There are many types of research reports. This module describes two forms: journal reports and technical reports. Journal reports are published in academic periodicals and are generally the form in which you will be expected to write papers for a class. Journal articles are written for other researchers.

Technical reports tend to have a more applied use and permit more variation in their form of presentation. They are designed for people working in a particular area who might have use for the information. A third form covered in less detail here, but important for disseminating (distributing) information, is writing for the public -- a means by which researchers can make their knowledge available to a larger segment of the population.

General points

Set aside plenty of time for writing the report. It can be done in sections. Parts of it can be written even before the data are collected. Do not try to write a journal style report or even a technical report in a single session. There are several aspects that take time:

• the literature review and reference list
• making sure you have all the final research data
• crafting the various sections of the report in the appropriate style

Generate drafts that can be read by colleagues or people knowledgeable in the field who can give you feedback on the content. The manuscript will need careful editing to eliminate redundancy (repetition). Journal space is expensive. Editors will not tolerate unnecessary words and elaboration. Writing a research report is not a particularly creative activity. Creativity is more important in conceptualizing and planning a research study. The writing of formal scientific reports follows strict formatting rules.

Next section: Writing for a scientific journal