Preparation of the report or the thesis

Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him. Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in view the following:

1. the preliminary pages;
2. the main text, and
3. the end matter.

In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by acknowledgments 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.

The main text of the report should have the following parts:

1. Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research and an explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The scope of the study along with various limitations should as well be stated in this part.

2. Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of findings and recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they should be summarized.

3. Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and broken-down into readily identifiable sections.

4. Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put down the results of his research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up.

At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data. Bibliography, 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.

Report should be written in a concise and objective style in simple language avoiding vague expressions such as “it seems," “there may be", and the like.

Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the information more clearly and forcibly.

Calculated “confidence limits" must be mentioned and the various constraints experienced in conducting research operations may as well be stated.