introduction to research methods and report writing pdf

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Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 27, 2023.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your topic and get the reader interested
• Provide background or summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Detail your specific research problem and problem statement
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

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Table of contents

Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

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This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

• What research gap is your work intended to fill?
• What limitations in previous work does it address?
• What contribution to knowledge does it make?

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

• This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
• We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

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The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

• This paper will first discuss several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then will go on to …
• This paper first discusses several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then goes on to …

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

• Argumentative paper
• Empirical paper

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

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A GUIDE TO RESEARCH WRITING

2019, Stevejobs.education

Very often, little attention is paid to how students have to prepare and understand the processes of conducting research and mostly young scholars struggle in the early stages in the university career about what is required of them and how to present their proposal to their supervisors. Keeping this in mind, the purpose of this guidebook is to offer a critical and practical mind map introduction to research writing to assist researchers in creating an appropriate design for their research studies and to offer the simplest guide of creating a logical orientated research. The book is made using simple graphs to explain what is expected of researchers at each stage of their research writing to enable them to understand if any a missing link when conducting their research. The book is mostly content mind-map and figures to make it easier for the researcher to understand what is expected of them from the stages of their research to completion. It presents the basic tenets of methodological steps so that the researcher can become familiar with how to conduct research and what techniques to use in their choice for research writing.

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book is compiled to simplify the requirement to academic writing both in the undergraduate and postgraduate level of academic terrain (field). Academic writing require students to work together and bring various output of diversified researches to achieve the required and needful writing which is globally accepted. As fore-thought, this book is primarily an asset for non-English speaking academia who just resume undergraduate or postgraduate studying. It is very essential because it helps develop the intuitive arts of substantial writing skills. Each chapter of this book handles specific stages of academic writing in a simplified understandable form and readable for students or academia as they undergo researches, findings. It also build their will for quality academic interfaces and exchange of ideas within the circle of qualitative discussion. This book is intended to enhance academia writing qualities and also improve the value of academic writing. Academic writing? This question is a lead to this book achievement. It basically the writing for your university courses. Academic writing comes in different forms: the essay, paper, research paper, term paper, argumentative paper, analysis paper, informative essay, position paper, but all of these gives the same end result. I wish to appreciate heartily the various reference materials made available online and various author materials with journals used in achieving this academic manual.

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Introduction to Research Methods and Report Writing

A Practical Guide for Students and Researchers in Social Sciences and the Humanities

by Elia Shabani Mligo

Imprint: Resource Publications

172 Pages , 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.34 in

• 9781498278508
• Published: April 2016

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• Description
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Elia Shabani Mligo (PhD, University of Oslo, Norway) is Senior Lecturer in Research, Philosophy, and Religious Studies at Tumaini University Makumira, Mbeya Center in Tanzania. He is the author of many books and articles on contextual theology and research. Some of his books include Jesus and the Stigmatized (2011), Writing Academic Papers (2012), Doing Effective Fieldwork (2013), Elements of African Traditional Religion (2013), Symbolic Interactionism in the Gospel According to John (2014), and He Descended into Hell (2015).

"Elia Shabani Mligo's Introduction to Research Methods and Report Writing is an informative and a critical step­by­step guide for students and researchers across the social sciences and humanities. Both experienced researchers and beginners will find this book a useful tool for understanding the basics of scientific research planning, execution, and reporting." --Cornelius Simba, Senior Lecturer and Director of Library Services, University of Iringa "This practical guide to research is an easily accessible book written after the author's long experience in teaching and supervising research projects for degree and nondegree students. Well-presented, well-documented, and well-argued, this book is commendable and will greatly serve as a guide and quick reference for any researcher and supervisor of research." --Benedict L. K. Mwaibasa, Teofilo Kisanji University, Mbeya, Tanzania "This introduction to research methods is extremely valuable and surprisingly thorough, although generally kept in an accessible form and language. I will definitely recommend this book to students in the humanities and social sciences." --Marius Timmann Mjaaland, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Academic Director of PluRel: Interdisciplinary Studies of Religion in Pluralist Societies, University of Oslo

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Report Writing - UGC NET PDF Download

Introduction to Report Writing

Report writing stands as a critical skill in diverse professional and academic environments, acting as a tool to convey information, findings, or recommendations to a specific audience. Reports are essential in business, research, or government sectors, offering a structured approach to present data, analyze situations, and communicate insights. The main aim of a report is to inform, persuade, or propose actions based on evidence and analysis. A well-crafted report typically comprises an introduction, methodology, findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. The introduction initiates the report, outlining its purpose, scope, and the context of the information presented, guiding readers through the content and preparing them for the details that follow.

