Technical Report Writing Basics
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Technical Report Writing Basics

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Questions and Answers

Which citation style is primarily used by researchers in natural sciences?

  • Harvard Style
  • APA (American Psychological Association) (correct)
  • MLA (Modern Language Association)
  • Chicago Style
  • What is the primary focus of using active verbs in a report?

  • To enhance subjectivity
  • To increase word count
  • To present complex ideas
  • To maintain clarity (correct)
  • In which type of report is a general statement used to draw a specific conclusion?

  • Descriptive Report
  • Comparative Report
  • Inductive Report
  • Deductive Report (correct)
  • What is a key characteristic of an Inductive Report?

    <p>It generalizes based on specific information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can objectivity in a report be best achieved?

    <p>By avoiding first person singular and plural</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the executive summary in a report?

    <p>To summarize the whole report qualitatively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information does the Table of Contents provide?

    <p>A reference for all sections and subsections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of a report explains the problem and highlights interesting results?

    <p>Introduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized in the results and discussion section of a report?

    <p>Figures, tables, and diagrams related to findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the conclusion section, authors must avoid which of the following?

    <p>Employing abbreviations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial feature of the bibliography in a report?

    <p>It should contain a detailed list of all studied resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The design and procedure section of the report primarily provides what kind of information?

    <p>Theoretical description of the research design.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is not a component of the conclusion section in a report?

    <p>Confusing jargon and lengthy explanations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do Technical Readers primarily require from a report?

    <p>Factual information for interpretation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of readers is most likely to only read the executive summary of a report?

    <p>Managerial Readers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the purpose of a report?

    <p>To cover specific topics like surveys or data analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of Technical Report Writing?

    <p>To effectively communicate technical information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following elements should NOT be included to maintain objectivity in a report?

    <p>Personal pronouns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the conventional structure of a report?

    <p>One inch margins on all sides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of a report provides details about the addresser, addressee, date of submission, and title?

    <p>Title Page</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to cite credible authors in a report?

    <p>To improve the authenticity and reliability of the content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Audience Nature

    • Technical Readers: Have in-depth subject matter knowledge and need factual data for analysis and conclusion.
    • Managerial Readers: Time-constrained individuals who require the executive summary to grasp the core information.
    • General Readers: Lack subject matter expertise and need detailed information and explanations to comprehend the report.

    Purpose of Report Writing

    • Provides a clear reason for its existence.
    • Purposes include:
      • Information about a topic.
      • Instructions on instrument use.
      • Survey descriptions.
      • Event explanations.
      • Data collection and analysis methods.

    Technical Report Writing

    • Documenting scientific inquiries.
    • Effectively communicating technical knowledge.
    • Interpreting data presented in graphs, tables, and figures through language.
    • Building a well-structured report based on information organization principles.

    Characteristics of a Report

    • Employs active voice and active verbs for a strong and engaging tone.
    • Written in third person to eliminate subjective bias.
    • Avoids personal pronouns to maintain objectivity.
    • Typically utilizes one-inch margins on all sides following standard formatting.
    • Cites credible sources to strengthen the authenticity of the content and discussion.

    Structure of a Report: Overview

    • Title Page: Known as the cover page, includes the sender (From), recipient (To), submission date, and report title.
    • Abstract/Executive Summary: Concise summary of the entire report.
      • Qualitatively written without using technical abbreviations to maintain clarity.
      • Clearly outlines the study's purpose, outcomes, and significant results.
    • Table of Contents (ToC): Detailed list of sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers, organized in a tabulated format.
    • Introduction: Introduces the problem to the reader, outlines objectives, explains data collection and analysis methodologies, highlights key findings, and draws a conclusion.
    • Design and Procedure: Provides a theoretical description of the research design employed for analysis. This section can also include prior testing conducted on the specific design used. Detailed measurements are not required in this section.
    • Results and Discussion: Presents the findings of the study with the aid of visual representations like figures, tables, and diagrams.
    • Conclusion: Summarizes the study's results quantitatively in concise language.
      • Avoids abbreviations as readers may only have read the executive summary.
      • Restates the problem, objectives, data collection and analysis procedures, and highlights significant results.
    • Work Cited/Bibliography: A comprehensive list of sources consulted for understanding the subject matter.
      • Cites works used as a basis for the report.
      • Utilizes specific citation formats (e.g., MLA for social sciences, humanities, arts; APA for natural sciences).

    Language of a Report

    • Achieves clarity by using active verbs instead of passive verbs.
    • Maintains brevity through the use of simple, declarative sentences.
    • Ensures objectivity by avoiding first-person singular and plural pronouns.

    Deductive Report vs. Inductive Report

    • Types of reports based on reasoning and conclusion-drawing approaches.
    • Deductive Report: Draws specific conclusions from general information.
      • Delivers routine messages using neutral information presented openly and clearly.
    • Inductive Report: Uses specific discussion to generalize conclusions.
      • Requires factual information to support conclusions.
      • Used for informed readers who may have preconceived notions about the topic.

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    Related Documents

    HUM120_Handouts_Lecture04.pdf

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential elements of technical report writing, including the audience types, purposes, and characteristics of a report. Test your understanding of how to effectively communicate technical knowledge and structure your reports for various readers. Enhance your skills in organizing and interpreting data through effective writing techniques.

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