5.1 Outline of a Research Report

The Trainee’s research report consists of the following:

Main Components of a Research Report

1. Preliminary Pages: Pages before Chapter One numbered in Roman Numerals.
   • a) Title page;
   • b) Preliminary pages which include Declaration, Approval, Commitment by the Research Supervisor, Authorisation and Copyright, Dedication, Acknowledgement, Table of contents, List of Figures, Acronyms, Definition of Terms, and Abstract;
2. Main Body:
   • c) Chapter One: Introduction;
   • d) Chapter Two: Literature Review;
   • e) Chapter Three: Methodology;
   • f) Chapter Four: Findings of the Study;
   • g) Chapter Five: Discussion, Limitations, Conclusion, Recommendations, and Nursing implications;
3. References:
   • h) Reference list;
4. Appendices:
   • Appendix I: Consent form
   • Appendix II: Data collection tool(s) or instrument(s)
   • Appendix III: Copy of Introduction letter
   • Appendix IV: Letter of authorisation by authorities of study area
   • Appendix V: A Copy of a letter from IRC
   • Appendix VI: Maps showing location of study area
   • Appendix VII: Similarity Index Report processed by “Turnitin” a plagiarism checking open-source software

Each Chapter of the Trainee’s research shall consist of the following:

5.1.1 Chapter One: Introduction

This Chapter should be structured as follows:

• 1.0 Introduction:
• 1.1. Background: This should be half a page. It must be concise and precise.
• 1.2 Problem Statement: This should be half a page;
• 1.3. Purpose of the study;
• 1.4 Specific objectives: These should be 2-3 SMART objectives;
• 1.5 Research questions;
• 1.6 Justification: This should include the rationale for conducting the study;
• 1.7 Significance: This should have the importance of contribution to academic knowledge.

5.1.2 Chapter Two: Literature Review

This Chapter should be 3-5 Pages and arranged as follows:

• 2.0 Introduction: This should not be more than a half page;
• 2.1 Body: This should be 3-5 pages.

5.1.3 Chapter Three: Methodology

Chapter three (3) should be structured as follows:

• 3.0 Introduction;
• 3.1 Study design: This should include the rationale;
• 3.2 Study setting: This should include the rationale;
• 3.3. Study population;
• 3.4 Sample size determination and its justification: Use simple scientific method;
• 3.5 Sampling method/procedure: This should include the rationale;
• 3.6 Inclusion and exclusion criteria;
• 3.7. Study variables;
• 3.8 Research instruments/tools;
• 3.9 Data collection method/procedure;
• 3.10 Data management and analysis e.g., use of Microsoft Excel;
• 3.11 Quality Assurance: Validity and Reliability;
• 3.12 Ethical considerations;
• 3.13 Dissemination of study findings.

5.1.4 Chapter Four: Findings of the Study

This Chapter should be 3-5 Pages and structured as follows:

• 4.0 Introduction: Description of the sample size and data presentation methods;
• 4.1 Demographic characteristics should be preferably in one table;
• 4.2 Research Objective 1: Use tables and figures or use of summarised narrative statements;
• 4.3 Research Objective 2: Use tables and figures or use of summarised narrative statements;
• 4.4 Research Objective 3: Use tables and figures or use of summarised narrative statements;

5.1.5 Chapter Five: Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations

This Chapter should be structured as follows:

Introduction:

5.1.5a) Discussion

• The discussions should be 2-3 pages;
• It should have an introduction;
• Be aligned with the study objectives and presented as subheadings;
• While candidates should revisit the study findings, they should not copy and paste the findings;
• Should relate to the statement of the problem and purpose of the study;
• Comparisons and contrasts should be made in line with the cited literature review to form a basis for argument while relating to the findings;
• Minimise speculation in the discussions.

5.1.5b) Limitations:

• Refers to the constraints or weaknesses in a study that may affect the validity, reliability or generalizability of the findings.

5.1.5c) Conclusions:

• These should be summarised in paragraphs, consistent with study objectives, and cover half a page;

5.1.5d) Recommendations:

• Refer to the conclusions and clearly state which authority or individual should take which action. Present not more than 4 key recommendations;

5.1.5e) Implications to Nursing Practice:

• Highlight the impact and relevancy of the findings to the Nursing practice or how the findings will be important in improving Nursing practice.

7.0 APPENDICES FOR FINAL RESEARCH REPORT

• Appendix I: Consent form
• Appendix II: Data collection tool(s) or instrument(s)
• Appendix III: Copy of Introduction letter
• Appendix IV: Letter of authorisation by authorities of study area
• Appendix V: A Copy of a letter from IRC
• Appendix VI: Maps showing location of study area
• Appendix VII: Similarity Index Report processed by “Turnitin” a plagiarism checking open-source software

