Summary:

 A research summary is a concise overview of a research project or study. It highlights

the key findings, main points, and conclusions.
 It typically includes information about the research problem, the methods used, the
results obtained, and the implications or significance of the findings.

Components of a Research Summary:

Introduction:

 Provides a brief background of the research problem or question.

 Explains the purpose of the study.
 Outlines the research objectives.

Methodology:

 Describes the research design, methods, and procedures used to conduct the study.
 Includes details about the sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis
techniques.

Results:

 Presents the main findings of the study.

 May include statistical analysis if applicable.
 Visual representations (such as tables, charts, or graphs) can be used to convey the
data.

Discussion:

 Interprets the results and explains their implications.

 Compares the findings to previous research.
 Identifies any limitations or suggests future research directions.

Conclusion:

 Summarizes the main points of the research.

  Provides a conclusion based on the findings.
 May suggest implications for future research or practical applications of the results.

References:

 Lists the sources cited in the research summary, following the appropriate citation
style.

How to Write a Research Summary:

- Read the research article or study thoroughly to understand its purpose, design, methodology,
results, and conclusions.

- Identify the main points and key findings.

- Follow this structure:

- Introduction: Introduce the research problem and its significance.

- Methodology: Summarize the research design and methods.

- Results: Present the main findings.

- Discussion: Interpret the results and discuss implications.

- Conclusion: Summarize the research and provide a conclusion.

- References: List the cited sources.

The purpose of a summary:

The purpose of a research summary is to concisely convey the essential information from a
research study to a broader audience. Here are its key objectives:

1. Accessibility and Communication:

 - Accessible Format: Summaries make complex research more accessible by presenting it in a
condensed form.

- Communication: Researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can quickly grasp the
study’s main points without reading the entire paper.

2. Efficient Information Transfer:

- Time-Saving: Summaries save time for busy professionals who need to stay informed about
recent research.

- Decision-Making: Policymakers and practitioners can base decisions on summarized

findings.

3. Dissemination and Impact:

- Wider Audience: Summaries allow researchers to share their work beyond academia.

- Broader Impact: By reaching a wider audience, research can influence practice, policy, and
public understanding.

4. Research Synthesis:

- Integration: Summaries help integrate findings from multiple studies.

- Meta-Analysis: Researchers use summaries to conduct meta-analyses or systematic reviews.

5. Educational Use:

- Teaching and Learning: Summaries serve as educational tools for students, helping them
understand research concepts.

- Classroom Discussions: Instructors can use summaries to facilitate discussions.

How to improve skills in writing research summaries?

Improving your skills in writing research summaries involves a combination of practice,

understanding the key components, and following effective strategies. Here are some tips to
enhance your research summary writing skills:

1. Understand the Research:

- Read Thoroughly: Begin by thoroughly reading the research paper or article. Understand the
research question, methodology, and key findings.

- Identify Main Points: Highlight or take notes on the main points, significant results, and
conclusions.

2. Focus on Clarity and Conciseness:

- Be Succinct: Summaries should be concise. Avoid unnecessary details or jargon.

- Clear Language: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid complex sentences.

3. Structure Your Summary:

Briefly introduce the research topic and its importance. Mention the research question
or objective. Summarize the research design, data collection methods, and sample sizes.
Highlight the key findings. Use bullet points or short sentence. Include relevant statistics or data.
Interpret the results. Explain their implications. Discuss limitations or areas for future research.
Conclude by summarizing the overall impact of the study.

4. Practice Writing Summaries:

- Start Small: Begin with shorter articles or studies.

 - Rewrite Existing Summaries: Take existing research summaries and rewrite them in your own
words.

5. Peer Review and Feedback:

- Seek Feedback: Share your summaries with peers, instructors, or mentors.

- Learn from Others: Analyze well-written summaries to understand effective techniques.

6. Use Templates or Guidelines:

- Templates: Some journals or institutions provide summary templates. Follow these

guidelines.

- Checklists: Create a checklist to ensure you cover all essential components.

7. Pay Attention to Citations:

- Include References: If required, include citations to the original research.

- Follow Citation Styles: Use the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

8. Edit and Revise:

- Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

- Trim Unnecessary Words: Eliminate redundancy.

9. Stay Objective:

- Avoid Personal Opinions: Summaries should be objective and factual.

