Preparing a research report

Once you have completed your data analysis, the next step is to write your research report. The format that you use to do this will vary according to the purpose of the report (lab report, thesis, journal article), and the discipline in which you are studying. Different disciplines (e.g., psychology, education, medicine, business) have different conventions for presenting reports, so you should consult your lecturer or supervisor for the specific requirements of your report. Many disciplines follow the guidelines laid down by the American Psychological Association (often referred to as APA style).