3. Informative report
An informative report is a factual text, which means
it provides information about something. An
information report is used as a way to gain a better
understanding about a living or non-living subject.
An informative report:
• uses facts to explain something
• gives details about a topic
• does not contain personal views
• Is usually written, but can also be presented
orally (spoken).
4. Examples of informative
reports
Topics, or subjects, found in informative reports can
be about one specific thing or a group of things.
Some examples of topics might include:
• cars
• ocean animals
• rainforests
• pollution
• computers
5. Structure of an
informative report
Formal written informative reports usually follow a
very specific structure. The first part of an
informative report is the title, or heading, of the
report. This will tell the reader what topic is covered
in the report.
The first introductory paragraph, known as the
classification, explains the aspects of the topic that
will be covered in the report.
6. Structure of an
informative report
The following information is contained in the body
paragraphs. This is where the topic of the report is
covered in more detail. These paragraphs use
factual information to give the reader a better
understanding of the topic. Often, these paragraphs
are broken up by sub-headings to help organize the
information.
The conclusion of an information report gives any
final details or facts about the topic. It may also be
used to review what the report was about.
7. Structure of an
informative report
• Visual elements are important because they help
the reader to understand the topic better. Visual
elements can include drawings, photographs,
graphs, maps or diagrams.
• A glossary is often put at the end of an
information report. A glossary is a list of technical
words used in the report and their definitions.
• The bibliography is a list of resources like books,
magazines and websites, which were used to help
write the information report.
8. Creating an informative
report
• The first step in preparing an information report is to choose the
topic of the report. Then you will need to research the topic.
Textbooks, websites, an encyclopedia and other information
reports are good places to gather information. You might also
want to look for pictures and diagrams to use in your report.
• Once you have the information, you will need to organize it into
the structure of an information report. It is also important to
make a list of any important words to use in the glossary.
Information reports are generally written in the present tense.
• When you have finished writing the report, read it again to make
sure that it uses facts, gives details, and does not contain
personal views. Always check your text for correct spelling,
grammar and punctuation.
9. Research report
“Research reports are detailed and
accurate accounts of the conduct of
disciplined studies accomplished to solve
problems or to reveal new knowledge.”
(Busha and Harter, 1988).
10. How to write a researchHow to write a research
reportreport
11. Purpose of Psychology ReportsPurpose of Psychology Reports
Reports enable you to communicate
to others:
What was carried out
How it was carried out
Why it was carried out
What was found
What the results actually mean
Reports enable further exploration of
ideas.
Any psychologists who publishes their
research uses the same APA/BPS
report format.
Dissemination of research findings is
the end goal of all research.
12. Research Report RulesResearch Report Rules
Standardised format (quick finding of details)
format guidelines of the American Psychological
Association (APA).
The abstract and conclusions are arguably the most
important sections of the report.
The key aim of a report is replication
14. IntroductionIntroduction
Rationale (including previous research in the area and the
current hypotheses).
The introduction should contain:
Review of (relevant) background material including
existing theories and key findings.
Outline the exact problem to be researched and the
research hypotheses.
Outline the expected results – what do you expect to
find once you have conducted the research?
15. Introduction ‘Tips’Introduction ‘Tips’
Start broad and become narrower as
you reach your research hypotheses.
Include 3-6 key pieces of previous
research or theories.
References from peer-reviewed
journals and books are more credible
and provide more ‘weight’ to your
arguments than Internet-based
sources.
16. MethodMethod
The method should be one of the first sections of the report that is
‘written-up’ immediately after the study has finished.
The method should contain sufficient information for the reader to
understand and replicate the study exactly as you did it.
The method is split into the following principle sections:
Participants
Design
Apparatus/Materials
Procedure
17. Introduction to the ResultsIntroduction to the Results
Report the key findings, but does not say why
Clear and concise summary of the data that was collected and
the results of any statistical tests.
Each statistical test has its own format for reporting which
should be adhered to (more information on reporting statistical
tests will be provided during future lectures/seminars).
The results section is one of the most (without justice!) feared
sections of the report.
18. The Results SectionThe Results Section
The results section should start with descriptive
(summary) statistics (e.g. Mean, median, range etc.)
before reporting any statistical tests.
A summary table of descriptive statistics can be provided
– only display information once and in one format (e.g.
Written or table, table or chart).
Use graphs where meaningful but ensure axis are
consistent, graphs and axis are titled and the graph
means something to the overall report.
Report the statistical tests used in the study.
21. Successful Report WritingSuccessful Report Writing
Start writing early – important details
about the study may be forgotten if the
write-up is left to the last minute.
Remember – a naive reader should be
able to follow your report and replicate
your findings.
Read – reading journal articles and past
dissertations will help you with structuring
your report and understanding the
required style.
Reflect – reflect upon the comments you
receive on your practical reports and
essays – these are provided to help you!