10. Learn from Examples:

- Analyze Well-Written Summaries: Study summaries published in reputable journals.

- Learn from Experts: Observe how experienced researchers summarize their work.

Findings:

Research findings refer to the results obtained from a study or investigation

conducted through a systematic and scientific approach. These findings are the
outcomes of the data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation carried out during the
research process.

There are two main types of research findings:

1. Qualitative Findings:

- Qualitative research is an exploratory research method used to

understand the complexities of human behavior and experiences.

- Qualitative findings are non-numerical and descriptive data that describe

the meaning and interpretation of the data collected.

- Examples of qualitative findings include quotes from participants,

themes that emerge from the data, and descriptions of experiences and phenomena.

2. Quantitative Findings:
 - Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to
measure and quantify a phenomenon or behavior.

- Quantitative findings include numerical data such as mean, median, and

mode, as well as statistical analyses like t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis.

- These findings are often presented in tables, graphs, or charts.

Both qualitative and quantitative findings are important in research and can
provide different insights into a research question or problem. Combining both
types of findings can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a
phenomenon and improve the validity and reliability of research results.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of a research paper is a crucial section where you summarize your ideas
and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Its primary goals include:

1. Restating the Problem: Remind the reader of the research problem you addressed in
the paper. Avoid using phrases like “In conclusion” or “To conclude.” Instead, find a
novel way to circle back to the problem from the detailed ideas discussed in the body
of your paper.

2. Summarizing the Paper: Sum up how your paper addressed the problem. Depending
on the nature of your research, this might involve restating your thesis, summarizing
arguments, or presenting overall findings.

3. Discussing Implications: Consider the broader implications of your research. What

are the key takeaways? How does your work contribute to the field?
 Remember, your conclusion should make its function clear without relying on obvious
signposting phrases. It’s your chance to have the final say, synthesize your thoughts, and
emphasize the importance of your ideas.

Recommendations:
Recommendations in research play a pivotal role in the discussion section and the
conclusion of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper. They guide future studies and provide
insights for further exploration. Here’s how to craft effective recommendations:

1. Be Concrete and Specific:

- Ensure your recommendations are clear and actionable. Avoid vague statements.
- Provide specific directions for future research or practical applications.

2. Connect to Your Research:

- Tie your recommendations directly to your study’s findings.
- Highlight ways other researchers can replicate your results or build upon them.

3. Avoid Common Pitfall:

- Don’t undermine your own work. Instead, suggest how future studies can expand on
it.
- Recommendations shouldn’t be necessary to complete your argument; your research
should stand on its own merits.

Now, let’s create an example using the formula: research question ➡ conclusion ➡
recommendation:

Research Question:
How can teachers at local preschools ensure that social skills contributing to peer
relationships are promoted in children aged 1 to 4?
Conclusion:
 An essential condition for controlling many social skills is mastering language. Improved
language skills allow children to express themselves better and understand their peers.
Recommendation:
To promote social skills, focus on language development. Opportunities for practicing
social skills depend on language proficiency.

Remember, recommendations should guide future research and contribute to the broader
scientific discourse.

Writing a research report:

Writing a research report involves presenting the results of a research project or study in
a clear and objective manner. Here are the essential components of a research report:

Introduction:
-Set the stage by providing a brief overview of the research question or problem.
-Clearly state the purpose of the study and its significance.
-Optionally, include background information or a literature review to contextualize the
research.
Literature Review:
-Conduct a critical analysis and synthesis of existing research relevant to the research
question.
-Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the literature.
-Establish the theoretical framework or conceptual model guiding your research.
Methodology:
-Describe the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data.
-Include details about the sample or participants, data collection instruments, and data
analysis techniques.
-Ensure clarity and provide enough information for other researchers to replicate the
study1.
Results:
-Present the findings objectively.
-Describe the data and statistics used to answer the research question or test hypotheses.
-Use tables, graphs, and figures to visualize data and highlight key findings.
Discussion:
-Interpret the results and explain their significance.
-Compare findings with previous studies.
-Identify implications for future research or practice.
-Avoid speculation or unfounded conclusions.
Conclusion:
-Summarize key findings and restate the main argument from the introduction.
-Highlight contributions to the field and practical implications.
References:
List all sources cited in the research report using a specific citation style (e.g., APA or
MLA).
Remember, a research report should be written promptly after completing the study while
the information is fresh in your mind.