CORONA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, APAPA, LAGOS STATE

RESEARCH REPORT WRITING FORMAT

RESEARCH REPORT

A research report encapsulates the entirety of a research study and is typically submitted upon
the completion of the research project. At Corona College of Education, Lagos, a standard
research report is structured into five chapters, each serving a distinct purpose in documenting
and presenting the research findings.

PREAMBLE

The completion of a research project is an essential academic requirement that every student
must satisfy before graduating from a programme of study in a tertiary institution. A research
project is a structured and systematic investigation undertaken to examine a specific problem,
generate new knowledge, provide solutions to identified challenges, or contribute to existing
scholarly literature within a particular field of study. As such, it demands commitment,
intellectual rigour, critical analysis, and strict adherence to established research principles and
procedures.

Despite the importance of this academic exercise, many students often fail to observe the
prescribed guidelines for project writing or devote the level of attention necessary to produce
quality research work. In some instances, students neglect the valuable guidance and
recommendations provided by their supervisors, preferring to adopt shortcuts and other
inappropriate approaches that ultimately undermine the quality, credibility, and academic
integrity of their projects. Such practices not only diminish the educational value of the research
process but also hinder the development of essential research and analytical skills.

To address these challenges and promote excellence in research writing, this Research Project
Guide for Writing and Presenting Research Project Reports has been developed as a

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practical resource for both students and supervisors. The Guide provides clear and
comprehensive information on the standards, procedures, and expectations governing research
project writing within the College. Written in a simple, user-friendly, and well-structured
manner, it serves as a valuable reference for the preparation, organisation, and presentation of
research reports in accordance with approved academic requirements.

The primary purpose of this Guide is to explain the various stages involved in conducting and
reporting a research study. It is divided into two major sections. Section One provides detailed
explanations of the different components of a research report, including the preliminary pages,
the main chapters and their respective sub-sections, as well as practical guidance on how to
undertake a systematic and meaningful research investigation. It also outlines the essential steps
involved in identifying a research problem, collecting and analysing data, interpreting findings,
and drawing appropriate conclusions.

Section Two focuses on the approved format and technical requirements for writing, organising,
and presenting a research report. It provides guidance on matters such as page arrangement,
formatting style, referencing procedures, presentation standards, and other essential requirements
necessary for producing a well-organised and academically acceptable project report.

This Project Writing Guide embodies the fundamental principles and best practices required for
the successful preparation of a high-quality research report for the Nigeria Certificate in
Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programmes. The contents
of the Guide have been carefully reviewed and approved by the College Project Committee and
therefore constitute the official standard for project writing and presentation within the
institution.

Students and supervisors are strongly encouraged to utilise this Guide throughout the research
process. Consistent adherence to its provisions will promote uniformity, enhance the quality of
research outputs, strengthen academic standards, and ensure that project reports meet the
expectations of the College and the wider academic community.

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This introduces or begins a research report. Here, the researcher will provide a justification for
the study and provide the research questions and hypotheses that will be answered and tested in
the course of the study. It includes subheadings explained below.

Background to the Study: The first portion of Chapter One comprises the general description,
which may include a broader overview of the topic. In this section of the introduction, the
researcher provides a quick overview of the issue to be discussed. It is the collection of sufficient
information based on an analysis of the problem or suggested argument using the variables of
relevance to the investigation. Students are tasked with outlining, in general terms, the larger
scope of the subject under investigation. This will act as the foundation for introducing the
problem. It will also serve as a means of establishing a link between the problem under
investigation and the greater area of concern for individuals and organisations.

Statement of the Problem: It is a justification of the study as well as a conviction on why the
study should be undertaken. Students should be able to state the problem clearly and
convincingly, justify or show the necessity of finding a solution to it, as well as the implications
of such a problem. It identifies the gap between the current state (i.e., what the problem is) and
the desired state (how it should be) of a process or product. In the discussion of the problem, the
key variables serve as a guide for what the problem is and the implications of the problem to be
addressed.

Purpose of the Study: The aim, or what is expected to be achieved at the end of the study, is
stated here. Here, the research title is broken down into highlights. The purpose of the study is to
find a solution to the problem or find relationships that exist between the problem and other

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problems by breaking the problem into its component parts through exploration or analysis. Four
(4) to five (5) specific statements (objectives) of what the research intends to do to achieve the
main aim could be stated.

