Principles of research report writing
Report writing differs from person to person depending on personality, imaginative and
creative abilities, experience, and training. However, most researchers agree that following
general principles must be kept in mind to produce a better research report. These principles
are often called as qualities or requirements of a good report.
1. Selectiveness: It is important to exclude the matter, which is known to all. Only necessary
contents should be included to save time, costs, and energy. However, care should be taken
that the vital points should not be missed.
2. Comprehensiveness: Report must be complete. It must include all the necessary contents.
In short, it must contain enough detail to covey meaning.
3. Cost Consideration: It must be prepared within the budgeted amount. It should not result
into excessive costs.
4. Accuracy: As far as possible, research report must be prepared carefully. It must be free
from spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
5. Objectivity: Report must be free from personal bias, i.e., it must be free from one’s
personal liking and disliking. The report must be prepared for impersonal needs. The facts
must be stated boldly. It must reveal the bitter truth. It must suit the objectives and must meet
expectations of the relevant audience/readers.
6. Clarity: Report must reveal the facts clearly. Contents and conclusions drawn must be free
from ambiguities. In short, outcomes must convey clear-cut implications.
7. Preciseness: Research report must not be unnecessarily lengthy. It must contain only
necessary parts with adequate description.
8. Simplicity: Report must be simple to understand. Unnecessary technical words or
terminologies (jargons) should be avoided.
9. Proper Language: Researcher must use a suitable language. Language should be selected
as per its target users.
10. Reliability: Research report must be reliable. Manager can trust on it. He can be
convinced to decide on the basis of research reposts.
11. Proper Format: An ideal repost is one, which must be prepared as per commonly used
format. One must comply with the contemporary practices; completely a new format should
not be used.
12. Attractive: Report must be attractive in all the important regards like size, colour, paper
quality, etc. Similarly, it should use liberally the charts, diagrams, figures, illustrations,
pictures, and multiple colours.