Writing research/lab reports in engineering Writing and Speaking for Engineers - Honors

Title Should be brief, informative, and descriptive of the subject matter. Should contain keywords/variables. Example: “Measurement of Biochemical Oxygen from Different Wastewater Supplies Using a Microbial Fuel Cell Biosensor” Example: “A Research-Oriented Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Design”

Parts of the report Introduction Method or Procedure Results or Experimental Data Conclusions/Implications

Introduction Establishes the subject/topic of the research/experiment Reviews previous research (background) on the topic if appropriate Identifies the objective(s) or goal(s) of the current research project or experiment The introduction answers the question: "Why are we conducting this research/experiment?"

Method / Procedure The method section answers the question: "How did we conduct the research/experiment?" Explain step-by-step how the research was carried out: Describe equipment and materials used. Explain in chronological order the procedure used. Indicate the duration of the experiment. **The test of a well-written method: the reader could replicate the study based on the descriptions provided.

Results / Experimental Data The results section answers the question: "What did we learn?" Describes what was found or observed (data) Uses graphics (tables and figures) in addition to text to fully explain the data Does not interpret the data

Two common PITFALLS when writing the results section: 1. Writers rely too heavily on graphics; text is inadequate 2. Writers interpret the results

Conclusion /Implications This section answers the question: “What do the results mean, and how can they be used?" Interprets the results (data) Points out the significance of the results (applications, for example) Notes the limitations of the study Points to future needed research on the topic