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you are dealing with a specialised audience, you would submit a
technical report.

a. Technical research report- The researcher must include
comprehensive and explicit information on the research procedure
in a technical research report. Usually formal in nature, the report ◆ Detailed and
is written with the academic community in mind. The study’s lengthy report
methodologies, the assumptions made, and a thorough explanation
of the conclusions, including any caveats and supporting evidence
should be considered in a technical report.
A general outline of a technical report can be as follows:
i. Summary of result: A brief review of the main findings just
in two or three pages.
ii. Nature of the study: Description of the general objectives
of study, formulation of the problem in operational terms, the
working hypotheses, the type of analysis and data required etc..
iii. Methods employed: Specific methods used in the study and
their limitations. For instance, in sampling studies we should give
details of sample design, namely sample size, sample selection
etc..
iv. Data: Discussion of data collected, their sources,
characteristics and limitations. If secondary data are used, their
suitability to the problem at hand is fully assessed. In case of a
survey, the manner in which data were collected should be fully
described.
v. Analysis of data and presentation of findings: The analysis
of data and presentation of findings of the study with supporting
data in the form of tables and charts be fully narrated. This in fact
happens to be the main body of the report usually extending over
several chapters.
vi. Conclusion: A detailed summary of the findings and the
policy implications drawn from the results be explained

vii. Bibliography: Bibliography of various sources consulted
are to be prepared and attached.

viii. Technical appendices: Appendices are given for all
technical matters relating to questionnaire, mathematical
derivations, elaboration on particular techniques of analysis and
the like.

ix. Index: Index must be prepared and be given invariably in the
report at the end. The order presented above only gives a general
idea of the nature of a technical report. The order of presentation
may not necessarily be the same in all the technical reports.
b. Popular research report: A popular research report is one
that is intended for a wide audience, including people who may

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 163