Technical Writing - Chapter 4 Reading & Writing Research Reports Fall 2011

1. Technical Writing - Chapter 4Reading & Writing Research ReportsFall 2011

2. Chapter 4 Overview Argumentation Logic Introducing Research Problems Methods Reporting Results Discussing Trends & Implications Abstract Writing & Reading Reports

3. Argumentation • Every good scientific report presents an argument • This arguments tells us if the topic(s) being presented has been carefully condensed. • Good arguments leaves room for interpretation and future improvement on said topic(s) • Arguments must be sound and must be convincing enough to be considered factual. • Text refers to argument as “case building”

4. Arguments – Cont’d IMRAD is the most common format used by researchers and students • Most common arguments enlists the research as a whole, creating four primary topics • Introduction • Methods • Results • And • Discussion • Also called IMRAD

5. Argumentation “case building” • Introduction and Discussion • Creates a comparison • They both allow the reader to revamp on their own knowledge or upon resources that are readily available. • Both creates credibility allowing the reader to know that you have done your research

6. Activity: • On pages 307 and 330 two reports are present. • Identify if IMRAD format is being used in either or neither. • Answer, why is IMRAD not a good choice if not present in a given report?

7. Introducing Research Problems • The main focus of your report • Introduces new material and gives allotment for previous studies by creating a comparisonthat is easily identifiable by the reader. • A good introduction must be logical and well organized • In introducing research problems reports commonly • “Establish territory” • “Establish a niche” • “Occupy a niche”

8. Activity 2 • On page 98 an introduction is outlined but is not properly organized. • Reorganize the sentence based on your current knowledge or research • Rearrange letter A through F in a logical order. • When done review the report in its entirety on page 705.

9. - Common Moves in Introductions • Review figure 4.3 on pg 99. • Going back to the article on Pfeisteria (307) • The author, • Established territory • Established a niche or need for research • Occupies a niche

10. Methods • Replication is key to making a good argument. • In any research report or article you must include instruction and list any materials used during your research • Never alter any part of the experiment so that it is not reproducible • An experiment that cannot be reproduce can be construed as false accounts and may discredit the entire report or article *Some research may not be in IMRAD format and may not include a methods section

11. Reporting Results Must be an accurate account of your knowledge or current publications. Results must not be “tweaked” in any way, doing such discredits your research. Reporting results and methods go hand and hand.

12. Reporting Results cont’d • Results should be generalized • Report that which is necessary • On pg. 106 compare sentence A and B. • Determine which sentence would be a logical choice for the Results section of a research paper. • Keep in mind that Data is readily available in table and graph form for the reader.

13. Reporting Results Cont’d • Results should have tabled or graphed data when necessary. • The reader should have a reference point while reading the report, and it should also be clear to the reader which set(s) of data you are referencing on the charts, graphs or tables.

14. Abstract • The abstract should be engaging • It is normally the first thing that is read • The abstract is a generalization of the entire report that tells the allows the reader to know if information in the report or article is valid for their field of study or research. • Should Summarize your research.