School of Business, Economic, and Technology

Campbellsville University- Louisville Center

Research Report Guide

A Guide for BA632 Students

©2019, Dr Vincent Scovetta

Campbellsville University. All rights reserved.

1/4/2019

Table of Contents The Research Report 4 Chapter 1- Background/Introduction (3 – 4 pages) 4 Introduction 4 Problem Statement and Purpose of Research 4 Relevance and Significance 4 Research Questions 5 Barriers and Issues 5 Chapter 2 – Review of the Literature (6-8 pages) 5 Chapter 3 – Approach/Methodology (1 – 2 pages) 5 Chapter 4: Findings, Analysis, and Summary of Results (2 – 4 pages) 5 Chapter 5: Conclusions (2 – 4 pages) 5 References 6 Research Report Structure 6 Front Matter 6 Chapter 1 through 5 (12 pages): 6 Back Matter: 6 Document Preparation – Form and Style 6 References and Citations 7 Margins 7 Line Spacing 7 Paragraph Spacing 7 Page Numbering 7 Type Style 8 Title Page 8 The Abstract 8 Chapter Title, Heading 1, Heading 2 8 Tables and Figures in the Text Body 9 Appendix 9 Additional Resources 9 Sample First Page of Table of Contents 10 Sample Reference List 11

The Research Report

The Research Report serves as the deliverable towards partial completion of the requirement for BA6332. The requirement of your research is expected to be built and constitutes the five-chapter model. This document is not intended to be a one-time or static document. The Research Report needs to be 10 to 12 pages in length (not including the front and back matter and needs to be written in the past and present tense, as appropriate.

The Research Report should be a complete and concise document that establishes your credentials as a relative expert in the domain of your study. In all cases, a good understanding of the specific domain will be necessary for the successful completion of your study. It is vital that you stay current in the literature germane to the study you are conducting and update the chapters accordingly.

The following is the general structure of the Research Report

Chapter 1- Background/Introduction (3 – 4 pages)

In this section, present enough information about the proposed work so that the reader understands the general context or setting. It is also helpful to include a summary of how this document is organized.

Introduction

This section introduces the reader to the structural content of your Research Report

Problem Statement and Purpose of Research

In this section, present a concise statement of a research-worthy problem to be addressed (i.e., why the work should be undertaken – don’t state “it was a requirement of the professor”). Follow the statement of the problem with a well-supported discussion of its scope and nature. The discussion of the problem should include: what the problem is, why it is a problem, how the problem evolved or developed, and the issues and events leading to the problem. Your problem statement must be clear, concise, to the point and able to be articulated in no more than three sentences.

Relevance and Significance

This section provides the necessary support for both the problem statement of your study. Consider the following questions and support your discussion by citing the research literature:

· Why is there a problem? What groups or individuals are affected?

· How far-ranging is the problem and how great is its impact? What’s the benefit of solving the problem?

· What has been tried without success to correct the situation? Why weren’t those attempts successful?

· What are the consequences of not solving the problem?

· How does the goal of your study address the research problem and how will your proposed study offer promise as a resolution to the problem?

· How will your research add to the knowledge base?

· What is the potential for generalization of your results?

· What is the potential for original work?

Research Questions

In this section you will define the research questions you expect to answer in your finding / results / conclusion sections. The research question(s) must be directly related to the problem statement and introduce the reader to their respective relationships. The answers to the research question(s) need to be either qualitative or quantitative.

Barriers and Issues

In this section, identify how the problem is inherently difficult to solve. You should also show how the solution you propose are difficult to obtain (unlike a book report). You should show the study you propose is of adequate difficulty to warrant a successful grade assignment. What issues do you expect to be confronted with that will limit the viability of your finding and conclusion?

Chapter 2 – Review of the Literature (6-8 pages)

In this section, it is important to clearly identify the major areas on which you will need to focus your research in order to build a solid foundation for your study in the existing body of knowledge. The literature review is the presentation of quality literature in a particular field that serves as the foundation and justification for the research problem, research questions or hypothesis, and methodology. You will develop a more comprehensive review of the literature as part of your report. This section must include your analysis and synthesis of the digested materials.

Chapter 3 – Approach/Methodology (1 – 2 pages)

Describe how you plan to address your research problem and accomplish your stated goal. List the major steps that must be taken to accomplish the goal and include a preliminary discussion of the methodology and specific research methods you plan to implement. Although specific details are not required at this point, you must provide adequate discussion of the general process you will follow to implement your research methodology.

Chapter 4: Findings, Analysis, and Summary of Results (2 – 4 pages)

Chapter 4 includes an objective description and analysis of the findings, results or outcomes of the research. Limit the use of charts, tables, figures to those that are needed to support the narrative. Most of these illustrations can be included as part of the Appendixes.

