RESEARCH REPORT PREPARATION Chapter - 4 RESEARCH REPORT PREPARATION Dr. BALAMURUGAN MUTHURAMAN 2015-2016

QUESTIONNAIRE A set of predetermined questions for all respondents that serves as a primary research instrument in survey research. Used to collect factual information Consist of a form containing a series of questions 2015-2016

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD QUESTIONNAIRE Should be concerned with specific and relevant topic Should be short Directions and wording should be simple and clear Questions should be objective Uncomfortable questions, presuming questions and Theoretical questions should be avoided Should be presented in a good order Should be attractive, neatly printed and clearly arranged 2015-2016

FUNCTIONS OF QUESTIONNAIRE DESCRIPTION: The questionnaire provides description about age, gender, marital status, occupation, income, political affiliation religious affiliation, etc. MEASUREMENT: Measurement of individual and / or group variables like attitude, opinion, character and habits of persons. 2015-2016

TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRE Based upon the type of respond required, Fixed- response questionnaire. Open- end questionnaire. Based upon the method of administering, Mail questionnaire Face-to-face administered questionnaire 2015-2016

Reliability Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement. Reliable test should yield similar(consistent) results each time it is taken Common method: test- retest reliability FACTORS AFFECTING RELIABILITY: Number of items Variability Condition in which the questionnaire is administered 2015-2016

CONSTRUCTING A QUESTIONNAIRE Deciding type, writing a draft, pretesting, concluding with specific procedures. STEPS: Decide what information should be sought Decide what type of questionnaire should be used Write a first draft of the questionnaire Reconsider and revise the questionnaire Pretest the questionnaire Edit the questionnaire and specify the procedures for its use. 2015-2016

WORDINGS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE Simplicity in language Avoid vagueness Avoid unclear words Avoid embarrassing questions Avoid double negatives Avoid most important questions Presuming questions Hypothetical questions 2015-2016

Begin with simple and general questions ORDER OF THE QUESTIONS Begin with simple and general questions No sensitive and embarrassing questions at beginning Move from general to specific in logical manner Sensitive questions at the end Demographic data should be obtained at the end of self administering questions Kahn & Cannel (1975) Definition: Start with broad questions and gradually narrow down to the specific questions related to the topic. 2015-2016

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH REPORT This is the last step in research process. And requires a set of skills some what different from those called for in respect of the earlier stages of research. The researcher should follow the main principal of writing a report and these principal are:- There should be objectivity, clarity in the presentation of ideas. Report should be written in a brief and objective style in simple language avoiding unclear expressions. 2015-2016

RESEARCH REPORT Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the information more clearly . Calculated confidence limits must be mentioned and the various limitations experienced in conducting research operation may as well be stated. 2015-2016

SIGNIFICANCE OF WRITING RESEARCH REPORT Research report is considered a major component of the research study for the research task remains incomplete till the report has been presented. As a matter of fact even the most brilliant hypothesis highly well designed and conducted research study and the most outstanding generalizations and findings are of little value unless they are effectively communicated to others. It means that the purpose of research is not well served unless the findings are made known to others. 2015-2016

LAYOUT OF REPORT The Preliminary Pages The Main Text The End Matter 2015-2016

THE PRELIMINARY PAGES In its preliminary pages, the report should carry title and date followed by acknowledgement and foreword then. There should be a table of contents followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts if any given in the report . 2015-2016

THE MAIN TEXT The main text of the report should have following parts:- INTRODUCTION:- It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research and an explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS :- A statement of findings and recommendation in non technical language should be there after introduction. 2015-2016

THE MAIN TEXT MAIN REPORT:- The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and sections. CONCLUSION:- At the end of the main text, result of the research should be put clearly and precisely. 2015-2016

THE END MATTER At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data . References , i.e list of books , journals, reports etc, consulted, should also be given in the end. Index should also be given specially in a published research report. It means that the researcher should again put down the results of his research clearly and exactly. In fact, it is the final summing up. 2015-2016

LAST STEP IN WRITING RESEARCH REPORT This constitutes the last step. The final draft should be written in a brief and objective style and in simple language, avoiding unclear expressions such as “it seems”, “there may be” etc. A research report should not be dull but must motivate people and maintain interest and must show originality. It must be remembered that every report should be an attempt to solve some intellectual problem and must contribute to the solution of a problem and must add to the knowledge of both the researcher and the reader. 2015-2016

REFERENCES All those works which the researcher has consulted the first part may contain the names of the books and pamphlets and the second part may contain the names of magazines and newspapers articles generally this part of references is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point of view of reader . 2015-2016