Research Questions: These are guides to the research in his quest to provide answers to the
problem being investigated. A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex, and
arguable question around which you centre your research. Such research questions should be in
line with the aim and objective of the study. When the research questions are answered, the
objectives of the study are achieved. From the general research questions, minor research
questions can be formulated, and these are specific questions that may be used eventually as
questions for the construction of the questionnaire or study instrument. The researcher should ask
a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious about. These statements are translated
into specific, testable predictions made about identified dependable and independent variables.

Research Hypotheses (if any): The hypothesis should be measurable and express a relationship
between two or more variables. Hypotheses are basic assumptions regarding the variables, that
is, the statements of relationships between variables. They are conjectural or tentative statements
about the relationship between the variables to be proved right or wrong. It also serves as a guide
for the investigator in his or her quest for data or information for the investigation. Hypotheses
could be derived from the literature reviewed and should be in line with or complement the
research questions to achieve the study objectives.

Significance of the Study: This is about who benefits and how they benefit from the findings of
the study. It also describes the individuals, groups, or bodies that will benefit from the study. It
should relate to the recommendations to be given in Chapter 5.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study: These are limitations consciously set by the researcher so
that the objectives of the study do not become impossible to achieve. It indicates the geographic
location, age, sex, population traits, population size, or other similar considerations that may
arise in the course of the study.

Operational Definition of Terms: Here, the researcher defines terms that are uniquely used in
the research. The terms are defined in the context of the study. The definition of unfamiliar terms
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will be necessary when technical terms are used or when concepts are used in a specific way in
the study. The terms are arranged alphabetically.

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The review of related literature is a critical component of any research project. It involves a
systematic examination, analysis, and synthesis of existing scholarly works that are relevant to
the study under investigation. Such sources may include academic journals, textbooks,
conference papers, dissertations, theses, government publications, historical documents,
newspapers, and other credible research materials (between 2020-2026). The purpose of
reviewing the literature is to provide a solid foundation upon which the study is built and to
demonstrate the researcher's familiarity with existing knowledge in the field.

The literature review serves as a data-gathering and knowledge-building process through which
the researcher identifies what has already been studied, the findings that have been established,
and the areas that require further investigation. It helps to ensure that the proposed study does not
merely duplicate previous research but rather contributes meaningfully to the advancement of
knowledge. Through a careful examination of existing studies, the researcher is able to identify
gaps, inconsistencies, limitations, or unresolved issues in the literature that justify the need for
the present investigation.

A well-conducted literature review enables the researcher to establish the relevance of the study,
refine the research problem, develop appropriate research questions and hypotheses, and select
suitable theoretical and methodological approaches. It also demonstrates the candidate's
understanding of the subject matter and ability to critically evaluate scholarly contributions
within the chosen area of study.

To achieve these objectives, the literature review should be organised under the following major
sub-headings:

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1. Conceptual Review: This section focuses on the clarification and explanation of the key
concepts, variables, and terminologies related to the study. The researcher should define and
discuss the major concepts from the perspectives of different scholars, highlighting similarities,
differences, and emerging trends in their interpretations. The conceptual review helps to establish
a clear understanding of the subject matter and provides the conceptual framework upon which
the study is based.

2. Theoretical Review: The theoretical review examines the theories that are relevant to the
research problem. The researcher should identify, explain, and critically discuss the theories that
provide a foundation for understanding the phenomenon under investigation. Relevant
assumptions, propositions, strengths, and limitations of the selected theories should be discussed.
The section should also justify the choice of the theory or theories adopted for the study and
demonstrate how they relate to the research objectives and variables.

3. Empirical Review: The empirical review involves a critical examination of previous studies
that have been conducted on issues related to the research topic. This section should be organised
according to the variables reflected in the research questions and hypotheses. The researcher
should discuss the objectives, methodologies, findings, and conclusions of relevant studies while
identifying areas of agreement, contradiction, or inconsistency among researchers. The empirical
review helps to establish the current state of knowledge and provides evidence for the necessity
of the present study.

4. Appraisal of Reviewed Literature: This section provides a summary and critical evaluation
of the literature reviewed. The researcher should highlight the major findings, observations, and
trends emerging from the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical reviews. More importantly,
attention should be drawn to the gaps, deficiencies, inconsistencies, or unresolved issues
identified in the existing literature. These gaps should be clearly linked to the present study to
demonstrate its relevance, originality, and potential contribution to knowledge.