Importance of Report Writing in UGC-NET Commerce Examination

Report writing holds significant weight for those preparing for the UGC-NET Commerce Examination. Mastering report writing is crucial for excelling in this academic assessment.

Topics Covered in this Article

• Report Writing : Understand the fundamentals of writing reports effectively.
• Report Writing Format : Learn about the structure and layout required for a well-organized report.
• Report Writing Examples : Explore practical instances to grasp the application of report writing.

Further Reading: Types of Research

Dive deeper into the various types of research methodologies to broaden your understanding of research practices.

Report Writing

Report writing is aimed at presenting essential information in an organized, coherent, and structured manner to inform, explain, analyze, advise, and engage the audience effectively. A well-crafted report achieves its intended purpose by delivering facts and findings in a clear, objective, and concise style.

Report Writing Format

The structure for report writing is outlined below.

Also, explore different Types of Research Design.

Essential Elements of a Report

• Title Page: Includes the title, author's name, date, and any other necessary details.
• Table of Contents: Lists the sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.
• Abstract or Executive Summary: Provides a brief overview of the report's key points.
• Introduction: Sets the context, purpose, and scope of the report.
• Methodology: Describes the methods used to gather data and conduct analysis.
• Findings: Presents the main results and outcomes of the research.
• Discussion: Analyzes and interprets the findings in relation to the research question.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and offers recommendations or insights.
• References: Lists all sources cited in the report.
• Appendices: Includes supplementary information such as raw data, charts, or additional resources.

Report Writing Guidelines

• Clarity and Conciseness: Use clear and straightforward language to convey information effectively.
• Structure and Organization: Follow a logical sequence of sections to enhance readability.
• Audience Consideration: Tailor the report to suit the needs and expectations of the intended audience.
• Data Presentation: Utilize tables, graphs, and visuals to support and enhance the presentation of data.

Structure of a Comprehensive Report

Executive summary.

• Introduction

Tables and Figures

Recommendations.

The title page should include essential information such as the report title, author's name, date of submission, and potentially the firm name for context. It's crucial that the title clearly conveys the report's subject and purpose.

The executive summary provides a concise overview of the entire report, highlighting key findings and recommendations. It should be able to stand alone and is typically written last to ensure it accurately reflects the report's content.

In the introduction, the report sets the groundwork by explaining the purpose, objectives, and scope. It defines important terms, summarizes the goals, and outlines the structure of the report for the reader.

The body of the report is where detailed information, facts, and analysis are presented to support the report's objectives. Data is logically organized into sections with clear subheadings for better comprehension.

Visual elements such as charts, graphs, images, and tables are used in this section to enhance the presentation of critical data and trends, making complex information easier to grasp.

The conclusion summarizes the key points discussed in the body of the report and restates the most important recommendations or insights.

This section provides actionable and logical advice based on the findings and conclusions of the report. Recommendations are prioritized to guide the reader on what actions to consider.

In the references section, sources of data are cited using a consistent format. This enhances the credibility and clarity of the report by acknowledging the sources of information.

Additional materials that support the main content of the report are included in the appendices. These are labeled sequentially as Appendix A, B, C, etc., to provide supplementary information without disrupting the flow of the main text.

Report Writing Examples

The report writing examples have been stated below.

• Title: Effect of Sucrose Concentration on Plant Growth
• Abstract: Drafts the experiment, key results that higher sucrose alert promoted greater plant growth and results.
• Intro: Describes the extent of sucrose for plant growth and defines the goals of the study.
• Methods: Details of plant materials, sucrose keys, practical design, sizes, and statistical analysis.
• Results: Presents graphs and tables showing the effect of each sucrose alert on plant height, leaf number, and chlorophyll content.
• Discussion: Solves results and situated within the context of prior studies. Specifies sources of error and limits.
• Conclusion: Recaps key finding that higher sucrose alert evoked all aspects of plant growth in a concentration-dependent way.

