Types of Social Research Reports: Interim, Final, Formal, and Informal

KOMPAS.com – Social research reports are the process of communicating the results of social research to readers.

Social research reports are a form of research accountability to readers regarding research activities undertaken.

Readers see and examine the strength of the research topic through the results of a clear and systematic research report.

The difference between papers and research reports is that papers are prepared without research. Meanwhile, research reports are written after someone has done research.

Read also: Writing Social Research Findings Reports: Formulating Conclusions and Recommendations

To better understand what social research is, let’s take a look at the article below!

Types of research reports

A complete research report must be able to answer all forms of the problem posed in order to obtain empirical research results.

The types of research reports are as follows:

Interim report

An interim report is a report that has not been updated and is still a general overview because it contains data that has not been compared. Interim reports are provided to monitor the progress of research implementation.

It is used to describe the accountability of the implementation process of a project supported by certain government agencies.

Final report

The final report is a complete report and improvements have been made to the interim report. Usually the final report has been developed through due diligence or conferences. All types of criticism and suggestions are used to improve the research report.

A formal report

Formal research reports are prepared to obtain an educational degree or study a group work program to develop knowledge, provide solutions to various types of social problems, test theories, make new discoveries, and determine policies in the development system. .

An informal report

Informal research reports are usually presented through a simpler and more flexible writing system. Writing informal reports is temporary and has little chance of being developed in further research.

The types of informal research reports are as follows:

• A short research note
  Works for short publication purposes in academic journals.
• Monograph or working paper
  Shows the provision of provisional definitions to analyze social facts.
• Papers or articles
  Compiled based on empirical knowledge and interpretation and based on literature research, although not in-depth.
• Press release
  In the form of social papers that lighten the responsibilities of journalists. Papers are shorter than articles or magazines.

Research report writing system

When writing a report, a researcher must determine a social research report writing system according to the research method. The research report writing system is divided into five types as follows:

• Statement
  Writing research reports in the form of stories. Stories prepared based on research findings are called expository narratives.
• Description
  The report describes an event so that the reader seems to see, hear, or feel the things the author has put forward.
• Presentation
  A research report shows a description or explanation of a topic that aims to provide information and knowledge to readers.
• Argument
  A research report that works to prove the truth of an opinion or conclusion based on facts.
• persuasion
  Reports that aim to influence readers so that the content of the report is inviting.

Principles of research reports

All types of research reports always describe the research activities carried out. The preparation of research reports is based on the following principles:

1. Reports are written after research is done
2. The research report is simple and factual
3. Research reports must be short and concise
4. Reports must be ongoing
5. Research reports must be theoretical
6. Research reports must be consistent
7. Need research reports

Need research reports

Research reports are useful to all parties, including:

1. For researchers, a researcher’s report can be proof that the researcher has obtained results and is proof of the researcher’s accountability both to the individual and to others.
2. For scientists, research reports can add to the treasure trove of knowledge.
3. For governments, bureaucrats and policy makers, research reports are a unique basis for creating policy reports
4. Providing information to other researchers about the process approach and the methods used, as well as providing opportunities for other researchers if they want to do similar research.

Read also: Research Objects and Steps in Preparing Social Research

Reference:

• Adi, A. (2021). Social and Legal Research Methodology. Jakarta: Indonesia Torch Library Foundation.
• Dr. Ahmadin, M. (2017). Social Research Methods. Makassar: Rayhan Intermediate.

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