Chapter 11 – Report and Research Basics

Reports are necessary in business. Employees need to communicate both horizontally with each other through reports and vertically to supervisors. One of the most important steps of making a report is the process of collecting information.

Data can be categorized in two categories, which are primary and secondary. Primary data is based on firsthand experience, while secondary data is based on reading what others have experienced, observed, and written down.

Gathering information from secondary sources can be obtained through print resources and electronic databases.

1. Print Resources

Despite this sophisticated era, print sources are still the most dominant part of most libraries. Not all of information can be found in electronic data. You may begin your research by talking to a reference librarian about your project, so he or she will give you the right direction.

a. Books

They offer excellent historical, in-depth data locate data through print or online listings, such as card catalogs,and online catalogs.

b. Periodicals

Magazines, pamphlets, and journals are considered as periodicals because of their recurrent, or periodic, publication. Periodicals can be found in print indexes and electronic indexes.

2. Electronic Databases 

Gathering information from primary sources can be obtained through survey, interviews, observation, or experimentation.