Characteristics of Research Design

Research design is a crucial aspect of any study, defining its structure and methodology. Here are key points regarding the characteristics of research design:

• Clarity of Purpose: The research design should have a clear and well-defined purpose, outlining the objectives and goals of the study.
• Structured Approach: It should follow a structured approach, detailing the methods and procedures to be followed in conducting the research.
• Data Collection Methods: The design should specify the methods of data collection to be used, whether through surveys, experiments, observations, or other means.
• Sampling Strategy: It should include a sampling strategy that outlines how participants or data points will be selected to ensure representativeness and reliability.
• Ethical Considerations: Research design should address ethical considerations, ensuring that the study is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, considering the well-being of participants.
• Analysis Plan: It should include an analysis plan detailing how the collected data will be analyzed to draw conclusions and make inferences.
• Validity and Reliability: The research design should aim to ensure the validity and reliability of the study results through appropriate measures and controls.
• Flexibility: It should allow for flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the research environment while maintaining the integrity of the study.

How to Write Report Writing?

The process of creating a report involves several key steps. Below are detailed guidelines on how to approach report writing:

1. Understanding the Purpose

• Before starting, it is crucial to grasp the purpose of the report.

2. Research and Data Collection

• Conduct thorough research and gather relevant data from credible sources.
• Organize the information systematically for clarity and coherence.

3. Structuring the Report

• Begin with an introduction that provides an overview of the topic and the scope of the report.
• Divide the main body into sections with appropriate headings.
• Use bullet points to highlight key information within each section.
• Ensure a logical flow of ideas and information throughout the report.

4. Writing and Formatting

• Write in a clear, concise, and formal style, avoiding jargon or overly complex language.
• Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling throughout the report.
• Format the report with a readable font and appropriate headings.
• Include tables, graphs, or visuals where necessary to support your points.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

• Summarize the key findings and insights from the report.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on the analysis conducted.

By following these steps, you can effectively write a comprehensive and well-structured report.

• Understanding the Purpose
• Clarify the purpose of the report: Determine if you are informing, analyzing, persuading, or recommending actions. This clarity shapes your report's content and structure.
• Identifying the Audience
• Consider your audience: Tailor your language, tone, and level of detail to match their knowledge and expectations.
• Planning and Outlining
• Creating an Outline
• Clearly state the report's purpose: Include background information, context, and specify the study's scope and limitations.
• Methodology
• Describing Methods: Explain the research methods, data collection techniques, or experiments used. Justify your method choices and address any limitations.
• Presenting Raw Data: Use clear headings and subheadings to organize data. Utilize visuals like charts, graphs, or tables for clarity.
• Interpreting Data: Explain the significance of findings and their relevance to the report's purpose. Discuss any data patterns, trends, or anomalies.

Conclusions

• Summarizing Key Points: Reinforce main findings and their implications. Avoid introducing new information at this stage.
• Providing Actionable Suggestions: Clearly explain why your recommendations are suitable. Evaluate their feasibility and potential impact.
• Writing a Brief Overview: Summarize key findings and recommendations concisely. This section offers a snapshot of the entire report and is often read first.

Editing and Proofreading

Feedback and revisions.

• Create an outline before you start writing. Organize your thoughts and structure the report logically with sections such as introduction, methodology, findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Clearly state the purpose of the report in the introduction.
• Provide background information and context.
• Outline the scope and limitations of your study.
• Describe the methods used to gather information.
• Explain why these methods were chosen and any limitations.
• Present the raw data or information gathered.
• Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your findings.
• Include visuals such as charts, graphs, or tables for clarity.

Analysis Report Structure

• Interpret the findings and explain their significance.
• Relate your findings to the report's purpose.
• Discuss any patterns, trends, or anomalies in the data.
• Summarize the main points.
• Reinforce the key findings and their implications.
• Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on your analysis.
• Clearly explain why these recommendations are appropriate.
• Consider the feasibility and potential impact of each recommendation.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on the analysis.
• Explain why these recommendations are suitable.
• Assess the feasibility and potential impact of each recommendation.

