Social scientists conducting research with the aim of seeking a new social knowledge, or the cause of social problems. In carrying out the research, social scientists cautious and extra careful. They explore data in accordance with the facts that occurred in the field. Results of research carried out will be made public.
Publication of research results requires its own skill and mastery of science, both in terms of theoretical and method, and mastery of the problems it studies. This is done because the researchers when publishing research results based on the idea of basic knowledge. Therefore, researchers need to really prepare in-depth research reports with the rational literature. The results can be communicated in various ways, including through seminars, test the thesis, and dissertation to earn an education degree. There are also publications through the form of articles published in mass media.
The importance of the research report
The research report is the result of the presentation of data that are processed and analyzed in the form of scientific papers. The research report is an essential element in the research, because it is the medium for researchers to communicate research results to a wide audience. A research report can be through space and time as it can be read by anyone, anywhere, and anytime. So important research reports, up to a lot of people judge the weight of a study to examine the report rather than give attention to the process.
Ironically, there are many researchers who do not report the results of their research carefully, thoroughly, and depth. Why is that? Some causes can be described as follows.
a. Many researchers are lazy or considered as part of a research report that is less important than research.
b. Many researchers are not able to communicate ideas and information on a regular basis in writing.
c. Many researchers have difficulty writing a research report, because:
- Weak research organizations
- Difficulties when getting incomplete data
- Research is not done seriously follow scientific principles.
The type of research report
Research reports can be divided into several types as follows.
a. The full report.
b. Short research notes for a short publication in academic journals. Usually as much as 1-5 double-spaced pages.
c. Monographs or working paper, the interpretation of the disclosure.
d. Papers or articles to be published in academic journals. The amount is about 20-25 pages double spaced. Organizing writing of course tailored to the demands pertaining journal.
e. Papers or articles to be used as press releases. Social nature, ease the task of journalists in publishing research results. The purpose of this type of report is to draw the attention of the audience to read more complete report of the study.
f. Book. In this case, the organization of the report need to be adjusted to the format of the book.
Form of research reports
Report of the social studies can generally be made in two forms based on primary research approaches, namely quantitative and qualitative research report. In general, the format of writing the research report is the same, but its content is certainly different. Regardless of these differences, whatever they may be writing a report done by the same goal, namely trying to answer the research questions with empirical data.
Comparison of quantitative and qualitative research report can be described as follows.
a. Data on qualitative research is more difficult to serve because of the shape of words, images, and sentences that include various forms of quotes and case examples.
b. Qualitative research seeks to direct the audience empathy and sympathy through subjective interpretation. Detailed description of the social phenomena under study and the study context will facilitate the achievement of objectives in qualitative research.
c. Qualitative research uses data collection techniques are relatively more flexible than quantitative research. Specific data collection techniques can be used in a study, but not used in subsequent studies, depending on research needs and the uniqueness of each case. That is why, researchers must explain the reasons for the use of specific data collection techniques in research reports.
d. Qualitative research has a primary purpose to explore new social contexts and develop theories. This will affect the length of the qualitative research report compared with quantitative research, because qualitative research for the report will also include a description of the evidence and findings in the field to strengthen the structure of the new theory.
e. Qualitative statements can be written in a variety of ways of writing for qualitative researchers have more freedom to describe an incident in a descriptive context to enrich understanding. As a result, the number of pages of research reports will become longer.