A comprehensive appraisal of the reviewed literature should therefore establish the justification
for undertaking the study and explain how the research intends to address the identified gaps in
the existing body of knowledge.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Preamble

This section is used to document the procedure taken by the researcher in the process of
providing answers to questions raised or hypotheses formulated in Chapter One (1). It is further
divided into the following subheadings.

Research Design: This refers to the blueprint or plan for executing the research study. This can
be a descriptive (survey) research design, a historical research design, an experimental research
design, etc. This has to do with the blueprint of the study that points the way to what should be
expected. It shows the research design being adopted for the study and why such a design is
found appropriate for the study.

Population of the Study: Here, the student should narrate all the elements that share similar
characteristics or features that are of interest to the study. This section explains all the elements
or subjects that share similar features that are of interest to the researcher. This has to do with the
characteristics of the population of the study, i.e., the total elements of the universe covered by
the study. The population of the study is a consensus of all items or subjects that possess the
characteristics or have knowledge of the phenomenon being investigated or studied. This should
be indicated with verifiable references. Before drawing the sample, the researcher must define
what the unit of analysis or study is—that is, what or who is being studied and what constitutes
the population from which the sample will be drawn. The nature of the study population must be
known because it helps in the choice of sampling technique.

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Sample and Sampling Technique: Here, the sample size and the methods of selection (i.e.,
sampling technique) are stated and explained in detail. The sample is part of the population or a
representative part of the population. After stating the sample size used, the narration of the
sampling technique adopted should follow. The students should need to state the type of
sampling technique used and how it was used to arrive at the sample size. The manner of
selecting the sample is as important as the size of the sample. The size of the sample is the
number of population elements that are selected for study. It must be adequate for generalisation;
this can be determined using the Taro Yamane Formular, Table, sample size calculator, and rule
of thumb, among others. This should be indicated with verifiable references.

Research Instrument: Under this section, the data collection tool is presented and narrated. This
can be a test, observation, interview, questionnaire, etc. The instrument should be given a title,
and the components of the instrument should be discussed in detail. (Note: A copy of the
instrument should be presented in the APPENDICES section.)

Validity of the Instrument: This emphasises the method by which the research ensures the
instrument to be used for data collection measures what it is expected to measure. Students are
not meant to present a definition here but should state the type of validity used and narrate how it
was used.

Reliability of the Instrument: This section gives the student the opportunity to narrate how the
research instrument was calibrated to consistently measure what was drawn to measure before
the main study commences. The definition of reliability should be avoided. Rather, the type of
reliability employed, and the procedure used to arrive at the correlation coefficient should be
documented here. The reliability coefficient of not less than 0.7 is expected to be the benchmark
for the adoption of the research instrument for the main study.

Method of Data Collection: This section should be used to narrate the procedure or method
embarked upon by the researcher to collect data from the selected sample with the use of the
research instrument(s).

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Method of Data Analysis: The statistical tool to be used in the study is stated here. This could
be descriptive, inferential, or both. Inferential statistics are often tested at the 0.05 percent level
of significance in education.

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

This section of Chapter Four focuses on the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of the data
collected during the course of the study. The primary purpose of data analysis is to organise,
summarise, and interpret the information obtained from respondents in a manner that facilitates
meaningful conclusions and informed recommendations.

The analysis of data is generally divided into two major sections. The first section deals with the
demographic and personal characteristics of the respondents. This includes relevant background
information such as gender, age, educational qualification, years of experience, marital status,
and other variables considered necessary for the study. The purpose of this analysis is to provide
a clear understanding of the composition of the study population and to establish the context
within which the findings should be interpreted.

The second section focuses on the analysis of data relating directly to the research questions and
hypotheses formulated in Chapter One. In this section, the researcher analyses the responses
obtained from the participants using appropriate statistical techniques. Depending on the nature
and objectives of the study, the analysis may involve descriptive statistics, inferential statistics,
or a combination of both, as specified in the Method of Data Analysis section of Chapter Three.
Descriptive statistics may include frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations,
while inferential statistics may involve techniques such as t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation

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analysis, regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and other relevant statistical
procedures.