Key Differences Between a Research Proposal and a Research Report

Feature	Research Proposal	Research Report
Title Pages	One title page.	Two title pages.
Tense	Written in the future tense (e.g., "This study will investigate...").	Written in the past tense (e.g., "This study investigated...").
Abstract	Not included/applicable.	Summarizes the completed research, including objectives, methods, actual results, and conclusions derived.
Declaration	Focuses on the originality and ethical conduct planned for the research.	Declares the originality of the completed work and confirms adherence to ethical standards during the research.
Approval	Typically an approval from the supervisor or research committee for the proposed study.	Contains approvals for the completed research from relevant authorities or committees, confirming the final submission.
Copyright	Not applicable as the work is yet to be completed.	Reflects the copyright status of the completed work, protecting the intellectual property of the final report.
Authorization Page	Not applicable (authorizations are for the execution of the study).	Contains authorizations and approvals granted for the conduct of the study and the submission of the completed work.
Dedication	Not applicable.	Can include a dedication to individuals, groups, or entities who provided support or inspiration during the research process.
Acknowledgement	Not applicable.	Acknowledges actual support received (financial, technical, intellectual, personal) during the research execution.
List of Tables & Figures	Not applicable (tables/figures are generally expected but not yet finalized).	Lists actual tables and figures used in the completed report, along with their page numbers.
Main Body (Chapters)	Chapters 1-3: Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the stage for the proposed research. Chapter 2 (Literature Review): Summarizes existing research relevant to the proposed study to justify it. Chapter 3 (Research Methodology): Details the planned research approach, design, and procedures.	Chapters 1-5: Chapter 1 (Introduction): Provides context, objectives, and significance of the conducted study. Chapter 2 (Literature Review): Comprehensive review of existing literature, often updated to reflect the current understanding relevant to the findings. Chapter 3 (Research Methodology): Details the methodology actually implemented, including any deviations or refinements. Chapter 4 (Results): Presentation of the research findings (data, statistics, qualitative themes). Chapter 5 (Discussion, Limitations, Conclusion, Recommendations, Nursing Implications): Interpretation and analysis of findings, discussion of study constraints, overall conclusions, actionable recommendations, and practical implications.
Appendices	May include proposed research tools (e.g., draft questionnaire), projected budget, and planned workplan.	Omits budget and workplan (as they are part of the planning/execution phase), includes actual final research tools used, consent forms, authorization letters, and a plagiarism report.
Additional Pages	N/A.	May include an introductory letter accompanying the final report to provide context for the completed work.

Dissemination of Research Findings

Beyond the completion of a research report, it is crucial to disseminate the findings. Dissemination refers to the strategies employed by the researcher to ensure that individuals concerned with or interested in the research findings become aware of the study and its outcomes.

Strategies for Dissemination of Research Findings

These strategies include:

• Oral presentations through Continuous Medical Education (CMEs)
• Poster presentations
• Seminars
• Publications in academic journals
• Conferences
• Magazines
• Newspapers etc.

Chapter Four: Findings of the Study

This is the results section of your research report. It primarily involves the presentation of data, often in statistical forms.

Statistical data refers to all numerical descriptions of events, things, or objects. They take the form of counting or measurements, e.g., sex and age distribution of children with diarrheal diseases, clinically diagnosed cases of malaria.

Statistical Methods

These are the different means of organizing, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data for a better understanding of a phenomenon, allowing for sound decisions/conclusions.

Statistical methods can be broadly categorized as:

• Descriptive Statistics
• Analytical Statistics

Descriptive and Analytical Statistics:

• Descriptive statistics involves the organization, presentation, and summarization of data.
• Analytical statistics involves the organization, presentation, summarization, and finding an association between variables.

Statistical Variable

A statistical variable refers to any measurable characteristic that assumes a different value among individuals or subjects, e.g., temperature, blood pressure, age, weight, etc.

Statistical variables can be:

• Quantitative variables: These can be measured in the form of numbers, as opposed to names or descriptions of events.
• Qualitative variables: These cannot be measured in the form of numbers but rather names, e.g., degree of pain (like moderate, severe pain); tribe (like Ganda, Nyankole), etc.

Presentation of Data

Data presentation is important in any research study. It helps to summarize all the raw data into information that can be easily read and appreciated by other readers of your work. Data can be presented in the form of tables, figures (i.e., graphs, pie charts, line graphs, histograms, etc.). These form visual aids that help the reader to quickly understand the information.

Tables:

• Tables help to summarize and give a picture of the size, shape, and distribution of the study findings.
• These can be presented as:
  • Frequency distribution tables
  • Grouped Frequency distribution tables
• For a table to be clearly understood, it must be properly constructed.

How to Construct a Table:

• Ensure the table has an appropriate title.
• The title should be above the table.
• Every table must be numbered to facilitate easy referencing.
• Should fit on one page.
• Column and row headings should be brief and clear.
• Units of headings should be clearly indicated.

Figures (Graphs, Charts):

• Figures help to give a valuable supplement to the statistical analysis.
• They help to show the trends of distribution.
• When constructing a figure, follow the same guidelines as for a table, but the heading of a figure is usually placed below the figure.

Chapter Five: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations

This section of the research report deals with discussions of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study findings. In the recommending sections, you also highlight the nursing implications of the study findings.

Key Points in Discussion of Results:

• Discussion must be based on the major findings of your study.
• Findings of your study must be related to findings of other previously done studies, i.e., relate your findings to your literature review. Discuss whether the findings are in agreement or disagreement.
• If your crucial findings do not relate to any literature reviewed, also acknowledge it.