Business Communication, 3rd Edition

Appendix 2

The Process of Research

“If a man will begin with certainties, he will end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he will end in certainties.”

—Francis Bacon

INTRODUCTION

A report involves three things: (1) research (investigation), (2) analysis, and (3) presentation. The reader’s interest in the report is primarily in its well-documented presentation of facts and conclusions, but a report can never meet the expectations or needs of the reader unless the writer labours through careful research and provides a critical analysis of the data collected. Therefore, to write reports (for decision makers in business), you should first understand some research methods and hone your analytical skills.

STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC ...