Layout of a research report
A report has three parts: preliminary pages, the main text and the end matter. The main text runs from introduction to summary and conclusion.
1. Preliminary pages
| Page | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Title page | Title of the study, student's name, degree, guide, department, college, month and year |
| Certificate | Signed by the guide (and head of department), stating the work was done by the student under guidance |
| Declaration | The student states the work is original and has not been submitted elsewhere |
| Acknowledgement | Thanks to the guide, college, participants and family |
| Table of contents | Chapters and headings with page numbers |
| List of tables and figures | Number, title and page of each table and figure |
| Abstract (if required) | A short summary of the aim, method and main findings |
2. Main text (chapters)
| Chapter | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Background, need for the study, statement of the problem, objectives, hypotheses, scope, limitations and definitions of terms |
| Review of literature | Earlier studies on the topic, grouped under headings; shows the gap this study fills |
| Methodology | Research design, area, sample and sampling method, tools (questionnaire, 24-hour recall, anthropometry), data collection and statistical analysis |
| Results | Findings in numbered tables and graphs, with statistics such as mean, SD, r and t |
| Discussion | What the findings mean, compared with earlier studies, with possible reasons |
| Summary and conclusion | Brief recap of the study, main findings, conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for further research |
3. End matter
- Bibliography or references: every source cited, in one style such as APA, in alphabetical order.
- Appendices: questionnaire or interview schedule, consent form, food frequency or 24-hour recall formats, raw data, photographs.
- Index (in books and long reports): an alphabetical list of topics with page numbers.
Presentation tips
Number the preliminary pages in small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) and the main text in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). Number tables and figures by chapter, for example Table 4.2. Many colleges combine results and discussion into one chapter. Keep one font, one spacing and one referencing style throughout.
In a Home Science dissertation, the methodology chapter names the tools used, such as 24-hour dietary recall, food frequency questionnaire and anthropometry, and the appendices hold their blank formats. The results chapter often compares nutrient intakes with the ICMR-NIN RDA.
2 marks: “What are appendices?” Supporting material placed at the end of a report, such as the questionnaire, consent form and raw data.
5 marks: “What are the contents of the preliminary pages of a research report?” Title page, certificate, declaration, acknowledgement, table of contents, list of tables and figures, and abstract, with one line on each.
10 marks: “Describe the layout of a research report.” Divide it into preliminary pages, main text and end matter. Explain each chapter of the main text from introduction to summary and conclusion, then bibliography and appendices.
A report is like a meal: starters (preliminary pages), main course (introduction to conclusion), dessert (bibliography and appendices).