The following topics are intended to serve as a guide:

· Data analysis

· Your Findings

· Your Analysis

· Summary of results & discussion

Chapter 5: Conclusions (2 – 4 pages)

· Conclusions – Clearly state the conclusions of the study based on the analysis performed and results achieved. Indicate by the evidence or logical development the extent to which the specified objectives have been accomplished. If the research has been guided by hypotheses, make a statement as to whether the data supported or rejected these hypotheses. Discuss alternative explanations for the findings, if appropriate. Delineate strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the study.

· Implications – Discuss the impact of the work on the field of study and its contributions to knowledge and professional practice. Discuss implications for future research.

· Recommendations – Present recommendations for future research or for changes in research methods or theoretical concepts. As appropriate, present recommendations for changes in academic practice, professional practice, or organizational procedures, practices, and behavior.

References

Follow the most current version of APA to format your references. However, each reference should be single-spaced with a double space between each cited entry. Make sure that every citation is referenced and every reference is cited.

Research Report Structure

Notes:

· White space added to the report will negatively affect the final grade of your report. Do not add extra space to your document in an effort to extend the page count.

Front Matter

· The front matter includes the following:

· Title Page

· Abstract

· Table of Contents

· List of Tables

· List of Figures

Chapter 1 through 5 (12 pages):

Back Matter:

· The back matter includes the following:

· Appendixes

· References

Document Preparation – Form and Style

Form and style guidelines for a Research Report serve a number of purposes: to ease adaptation of the document for publication in whole or part, to ensure a level of professional appearance, and ease the burden on the readers of the document by presenting material in a logical, consistent fashion. Nevertheless, form and style guidelines should not be burdensome for Peer Reviewer or Professor. The bulk of the effort in developing and mentoring a Research Report should certainly be directed toward the quality of the thoughts being presented, not the appearance of that presentation.

The current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association serves as the primary guide for format and style. Since that manual focuses primarily on publication in journals, some exceptions are necessary for a Research Report. The Research Report guidelines are amplified with examples of:

· Title Page

· Table of Contents

· List of Tables

· List of Figures

· First Page of a Chapter

· Appendix Pages

· Reference List

References and Citations

One of the most important tasks in writing a Research Report is to reference other works and sources in the text body. You must provide a formal reference citation for each idea or statement taken from the work of an individual or organization. Failure to provide a reference citation, when one is appropriate, is plagiarism, which is a violation of the university’s Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. An act of plagiarism will subject the student to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion from the university. Always err on the side of caution when writing any formal paper. As you conduct your work, keep accurate records that indicate which portions of your Research Report are not your own words and ideas. If you attempt to do this as an afterthought, you run the risk of losing the source of the information and committing plagiarism. Reference citations in the text should use the author-date citation system specified in the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. All reference citations must be listed alphabetically in the References section at the end of the document, again following the format specified in the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. However, each reference should be single-spaced with a double space in between each entry. Make sure that every citation is referenced and every reference is cited.

Margins

The left-hand margin must be 1.0 inches (4 cm.). Margins at the right, top, and bottom of the page should be 1.0 inch. (See exception for chapter title pages below.) The Research Report text must be left-aligned (leaving a ragged right edge).

Li ne Spacing

Double-spacing is required for most of the text in documents submitted during the Research Report process. Pages for the abstract, acknowledgments, and parts of the table of contents, however, must be single-spaced in the Research Report. Single-spacing also can be used for table titles and headings, figure captions, references in a reference list (but double-spacing is required between references in the list), footnotes, and long quotations. Long quotations may be indented five spaces. Judicial triple can improve appearance and readability and is appropriate after chapter titles, before major subheadings, before footnotes, and before and after tables in the text; however, avoid open white spaces.

Paragraph Spacing

The text of the document is double-spaced. There should be no extra spaces between paragraphs in sections; however, indent the first line of paragraphs five spaces (1/2 inch). Chapters must begin on new pages.

Page Numbering

Page numbers for the front matter, starting with the Table of Contents, should be lowercase roman numerals, centered at the bottom of the page. All pages following the front matter should have page numbers in Arabic numerals in the upper right-hand corner. The page order and numbering for the front matter is:

1. Title page is page i, but the page number is not printed.

2. Approval Signature page is page ii, but the page number is not printed.

3. Abstract is page iii but the page number is not printed.

4. Acknowledgements is page iv and not to exceed one page. The page number is not printed.

5. Table of Contents is page v and the page number is printed, bottom center.

6. List of Tables (only present if the document contains tables) is given the next page number in sequence, printed bottom center.

7. List of Figures (only present if the document contains figures) is given the next page number in sequence, printed bottom center.

