Writing Effective Reports

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Questions and Answers

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

To express personal opinions about a specific situation.
To present and analyze the findings of research. (correct)
To entertain readers with engaging stories and anecdotes.
To provide a summary of previously published works.

In the context of writing survey questions, what is the most important consideration when providing answer options for a multiple-choice question?

Ensuring all options overlap to provide comprehensive coverage.
Making sure there are as many options as possible to cover all possibilities.
Limiting the option list to only one answer.
Ensuring the respondent a list that covers all the options without overlapping. (correct)

When constructing a survey questionnaire, why is it important to avoid offering too few or too many options?

To provide respondents with meaningful choices and prevent skewing results. (correct)
To ensure the survey questions are open for subjective answers.
To increase the complexity of data analysis.
To confuse respondents and decrease response rates.

Which section of a survey report provides a brief overview of the study's purpose, methods, and key findings?

Executive Summary or Abstract (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a scientific report, what is the primary purpose of the 'Materials and Methods' section?

To describe the materials used and procedures followed so others can replicate the study. (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

To present findings based on data gathered outside the office or field and intends to describe an observed person, place, or event. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which data gathering technique is commonly used in field reports?

Note-taking (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including a 'Theoretical Framework' section in a field report?

To provide a basis for interpreting the observations within a specific theory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key guideline for writing effective technical reports?

Presenting objective, accurate, and honest information. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of content might be classified as 'basic content' in a technical report?

Eyewitness accounts or first-hand information (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which 'mode of ordering' is most suitable for describing a sequence of events in a technical report?

Chronological or time order (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a basic quality of a good report?

Objective point of view (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Literature Cited' section in a scientific report?

To give credit to the sources used and allow readers to verify information. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When writing survey questions, what is the primary reason to avoid offering too few or too many options?

Offering an appropriate number of options ensures that the survey is neither too restrictive nor too overwhelming, which could compromise the quality of responses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a structured component typically found in survey reports?

Methodology (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a scientific report, what is the primary function of the abstract?

To offer a concise summary of the entire report. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of a field report compared to other types of technical reports?

Based on data gathered outside the conventional office setting. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way can illustrations aid data gathering in a field report?

By providing visual documentation to enhance descriptions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Within the structure of a field report, what role does the 'Observations' section typically fulfill?

Presenting and interpreting collected data. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'value communication’ considered a key guideline in writing technical reports?

To present information objectively, accurately, and honestly. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modes of ordering is most appropriate when describing the spatial arrangement of elements within a specific area?

Geographical or space / spatial order (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of ensuring a report is 'accurate' according to the basic qualities of a good report?

Provides readers with precise and reliable information. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a research report, which section typically contains a restatement of the research question alongside key findings?

Results and Discussion (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for language use in a technical report?

Using brief and direct sentences (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the introduction in a research report?

To provide an overview of the research. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Technical Reports

Academic papers presenting and analyzing research results or findings.

Survey Report

Collects data using a survey questionnaire and presents the findings based on the research conducted.