We explain what a research report is, the elements that compose it, the characteristics of each one and various examples.
What is an investigative report?
A report from research It is a type of academic or professional document that is accountable for the findings and results obtained during a research project of any nature.
Generally, these studies aspire to answer a series of questions or verify some type of hypothesis in the matter, and it is in the report where it is information It is developed, explained and systematized, ready for presentation to third parties.
Any investigative report should be guided by the principles of a text expository and argumentative, offering the reader information in a slow, organized and clear manner. It is based on the principle of objectivity and rigor, since opinions, assumptions or fiction have no place in this type of reports.
Commonly, these types of texts are made up of:
- An index. That allows the reader to navigate through the content of the report and know where everything is.
- A introduction. That offers you an overview of the matter, the state of things before starting the investigation, the objectives, scope and limitations of it, that is, its context and its motivation, and also clarifies all those terms that you need to handle to enter the body of work.
- A methodological framework. In which it is explained what was the procedure put into practice to carry out the investigation and why, the instruments, the methods and the decisions taken regarding the conduct of the same, always justifying their reasons adequately.
- A theoretical framework. In which the hypotheses or questions that triggered the investigation and the authors who served to formulate them in an adequate or pertinent way are detailed, as well as the background that in the formulation of the project was illuminating.
- A results section. In which it is detailed in an orderly and systematic way what the investigation yielded in its different stages, areas or mechanisms, always based on quotes, figures, comparative tables, graphs and other conceptual tools that put what was found in perspective.
- Nails conclusions. In which the results obtained are analyzed and placed within the relevant material, historical or thematic context, in order to explain what exactly was found and why it is important, and what it means in light of the big picture.
- A bibliography. Where full reference will be made to all the information sources consulted (books, magazines, articles, recordings, etc.), providing the necessary information so that others can consult them in turn.
- A section of annexes. Where will go all the supplementary or additional information that allows you to delve even further into the subject of the investigation, even if it is not strictly pertinent to it. Here can be clippings, graphics, tables, etc., which may or may not be referred to within the body of the work.
These types of reports are frequent in different areas of human knowledge, from the Sciences and technological research, until marketing, the management, the sociology, statistics and many more.
Examples of investigation report
Here are some useful links to get an idea of the content of an investigation report, as examples:
- Report: "The influence of anime on young people" from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
- Report: "The curriculum in the face of the demands of the new economy" in the Mexican Council for Educational Research (COMIE).
- Report: "Academic activities and performance" in Aula Fácil.