PRESENTING A RESEARCH REPORT
Title of the report Research Question/Statement
Abstract Brief summary of the content of the report and your arguments. Not included in word count
Introduction /Rationale (500 words) A statement of purpose.
Literature review (750-1000 words) Reading/research that is particularly relevant to the chosen topic.
Research design (Case study) &
methods (500 words)
Findings (1500-2000 words)
Conclusion (500-700 words)
Plus References & Appendices Not included in word count
TOTAL 4,500 WORDS (+/- 10%)
Wallace and Wray (2012: 200-202)
INTRODUCTION
o Briefly explains the purpose of the research
o Refers to any background which is necessary to place the study in its context
o Makes reference to the limitations of the study
LITERATURE REVIEW
o The theoretical perspective or framework for understanding and analysing the topic, with reference to relevant literature
o Explains the context and background of the study
o Only includes books and articles directly relevant to your topic
o May be grouped by themes
o Sets the scene and prepares readers for what is to follow
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
o Gives an account of the methodology and methods, with reference to the most relevant literature
o Explains why particular methods and techniques were employed
o Describes how the problem was investigated
o May give information about the research sample and your reasons for selecting them from the wider population;
o Summarises the data collection process
o May give the timetable for the research process
o Refers to any ethical factors taken into account
FINDINGS
o Outlines the findings (for each research question/theme in turn if appropriate), supported by tables, diagrams and quotations from the informant(s).
o Discusses the findings and any emerging issues, indicating the answers they give to the research question and the implications for the improvement of practice
o Includes reference to the literature on the chosen topic reviewed earlier.
o Acknowledges any deficiencies in the research design which affected the research findings and may suggest different approaches which could be used
o If used, tables, charts, graphs and other figures should illustrate and illuminate the text – if not don’t include
o Text should not duplicate information in tables and charts but highlight significant aspects
CONCLUSIONS
o Summarises the main findings of the report discussed in the section above.
o Only conclusions that can be justifiably drawn from the findings can be made
o Summarises the key points you have made
o Includes self-critical reflection of the limitations of the study, including the extent to which you have achieved your substantive aims;
o Evaluates the extent to which the answers to the research question contribute to answering the central question. (For social studies research usually “fuzzy generalisations: “qualified generalisation carrying the idea of possibility but no certainty” i.e. it may be that ….)
o Maybe looks towards the future… considering what subsequent research and theorising might usefully be focused on?
o Implications for future practice
REFERENCES /BIBLIOGRAPHY
o Harvard Referencing http://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/subject-guides-and-research-support/referencing-and-copyright/referencing/
APPENDICES
o Transcripts of interviews attached but not necessarily typed. Summarises the key points you have made
o Not included in word count
o Numbered
(my essay is a focus of an english secondary classroom, students aged 12 -13 with a focus on how formative assessment has supposrt boys in a yr 8 classroom.)
reading / research
https://www.hanoverresearch.com/media/The-Impact-of-Formative-Assessment-and-Learning-Intentions-on-Student-Achievement.pdf
https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/assessment-and-reporting/formative-assessment
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/centre-for-innovation-in-education/resources/all-resources/formative-assessment.html
https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/foundations-course-design/feedback-and-assessment/formative-assessment-and-feedback
