Tutorial guide to writing

Research Skills 1 – Writing your progress report

What is a progress report?

It is a short report which describes the research topic, sets out the research statement and research questions, and outlines the stages of the research. Basically, it consists of the first five sections of a full research report.

Headings or sections in the report

Background and introduction Research statement Research questions (not more than 5)

Methodology or Strategy of enquiry Ethical considerations Research plan (usually as an appendix).

The main sections of the report

Let’s look at each section

Introduction or background

This section should be relative short (4-5

sentences) and include:

– Background and history to the research– The purpose or aim of the research– Why it is of interest or is important?– Possible benefits of the research.

It should lead naturally into the research statement.

Research statementThis should be no more than 1 or 2 sentences.

It should be written in a concise way and detail exactly what the research will cover.

It should state what the research is, who it will involve, when it will take place, where it will take place.

A research statement generally begins with: This research project will investigate (examine, look into, explore) ......

Research questions

For an undergraduate research project there should be between 3-5 research questions.

These should follow on from the research statement and state the broad areas of the research topic. In other words – what you’re trying to find out.

They are written in question format, starting with question words and ending with a question mark.

Usually they are quite short and concise.

Checking research questions

IMPORTANT:

If your questions contain the word “you” they are too specific and cannot be research questions.

Methodology or Strategy of enquiry

This section can consist of two paragraphs :

The first paragraph Describes the research (qualitative/quantitative-

primary secondary) . Details how it is to be done (questionnaire, interviews,

focus group, etc.). References your research plan (in the appendix).

Methodology or Strategy of enquiry

Paragraph 2

Describes the type of sampling you have chosen (random, block, structured, convenience, etc.)

Gives the number of participants and breakdown of gender, ethnicity, etc.

For the higher grades, justification for the sample choice is given.

Ethical considerations

Start by reading the handout “A basic guide to research ethics” which was given out in class and is also available on our coursework files.

In this section of the report you should describe the measures that will be taken to ensure your research is ethical.

These measures should include the concepts of informed consent, confidentiality, right to withdraw and the right to see the results. (Generally 3-4 sentences.)

Use of appendices

For this assignment, only one appendix is needed – your research plan. It should fill one side of A4 and have a clear title.

It should also be referenced in your report. e.g. (See Appendix 1)

Your teacher will provide a handout and input on how to produce a research plan or you can check on our coursework file.

When you have finished your report follow the three steps below to get good marks:

1. Use the checklist/grading sheet given to you by the teacher. Check you have covered everything and you are within the word count (the appendix is not included in the count).

2. Follow the steps in the handout “Help with English: drafting your report” which was given to you at the start of the course.

Reports often take three or more drafts to get right. The more drafts you do – the better the report.

A title of your report

Every report should have a title that informs the reader what the document is about and helps to predict its content.

Titles are written in Times New Roman 16pt.

There are no full stops in titles or headings.

A good title or heading should not exceed one line.

Handing in your report

The front page should be the checklist/grading sheet. (Remember to write your names on this and try grading your own report)

Next should be a standard IPC cover page which includes the names and ID’s of your group members. It should also include the word count for the report.

The report with its appendix should follow Previous drafts should follow in order (you will get

marks for these).

End of tutorial

Remember, in Research Skills 1 we:

Use assignments as a practical way to learn about research.

Your teacher will guide you through each step so it’s important you come to class.

Your teacher acts as your mentor, so use him to check ideas, or ways of improving your report.