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Research Reports

Research Reports. Dr. Lam TECM 5195. Research Report. Can be a journal article Master’s thesis Doctoral dissertation. Follow this main format. Abstract I ntroduction and literature review M ethods R esults and D iscussion (often referred to as IMRaD). Abstract.

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Research Reports

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  1. Research Reports Dr. Lam TECM 5195

  2. Research Report • Can be a journal article • Master’s thesis • Doctoral dissertation

  3. Follow this main format • Abstract • Introduction and literature review • Methods • Results and • Discussion • (often referred to as IMRaD)

  4. Abstract • Short (usually 250 words) summary of the research report—an introductory sentence, a methods sentence, a results sentence, and a discussion sentence. • Can be more than one sentence on each topic.

  5. Abstract Example This experimental study investigates the impact of short-messaging service (SMS)—text messaging—on social connectedness and group attitude in student technical communication projects. It also investigates message types and communication medium preferences. Using a between-subjects design, the experiment compares two student groups: SMS only and non-SMS. The results indicated several statistically significant differences. Compared to students in the non-SMS group, students in the SMS-only group (a) communicated more, (b) felt more connected, and (c) sent more questions, answers, and nonproject-related messages. These results provide empirical evidence for using SMS in team contexts.

  6. Abstract Trouble spots • Verb tense - authors often have difficulty indicating what work has already been done in the field vs. what work has been done in the paper they are writing. • Missing info - Occasionally, the abstract won’t contain all the conclusions that the conclusions section does • Abstracts also sometimes miss important parts—the methodology, etc. • Abstracts are summaries, not book jackets

  7. Introduction • First paragraph provides general information about the topic to show why readers should care (benefits statement) • Literature review • Discusses from general to specific • Cites studies other researchers have completed • Closes with an identification of the “gap”—what is not known yet • (Last two parts are on next slide)

  8. Last pieces of lit review • Research questions and/or hypotheses • List of questions that will addressed or answered in the research study • Will depend on the editorial guidelines of the venue

  9. Literature Review Trouble spots • Purpose: to review what work has already been done. • These sections really need good transitions and clear indications of why something is important. • Editors, focus on organization here.

  10. Methods • Explains how the gap was addressed • Narrative enables readers to understand the approach used to solve the problem (think recipe) • Often written in passive voice (depends on editorial guidelines) • Written in past tense

  11. Methodology Trouble spots • Section functions like a recipe • One problem is that many methodologies don’t explain what was done so that anyone other than an expert can understand. • Most methods sections should be so clear that they are replicable

  12. Results • Simply describes what was found (cut-and-dry presentation of the facts) • Often presented in the order RQs or Hypotheses were presented • Proves the validity of the proposed method(s)

  13. Results Trouble spots • Results sections are usually pretty clean. But when they’re not, they can be really bad. • Remember the hierarchy – most significant findings appear first • Results should be specific, digestible, and connect logically to each other

  14. Discussion • Provides room for interpretation by the researcher • Synthesize what your results mean in relation to the study • The high correlation between X and Y indicate that… • State what your results mean in a broader context • This work provides …these observations suggest • Use downgraders if needed — Results could indicate… might suggest…may point to…

  15. Discussion/Analysis Trouble spots • Sometimes the authors make conclusions that aren’t supported or mentioned throughout the paper. • Authors sometimes fail to “sell” the value of their findings (they’re researchers, not salespeople) • As you edit, a good question to repeat often is“So what?”

  16. Importance of the editor to understand basic methods • Overstating or understating claims is a huge problem • You need to know what the standard reporting procedures are for specific methods • E.g., ANOVA tests should always report F-Value and significance (at the very minimum) • E.g., Content analyses should always report interrater reliability (and not percent agreement) • You are working with a SME, so your expertise will be questioned

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