Type Style

For body text, you should use 12-point Times New Roman. Text for the cover page may be larger but should not exceed 14-point size. Text for the chapter title text should be 14-point size. Be consistent in your use of typefaces throughout the document. Do not use a compressed typeface or any settings on your word processor that would decrease the spacing between letters or words. Sans serif typefaces such as Helvetica or Arial may be used for relatively short blocks of text such as chapter headings and captions but should be avoided in long passages of text as they impede readability.

Title Page

Every document that is submitted, from the Research Report, must have a title page. The title page includes the exact title of the Master’s Thesis, date of submission, your name, and name of the department which the report is submitted. Use the format of the Sample Research Report Title Page provided in Appendix A.

The Abstract

The abstract (see Appendix es C) is single spaced. An abstract is a stand-alone document and therefore, should not include citations because it would then need references. Note that the abstract must be fewer than 200 words.

Chapter Title, Heading 1, Heading 2

It is preferred that Research Report contain no more than three levels of headings in the body text. All headings should have only the first letter of each word capitalized except that non-major words shorter than four letters have no capital letters. See Appendix H for a sample page for a first page of a chapter.

Instructions for heading levels follow:

Level 1: Chapter Title

This heading starts two inches from the top of the page, is centered on the page, and is set in 14point type. The first line contains the chapter number (e.g., Chapter 4). The second line is blank. The third line displays the chapter title, is centered on the page, and is set in 14-point type.

Level 2: Heading 1

Start heading 1 at the left margin of the page, four spaces (i.e., two returns when your document is set for double-spacing) down from the title, set in bold 12-point type. Double-space (one return) to the subheading body text. Indent the first line of the body text five spaces.

Level 3: Heading 2

Start the heading 2 at the left margin of the page, double-spaced (i.e., one return when your document is set up for double-spacing) from the subheading, set in 12-point italics. Double-space (one return) to the sub-subheading body text. Indent the first line of the body text five spaces.

Tables and Figures in the Text Body

Charts, graphs, diagrams, figures, and summary tables that significantly enhance reading of the Research Report should be placed in the text body. Only include material in the text body that is needed by the reader to understand the point(s) you are trying to make. Other material should be placed in Appendixes. Tables that summarize large amounts of data are best placed at the end of the Master’s Thesis. If you have included data in your text related to some point, then the full table containing such data belongs in an Appendix. When using tables and figures in the body of the paper, remember that the horizontal center of the body is not at the center of the paper. It is 0.25” to the right of center due to the 1.5” left binding margin. All tables and figures that are less than body width must be centered properly and posted in the Appendices.

Appendix

Place in appropriate appendices all analytical tables, evaluation instruments, and other material important in the determination, evaluation, analysis, and description of your research that is not contained in the text body (see section above). Use an Appendix to present material that supplements the text or may be of interest to readers but is too detailed or distracting for inclusion in the main body of the text. Surveys, evaluation instruments, original data, complicated mathematical tables, new computer programs, computer printouts, and data collection forms are examples of materials that are most appropriately appended. Do not exclude material that would be necessary for another researcher to replicate your work and that is not available elsewhere. Include copies of IRB permission from the sponsoring organization and from the study site. Present copies of all letters and e-mails that allow you to use and modify materials belonging to others. If appropriate, you may use a titled cover sheet for an Appendix.

Additional Resources

American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Bolker, J. (1998). Writing your Research Reportin fifteen minutes a day: A guide to starting, revising, and finishing your doctoral thesis. New York, NY: Henry Holt Publishing.

Kiernan, V (2005). Writing Your Dissertation with Microsoft Word. MattilyPublishing, Alexandria, Virginia

Sample First Page of Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Abstract iii

List of Tables – Appendix A (if necessary) 123

List of Figures – Appendix B (if necessary) 234

Chapters

1. Introduction

· Statement of the Problem to Be Investigated 1

· Goal to Be Achieved 2

· Relevance and Significance 4

· Barriers and Issues 7

· etc.

2. Review of the Literature

· The theory and research literature specific to the topic 17

· etc.

3 . Methodology

· Research Methods Employed 35

· etc.

4. Findings, Analysys, Results,

· Findings 78

· Analysis 91

· Results

5. Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations

· Results 102

· Conclusions 108

· Implications 123

· etc.

Appendices

A. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 140

B. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 148

C. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 155 etc.

Reference List 198

Note: Count and print the number of this page centered here in lowercase Roman.

Sample Reference List

American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Bolker, J. (1998). Writing your Research Reportin fifteen minutes a day: A guide to starting, revising, and finishing your doctoral thesis. New York, NY: Henry Holt Publishing.

Kiernan, V (2005). Writing Your Dissertation with Microsoft Word. MattilyPublishing, Alexandria, Virginia