A research report is a structured document that provides detailed insights into a specific study or investigation. It serves as a tool to analyze data, present findings, and offer conclusions for informed decision-making. Designed to meet academic, professional, or business objectives, a well-crafted research report ensures clarity, accuracy, and relevance. Its primary aim is to communicate the research purpose, methodology, and results effectively to its intended audience.

research report

Research Report Format

Title Page

  1. Title of the Report: Clear and concise title representing the research topic.
  2. Author(s): Name(s) of the researcher(s) involved.
  3. Institution Affiliation: University, company, or organization.
  4. Date: Submission date.
  5. Supervisor/Instructor (if applicable): Name and designation.

Abstract

  • A brief summary of the research, typically 150–250 words.
  • Key components: purpose, methodology, main findings, and conclusions.

Table of Contents

  • List of all sections and sub-sections with page numbers.
  • Include tables, figures, and appendices (if applicable).

Introduction

  1. Background: Provide context and relevance of the research.
  2. Research Problem: Define the problem being addressed.
  3. Objectives: Clearly state the research aims and objectives.
  4. Scope: Define the scope and limitations.
  5. Significance: Why is this research important?

Literature Review

  • Summarize and analyze existing research relevant to your topic.
  • Identify gaps in the current literature that your research aims to fill.

Methodology

  1. Research Design: Describe the approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
  2. Data Collection: Detail the methods used (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
  3. Sampling: Explain the sample size, sampling method, and target population.
  4. Data Analysis: Methods or tools used for analysis.
  5. Ethical Considerations: Describe how ethical concerns were addressed.

Results

  • Present findings in a clear and organized manner.
  • Use tables, graphs, or charts to support data (if applicable).
  • Avoid interpretation in this section—focus on presenting the data.

Discussion

  1. Interpretation of Results: What do the results mean?
  2. Comparison with Existing Literature: Relate findings to previous research.
  3. Implications: Practical, theoretical, or policy implications.
  4. Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study.

Conclusion

  • Summarize key findings and insights.
  • Highlight how objectives were met.
  • Suggest recommendations for future research or applications.

References

  • List all sources cited in the report.
  • Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Appendices (if applicable)

  • Include supplementary materials such as:
    • Questionnaires or survey forms.
    • Raw data.
    • Additional charts, images, or detailed descriptions.

Optional Sections

  • Acknowledgments: Mention individuals or organizations that contributed.
  • Glossary: Define technical terms or acronyms.

Report Template Bundle

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17+ Research Report Templates

1. Academic Research Report Template

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6. 2nd Grade Market Research Report Template

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Market research is a structured attempt to collect consumer or target market data. It’s a very significant business strategy element. And just as with any other research, a report needs to be submitted. You can make this report with the help of this report templates in Google Docs. The other file formats available for this template include Word and Pages.

7. Formal Business Research Report Template

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Research paper services reports can be made on various topics. This includes market research, business research, production research, and the like. If you want to make a proper business research report then you can make use of this report templates in Word. This template file is very simple and easy to use.

8. Research Report with Cover Paper Template

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The title or the cover page is the main part of the research professional report. It should be made in a creative way that can grab the reader’s attention and also tells what your project is about. Make a great title page of your research report with the help of this report template in Excel for a cover page. The template can be downloaded in word format.

9. History Research Analysis Report Notes

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In this world, for a company to survive and stay ahead of the competition, the main thing necessary is market research. And to help you with that task, we are offering this research report template. This template has been specially designed to help you make an efficient market research report. Download the template in PDF now to get it!

10. Free University Student Short Research Report

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Are you a rookie at making research reports? Then we suggest that you check out our report simple in PDF. This template provides an example of a market research report that is very easy to follow if you need to make one for your needs. You can also customize this template according to your convenience. View a wider selection of research proposal templates right here.

11. 4th Grade High School One Page Research Report

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You have been researching a certain topic for quite a while now. You must want to know the outcome of that research when it has been finished. That is why we are offering you this research report template in word that you can use to make a research report for your project. All you need to do is download the template in PDF and you’re good to go.

12. 5th Grade Thesis Research Report Outline

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13. Free Scientific Article Research Report Template

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18. APA Style for Writing Research Report

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Types of Research Report 

types of research reports

  1. Technical Research Report
    Aimed at an expert audience, this type of report presents detailed methodologies, data, and findings in a formal, structured format. It includes in-depth technical details, charts, and analysis, often used in scientific, engineering, and IT research.
  2. Popular Research Report
    This report is written for a general audience and simplifies complex research findings. It uses accessible language and visuals to present data, often used in media, public policy, or general-interest publications.
  3. Business Research Report
    Focused on organizational or market-related research, these reports analyze trends, customer behaviors, or financial data to guide business strategies. They include summaries, actionable recommendations, and visualizations tailored for stakeholders and decision-makers.
  4. Academic Research Report
    Produced in educational or scholarly settings, this report contributes to academic knowledge. It follows a structured format, including abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references, and is typically used for theses, dissertations, or journal publications.
  5. Survey Research Report
    This report compiles and analyzes data from surveys to address specific research questions. It includes survey design, methodology, statistical analysis, and interpretations, commonly used in social sciences, marketing, and customer feedback studies.

How to Write a Research Report

How to write a Research Report

Step 1: Select the Research Topic

In most cases, the topic of research is generally assigned to the person. However, if you are lucky enough not to have a topic forced on you, then you have the freedom of choosing your topic. Be very careful while doing so. First of all, think about selecting a challenging topic you are interested in. Then, you won’t be bored when researching because you are sure to discover something new and you’ll enjoy the writing process. Don’t select topics that are too technical or general. For a wider selection of research agreement templates, check out more options here.

