Writing a Research Report 2
Truong Van Anh
HUFLIT

Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
I. Overview
This chapter is written separately, but a brief part (summary )
is included in chapter 1. It informs the readers of important
research that has been done before, based on the theories
established by scholars and scientists.
To avoid plagiarizing, the sources of the research should be
cited. Its length should not exceed one quarter of the report.
II. Information conventions
See appendix A.
III. Language convention
Something that is taken out from another source must match
new context (logical and grammatical sense).

3.1 In-text references
3.1.1 Information conventions
Generally, there are three elements: 1/ author's last name,
2/ the year of publication, 3/ page number.
1. Author prominent: Mathon (1994:20) states that most
loan words are borrowed due to “sheer necessity”.
2. Information prominent: most loan words are borrowed
due to “sheer necessity” (Mathon, 1994:20).
3. Ways to cite a resource
a. Direct quotations
b. Indirect quotations
c. Paraphrasing: you use your own words. (transformation)
d. Summary: outline of the main points.

3.1.2 Language conventions
a. Verb tenses: simple present or simple past
b. Using common verbs to express attitude
3.2 Making a reference list
At the end of the report, the items should be listed alphabetically
by authors' surnames.
3.2.1 Book reference
3.2.2 Edited books with edition number
3.2.3 Newspaper articles
3.2.4 Journal articles
3.2.5 Internet materials
(Exercises)

Chapter 3
METHOD
1. Overview
The method describes how the research was done. It may
vary considerably not only in length and content but also in
the writing approach. However, one important criterion is
that enough information should be given so that the
readers can understand what was done.
The method section needs to include the steps you follow in
conducting your research, and the materials/instruments
used at each step. This is useful to readers who want to
know how the methodology of your study may have
influenced your results or who are interested in replicating
or extending your study.

II. Information conventions
2.1 Ordering information
The elements included the method section and the
order in which they are presented are not fixed.
One logical order is the sequence in which the
activities of the topics occurred in conducting
research .
2.1.1 Overview of the experiment: The setting of
the experiment and the subjects are introduced.
2.1.2 Subjects of the experiment: can be fully
described with the following details.

Characteristics of the subjects
Sample (design and number)
Restrictions/limiting conditions of the chosen samples
Sampling technique (How were the subjects selected?
Purposefully or randomly).
2.1.3 Materials: What were used in the process of
data
collection?
(Observation,
interviewing,
questionnaire, test, etc.)
2.1.4 Procedures: What were the steps? What was
the role of the researcher?
2.1.5 Statistical treatment: How were the collected
data treated/analyzed?

III. Language conventions
The method section is often written as a narrative
and procedural description. Past tense is used in
either active or passive voice.
3.1 Procedural description: Past tense
3.2 Verb voice: Active or passive

A. Procedural Description:
- Overview sample: subjects
- Sampling technique: how to choose subjects
- Materials procedure: questionnaire, interview
- Statistical treatment: Treating data statistically
to reveal the subjects' attitudes toward the
topic/research.

Elements of the method:
Overview: setting
Sample: number of subjects (age, sex,
nationality, family background, professional
background, etc.)
Sampling technique: how the research is
conducted and how the materials are used.
Statistical treatment: How the collected data are
treated and analyzed.

Information elements included in the method:
1. Overview of the experiment
2. Population/sample
3. Location
4. Sampling technique
5. Procedures
6. Materials
7. Variables
8. Statistical treatment

B. Materials:
Laboratory equipment
Field equipment
Human or animal subjects
Surveys, questionnaires and tests
Interview questions
Computer models

Questionnaire design:
a. Types of questions:
Open and closed
b. Simple common sense rules in questionnaire
design.
- Use simple and concise language.
- Each question should ask about one “thing” only.
- Each question should have no escape route, i.e.
“Don't know; No comment; It depends.
- Be polite

- Get the question order right.
- Make the layout easy to follow.
- Give clear instructions.
- Test the questions.
- Test the questionnaire first.

Good luck!