The collected and analysed data are expected to be presented as follows:

1. Demographic analyses of the participants (such as gender, age range, etc.).

2. Answers to research questions.

3. Analysis of Research Hypotheses (if any).

4. Discussion of Findings

The presentation and analysis of data in this chapter should be organised under the following
sub-headings:

1. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents: This section presents the personal and

background information of the respondents. Relevant variables such as gender, age distribution,
educational qualification, occupation, years of experience, and other demographic characteristics
should be analysed and presented using appropriate tables, charts, and descriptive statistics.

2. Answer to Research Questions: The data collected in relation to each research question
should be analysed systematically. Each research question should be presented separately,
followed by the corresponding analysis and interpretation of the results. Appropriate statistical
measures should be used to provide clear and objective answers to the research questions.

3. Testing of Research Hypotheses (Where Applicable): Where hypotheses have been

formulated, they should be tested using suitable statistical tools and techniques. The results of
each hypothesis test should be presented clearly, indicating whether the hypothesis is accepted or
rejected based on the established level of significance. The interpretation of the findings should
be consistent with the statistical evidence obtained.

4. Discussion of Findings: After analysing the data collected in the Data Analysis section of
Chapter four, the researcher examines the research questions and hypotheses formulated. The
researcher deliberates the findings related to each research question or hypothesis and contrasts
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them with earlier related studies. It is required to review at least three previous studies on each
research question or hypothesis, with at least two corroborating the researcher's findings.
Conversely, at least one of the previous studies discussed could contradict the outcome of the
researcher's observations after analysis.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary: Here, the researcher gives a brief overview of the study and a brief summary of
chapters 1 to 4. The researcher refers to the aim of the research, population, sample, sampling
technique, instrument, statistics used in analysing data, and research findings.

Conclusion: In this section, the researcher takes a position based on the results of the analysis in
Chapter 1-5. This section is strictly guided by the answers provided to the research questions or
research hypotheses tested. Conclusions should be drawn from the findings.

Recommendations: The researcher gives recommendations based on the results of his or her
findings for the study. It should be noted that recommendations to be given by the researcher
should emanate from the research question answered, or hypotheses tested.

AFTER CHAPTER FIVE

 References

 Appendices

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PRELIMINARY PAGES

 Cover Page

 Title Page

 Certification

 Dedication

 Acknowledgements

 Table of Contents

 List of figures (if any)

 List of tables (if any)

 Abstract

o The Page should not be listed in the table of contents.

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 COVER PAGE

TITLE OF PROJECT/THESIS (not more than 21 words)

BY

NAME OF STUDENT (SURNAME, FIRST NAME SECONDNAME)

MATRICULATION NUMBER
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 MONTH, YEAR

TITLE PAGE

TITLE OF PROJECT/THESIS (not more than 21 words)

BY

NAME OF STUDENT

MATRICULATION NUMBER

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE

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 CORONA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILUPEJU.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION (PDE)

MONTH, YEAR

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this research study on <title> ---- was carried out by ----<name of
candidate> was carried out by ----<name of candidate>with matriculation number _______.

_____________________ _________________________
<Name of Supervisor> Signature & Date
Project Supervisor

_____________________ _________________________
<Name of PDE Coordinator> Signature & Date
PDE Coordinator

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_____________________ _________________________
External Examiner Signature & Date

DEDICATION

The dedication page is usually short, which could be a sentence or two. In this page, the
researcher uses it to honour, appreciate, or show respect to someone important to him or her.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The acknowledgement page is a page where you want to greet and salute the Almighty
God/Allah, Project Supervisor, PDE lecturers (List all the names of the lecturers that taught you),
classmates, family and friends, for their support and motivation in the course of the study. It also
includes saluting people who assisted you with needed information or data.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

The list of major subheadings of a research project is stated with their corresponding pages in the
research report.

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LIST OF FIGURES

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LIST OF TABLES

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 ABSTRACT

The abstract is a concise summary of the entire research study and should be written only after
the completion of the research project. This is written after the completion of the study, and it is
to be written in one paragraph. It provides readers with a brief overview of the study and enables
them to understand the nature, scope, methodology, key findings, and recommendations of the
research without necessarily reading the entire report.

The abstract should be presented in a single paragraph and written in clear, precise, and
straightforward language. It should generally range between 200 and 250 words, depending on
the requirements of the institution.

A standard abstract should contain the following essential components:

1. Background to the Study: A brief statement introducing the problem or issue that
necessitated the study.

2. Purpose of the Study: A concise description of the general objective or main aim of the
research.

3. Research Design: The research design adopted for the study, such as descriptive survey,
correlational, experimental, ex-post facto, or any other appropriate design.