Step 2: Write Down the Thesis Statement

The thesis is the main component of any research. Before you effectively arrange your studies, prepare an operating thesis sample statement because it will direct your research and assist you to remain centered on your topic. Your declaration of the thesis should be concise, reflecting the sort of word document you want to write. There are three kinds of research thesis statements: argumentative or persuasive to argue the conclusion, expository to explain it, and analytical to make an analysis.

Step 3: Do Your Research

The next step involves doing the analysis research. You should be able to discover enough reliable secondary and primary sources in your article. You need to review them all thoroughly and determine appropriate proof to promote your thesis. At this stage, you should evaluate your references and start documenting your sources according to a citation style specified by your instructor. Try and ensure you use a particular style guide’s recent version. Later, when composing your article and constructing your bibliography, you will use your comments on quotes.

Step 4: Provide a Good Outline

You’ve received loads of great ideas from your research. For a great presentation, you have to arrange them now. Do not miss this essential move because, without it, there will be no concentration on your project. The ultimate time will also increase that you will need to review your draft attempting to create meaning from your jumbled ideas. This is why you should make a sample outline. You must expedite your thesis and generate an operating sketch that you are planning to resolve, which will function as a roadmap and keep you aware.

Step 5: Make the Rough Draft

This is the method midway through the research. When you have all the elements of the PDF research report, you need to produce the first draft with a name, sample quotations in text, and a line of description. If you want to create a great imprint on your audience, the title is essential as it is the first thing they see. It shapes their views on precisely what your report should say.

Step 6: Provide an Introduction

After the title, you need to start writing a simple report. And the first thing to include in the report is the introduction. This intro needs to be able to grab the attention of the readers at the first go. It can start with a provocative question, some specific or generic statistics, an anecdote, some unusual facts, or anything else that you think will generate interest. Just because you are writing a word research report does not imply that it has to be boring or very serious.

Step 7: Provide the Conclusion

The intro is followed by a body that will be based on your simple outline. And this body is to be followed by a proper conclusion. Most research reports finish with their thesis remarks being restated. You can do it too, but repeating it word for word, and render your conclusion ineffective. Paraphrase or summarize your paper’s main highlights in the conclusion instead. If you want, you can also stress the importance of your findings. Find more research gantt chart templates by visiting this link.

Step 8: Proofread then Submit

As with any other reports outline, research reports also require proofreading. Generally, in all kinds of research reports, there are several changes to be made including statistical, grammatical, and spelling checks. This is why it was said earlier to make a rough draft first. Thoroughly go through the draft and check for any errors. Also, be on the lookout for any piece of information that you have missed. Once this has been done, you can submit the sheet report.

Importance of a Research Report 

  1. Documentation of Findings: Provides a formal record of research results, ensuring findings are preserved and accessible for future reference.
  2. Effective Communication: Facilitates clear communication of research objectives, methodologies, and conclusions to stakeholders, academics, or the general public.
  3. Decision-Making Support: Helps organizations, businesses, and policymakers make informed decisions based on evidence and insights derived from research.
  4. Contributes to Knowledge: Adds to the existing body of knowledge in a specific field, fostering innovation and progress.
  5. Ensures Transparency: Demonstrates the research process, including methodologies and limitations, ensuring accountability and credibility.
  6. Guidance for Future Research: Identifies gaps or limitations in current research, paving the way for further studies.
  7. Educational Value: Serves as a learning tool for students, researchers, and practitioners to understand methodologies and findings in detail.
  8. Problem-Solving Tool: Provides practical solutions to specific problems, supporting industries or communities in addressing challenges effectively.
  9. Standardization: Establishes a consistent format and structure for presenting data, making comparisons and evaluations easier.
  10. Facilitates Peer Review: Enables other experts to validate, critique, or replicate the research, enhancing its reliability and impact.

Tips for Writing Research Reports

Tips for Writing Research Reports

  1. Understand Your Audience: Adapt your language, tone, and depth of explanation to match the knowledge level of your audience, whether they are experts, stakeholders, or the general public.
  2. Follow a Structured Format: Organize your report with clear sections such as abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion to ensure logical flow and easy navigation.
  3. Keep the Language Clear and Concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon and complexity. Use straightforward and precise language to make your report accessible and comprehensible.
  4. Support Claims with Evidence: Use reliable data and credible sources to back your arguments, ensuring your report’s findings are well-supported and trustworthy.
  5. Edit and Proofread: Thoroughly review your report for grammatical errors, formatting inconsistencies, and overall coherence to maintain professionalism and accuracy.

FAQ’s

What is the format of a research report?

A research report follows a structured format including a title page, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Optional sections like appendices, acknowledgments, and a glossary may also be included as needed.

What do you write in a research report?

In a research report, you write about the research objectives, background, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusions. It also includes an abstract, literature review, references, and optional sections like recommendations or appendices to provide comprehensive insights.

What are the 5 stages of report writing?

Preparation: Define the purpose of the report, identify the audience, and gather relevant information or data. Planning: Organize the structure and outline the report, determining the key sections and the flow of information. Drafting: Write the first draft, focusing on the content for each section without worrying about perfection. Reviewing: Edit and proofread the draft to refine the content, correct errors, and ensure clarity and coherence. Finalizing: Format the report, ensure proper citations, and prepare the final version for submission or presentation.

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