Summary
Highlights
This lesson focuses on writing survey, scientific, and field reports. Technical reports are academic papers that present and analyze research findings. There are three main types: survey reports, scientific reports, and field reports.
A survey report collects data using questionnaires and presents the findings. Tips for writing survey questions include using simple and direct language, limiting ranking options to 1-5, providing comprehensive and distinct multiple-choice options (3-4 choices), and offering an 'N/A' option for questions that don't apply.
The general structure of a survey report includes a title page, table of contents, executive summary, background and objectives, methodology, results and findings, conclusions and recommendations, and an appendix with the questionnaire. Data is best presented visually through tables, graphs, or charts, followed by a discussion of their meaning.
A scientific report is an academic paper used to report experimental research. It includes a thorough discussion of materials used, methods of experimentation, and results. Key parts are the title, abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and literature cited.
A field report is a written document based on data gathered outside an office or laboratory, describing observations of people, places, or events. Data gathering techniques include note-taking, video and audio recordings, and illustrations. What to document includes physical setting, objects and material culture, language use, events, and body movements.
The parts of a field report include an introduction (background, rationale, purpose), theoretical framework (grounding the study in established theories and concepts), and observations (documented notes, recordings, illustrations).
General guidelines for all technical reports include deciding on the terms of reference and purpose, choosing the appropriate procedure or methodology, finding relevant and appropriate information, structuring the report, drafting the initial report with headings, analyzing findings and drawing conclusions, making practical and logical recommendations, and providing sufficient detail for readers. Finally, draft the executive summary and table of contents, compile a reference list, and revise the draft.