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What is the basic structure of a scientific report?

What other features need to be included?

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What is the basic structure of a scientific report

Following the traditional structure of a scientific/technical report is the usually the best approach. However, in some instances it may be useful to alter the structure to suit the needs of the end-user. The basic structure of a report is as follows (use this structure for your individual survey reports):

• Summary
  This should contain a brief description of the survey followed by the main results, conclusions and recommendations. Keep it brief. Point form may be appropriate.

• Contents
  Include a Table of Contents and Lists of Figures, Tables and Plates, all with correct page numbering.

• Introduction
  This should state the reason(s) for doing the work, the nature of the hypothesis or hypotheses under consideration, and should outline the essential background to the survey.

• Methods and Materials
  This should provide sufficient details of the location, dates, trapping effort and sampling techniques to enable the work to be repeated. Describe the types of statistical analysis used.

• Results
  This should state the results (obvious to some but not others), drawing attention to important details in tables and figures.

• Discussion
  This should point out the significance of the results in relation to the reasons for doing the work, and place the results in context of other work.

• Recommendations
  This should state and prioritise the management and research options based on results and discussion.

• References
  All references cited in the text should be listed alphabetically at the end of the document. The format of references may vary among different reports, but it must be consistent within the report. Use the format of one of the journals published in your discipline area (e.g. Austral Ecology click on 'Instructions for authors').

• Appendices
  Additional information that is not an essential part of the report. May include such things as species lists, summary of location of sites sampled, a copy of proforma sheets and raw data.

What other features need to be included?

• Tables
  Tables should be clear and as simple as possible. They should be summaries of your results and aid in interpretation. Information in a table should not be repeated in the text. Long lists and the like should be placed in the appendices. All tables should be numbered, referred to in the text and every table requires a short (one or two sentence) description of the contents placed above the table.
  
  The table caption should be written such that it would make sense to someone who had not read the rest of your report. For example a table lising species collected should not be labelled "Table X: Species collected". The caption should include sites, dates and other relevant information as well.

• Figures
  The effective use of figures can make the difference between a 'run of the mill' and an insightful and enjoyable report. Figures attract attention and help you present information quickly, concisely, clearly and accurately. All figures should be numbered and referred to in the text. Every figure requires a short (one or two sentence) description of the contents placed below the figure. This caption should make sense to someone who has not read the rest of the report.

• Species List
  A species list is an important facet of flora and fauna survey reporting. In brief, it presents a list of all known species from the survey area. This includes the results from the current survey combined with historical sources.
  • simple species list
    Involves a basic list of the species recorded during the survey. The simplest species lists contain no other information, just the names. The most important aspect is correct spelling and the order of listing. Keep different groups separate (e.g. birds, mammals, reptiles) and within these groups order the species by family (e.g. mammals - monotremes, marsupials, rodents and feral species).

  • annotated species list
    An annotated species list may include notes relating to the historical records of individual species, local abundance, preferred habitat, conservation status, interesting observations and specific notes regarding behaviour.

    A number of guidelines should be followed in presenting annotated species lists, for example

  • Correct nomenclature
  • Clear references to historical sources
    

   

• Proof reading
  The final step before heading off to the printers. Reading a typographic error on the first page of a 100-page report does nothing in getting the reading 'on your side'. Carefully read through the report noting mistakes in grammar, spelling, typing, page numbering, references and any other aspect that detracts from the report. Always give a copy to a colleague or friend to read through before you submit your report. You may wish to choose a colleague from this course to be your proof reader.