness of a program implementing sustainable
farming practices in a particular region. The evaluation could be conducted throughout
the duration of the program to provide ongoing feedback to program managers.
b) Periodic Evaluation
Example - Monitoring the growth of crops at regular intervals to detect any pests or
diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
c) Terminal Evaluation
Example – Evaluation of final report of the students of RAWEP programme.
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► Here are some important factors to evaluate:
1. Research question and objectives: Assess the clarity and relevance of the
research question or objective. Is it well-defined and aligned with the broader
research context? Does it address a significant gap in knowledge or provide a
novel perspective?
2. Methodology and design: Evaluate the appropriateness and rigor of the
research methodology and design. Assess whether the methodology
adequately addresses the research question and whether alternative
approaches could have been more suitable.
EVALUATING A RESEARCH REPORT
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3. Data collection and analysis: Examine the methods used to collect and
analyze data. Evaluate the reliability and validity of the data collection
instruments, the procedures followed, and the quality of the data obtained.
4. Results and findings: Evaluate the presentation and interpretation of the
results.
5. Discussion and conclusions: Examine the discussion section and the
conclusions drawn from the findings. Are the implications of the results
adequately discussed? Are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
EVALUATING A RESEARCH REPORT
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6. Citations and references: Check the accuracy and completeness of the
citations and references & in accordance with the appropriate citation style
(e.g., APA, MLA).
7. Overall impact and significance: Consider the overall impact and
significance of the research. Assess its potential to advance knowledge,
influence practice or policy, or contribute to the field in meaningful ways.
► It is important to approach the evaluation process objectively, considering
the strengths, weaknesses and potential areas for improvement in the
research , which help the researcher in conducting and preparing a good
report.
EVALUATING A RESEARCH REPORT
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Conclusion
► Reporting and evaluating research is crucial for the progress of the agricultural
industry in India.
► By systematically documenting research methods, findings, and conclusions,
researchers can disseminate information to stakeholders in a transparent and
systematic manner.
► It enables researchers to validate their findings, ensure that their results are replicable,
and allows for further refinement in the search for solutions to agricultural challenges.
► Evaluating research is also essential to ensure that it fulfills its intended purpose,
meets the expectations of stakeholders, produces meaningful and actionable insights,
and leads to positive and sustainable outcomes.
► Therefore, effective reporting and evaluation of research play a critical role in
addressing challenges in agriculture, improving sustainability and resilience, and
contributing to the overall growth of the Indian economy.
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References
Annan, D. (2019). A simple guide to research writing. May, 1–91.
Admin. (2019). Unit 4 Evaluating Research Reports. Paaa, 1(1), 121–145.
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/41963/1/Unit-4.pdf
Busse, C., & August, E. (2021). How to Write and Publish a Research Paper for a Peer-Reviewed Journal. Journal of
Cancer Education, 36(5), 909–913. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01751-z
Los, U. M. D. E. C. D. E. (n.d.). No Title.
PART ONE : Principles of Test Construction ONE : Principles. (n.d.). 777(vill).
Thomas, D. (2010). Chapter 13 Writing a Research Report Chapter 13 Writing a Research Report: Organisation and
presentation. 5–6. researchgate.net/publication/323184884_Chapter13
Yossa, R. (2021). Writing a Research Report. A Pocket Guide to Scientific Writing in Aquaculture Research,
September, 77–80. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429322648-8
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Submitted to,
Dr. V. Ravinder Naik
Professor,
Department of Agricultural Extension ,
COA,Rajendranagar,Hyderabad.
Submitted by,
G.Santhosh Kumar
M.Sc (Ag) 1st Year
Department of Agricultural Extension
College of Agriculture , Rajendranagar.