Compose a brief overview of the report, highlighting key discoveries and suggested actions. This section serves as an initial glimpse into the entire report.

• Cite all sources utilized in the report.
• Adhere to a consistent citation style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
• Include supplementary materials supporting the report like raw data or detailed charts.
• Reference these materials in the main body of the report.

Thoroughly review the report for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that the writing is succinct and free of unnecessary jargon.

Reviewing Reports

Clarity, coherence, and grammar.

• Review your report for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
• Ensure that your writing is concise and free of unnecessary jargon.

Formatting Guidelines

• Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your institution or organization.
• Pay attention to font, spacing, and margin requirements.
• Seek feedback from colleagues, peers, or mentors.
• Revise your report based on constructive feedback.

Report Writing on Road Accidents

The report writing on road accidents has been stated below.

Title: Accident Report - Highway 89 Collision

• Executive Summary: Provides a brief overview of a two-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 89 on June 15 at 8:30 am, injuring three people.
• Introduction: States the goal of the report is to document the accident for insurance and legal purposes. It includes the location and date of the accident.
• Vehicle 1: A blue 2019 Honda Civic driven by John Smith.
• Vehicle 2: A red 2015 Toyota Corolla driven by Jane Doe.
• At 8:30 am on June 15, John was driving southbound on Highway 89 while Jane was headed northbound. Jane attempted to turn left in front of John's vehicle, leading to a collision.
• Three individuals were injured in the accident: John, Jane, and Jane's passenger.
• Police and ambulances arrived at the scene, and all injured parties were transported to the hospital.
• Both vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.
• Conclusions: The accident was primarily caused by Jane's failure to yield the right of way when making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic.
• John should initiate an insurance claim to cover vehicle damage and medical expenses.
• Legal action against Jane for compensation is advised.

Research Designs

• Experimental Design
• Observational Design
• Correlational Design
• Descriptive Design
• Randomization
• Ensures Validity
• Facilitates Replication
• Aids in Drawing Conclusions
• Helps in Controlling Extraneous Variables

Report writing is an effective way of communicating information in a structured manner to inform, clarify, guide, and potentially persuade the intended audience. Using a standardized report format ensures that essential facts, findings, and recommendations are presented cohesively. Reports typically include sections that provide context, factual information, analysis, findings, and recommendations that logically support any conclusions. Objectivity, accuracy, and conciseness are key characteristics of good report writing.

The Testbook App offers comprehensive study materials for exams like UGC-NET, including notes, FAQs, and related topics, providing a one-stop solution for exam preparation.

Read about the Features of Research.

Sources of Finances

Scope of finance, compensation management, conventional techniques, strategic marketing planning.

• Succession Planning
• Human Resource Management
• Job Evaluation
• Delegation of Authoritydelegation-of-authority
• Span of Control
• Sources of finances refer to the various means through which organizations acquire funds for their operations and investments. These can include sources like equity, debt, retained earnings, and grants.
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Linguistic Features Distinguishing Students’ Writing Ability Aligned with CEFR Levels

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Hong Ma, Jinglei Wang, Lianzhen He, Linguistic Features Distinguishing Students’ Writing Ability Aligned with CEFR Levels, Applied Linguistics , Volume 45, Issue 4, August 2024, Pages 637–657, https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amad054

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A substantive body of research has been revolving around the linguistic features that distinguish different levels of students’ writing samples (e.g. Crossley and McNamara 2012 ; McNamara et al . 2015 ; Lu 2017 ). Nevertheless, it is somewhat difficult to generalize the findings across various empirical studies, given that different criteria were adopted to measure language learners’ proficiency levels ( Chen and Baker 2016 ). Some researchers suggested using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) ( Council of Europe 2001 ) as the common standard of evaluating and describing students’ proficiency levels. Therefore, the current research intends to identify the linguistic features that distinguish students’ writing samples across CEFR levels by adopting a machine-learning method, decision tree, which provides the direct visualization of decisions made in each step of the classification procedure. The linguistic features that emerged as predicative of CEFR levels could be employed to (i) inform L2 writing instruction, (ii) track long-term development of writing ability, and (iii) facilitate experts’ judgment in the practice of aligning writing tests/samples with CEFR.

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