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 4. Population of the Study: A brief indication of the target population from which data
were collected.

5. Sample and Sampling Technique: The sample size used, and the sampling procedure
employed in selecting the participants.

6. Research Instrument: The instrument(s) used for data collection, such as

questionnaires, interviews, observation schedules, tests, or rating scales.

7. Method of Data Analysis: The statistical techniques or analytical procedures utilised in

analysing the collected data.

8. Major Findings: A summary of the most important findings that emerged from the
study.

9. Recommendation(s): At least one major recommendation arising from the findings of

the study.

The abstract should be written in the past tense since it reports a study that has already been
completed. It should not contain tables, figures, diagrams, citations, references, abbreviations
that have not been explained, or lengthy discussions. The primary purpose of the abstract is to
provide a comprehensive but concise summary of the research project in a manner that enables
readers to quickly appreciate the essence and significance of the study.

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 FURTHER INFORMATION

Pagination for Preliminary Pages should be in ROMAN FIGURE, lower case, while Chapters
1–5: ARABIC NUMERAL should be used for other sections (that is, from the introduction to the
end).

Numerals under 10 should be spelled out; 10 and above are expressed as a number.

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 PRELIMINARY PAGES

These are the opening pages, and the pages are numbered in Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, lower
case). The order of arrangement is explained below.

Cover Page: This part contains the research topic, name and matriculation number of the
researcher, month, and year the study was conducted. This is not expected to be listed under the
table of contents.

Title Page: The title page contains personal information such as the title of the research study,
the address of the department or institution, the name and matriculation number of the
researcher, the objective of the report, and the date. The title of the research report should be
concise, clearly indicate the variables being investigated, and be descriptive. The title should be
short and clearly indicate what the study is about. It should be noted that a topic is stated with at
least two variables, i.e., dependent, and independent variables.

Certification: On this page shall be the certification of the project supervisor of the originality of
the study as a true work carried out by the student. The statements here shall read: This is to

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certify that this research project titled “…………………..’’, written by (student surname, and
other names) with the matriculation number (e.g., CCED/PDE/23/….) under my supervision”.
Followed by the supervisor’s name, signature, and date.

Dedication: The dedication page is usually short, which could be a sentence or two. In this page,
the researcher uses it to honour, appreciate, or show respect to someone important to him or her.

Acknowledgements: The acknowledgement page is a page where you want to greet and salute
friends, family, and teachers for their support and motivation in the course of the study. It also
includes saluting people who assisted you with needed information or data.

Table of Contents: The list of major subheadings of a research project is stated with their
corresponding pages in the research report.

List of Figures: This is a crucial component of the preliminary pages of a research project or
thesis. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of all the figures, illustrations,
diagrams, charts, graphs, or any other visual aids included in the document.

List of Tables: This is another essential component of the preliminary pages of a research
project or thesis. It serves a similar purpose by providing readers with an organised summary of
all the tables included in the document.

Abstract: This is a page that gives a brief preview of the entire study. An abstract is a short
summary of the report, which has at most 300 words. It gives a brief explanation of the research
report conducted by the researcher. An abstract contains a brief background to the study, a short
description of the purpose of the study, the population, sample and sampling procedure, research
instrument, method of data analysis, findings, and recommendations.

References: This is the part where all cited books, journals, magazines, articles, etc. are stated
following the most recent edition of the American Psychology Association (APA) format, which
is the 7th edition referencing style.

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Appendix: This is usually the last page of a research report. It contains documents such as
research instruments (e.g., tests, questionnaires, etc.), letters of introduction or permission,
photographs, tables, etc. used while conducting the study.

GENERAL RULES FORMAT

Paper Type and Printing: All projects must be prepared using a word processor. It is the
responsibility of the student to select a suitable word processor that is capable of meeting the
guidelines set below. It is the responsibility of the student to select equipment and software
packages capable of producing text to the required standards. An inappropriate selection may
result in an unacceptable manuscript and the need to start again.

Font Size: The students are expected to use Times New Roman and font size ‘12’. This must be
used throughout the project (including page numbering). The College reserves the right to
reject any manuscript because of an unacceptable typeface or because of poor print
quality.

Line Spacing and Paragraph Format: The term “line spacing” refers to the distance between
the lower baselines of two consecutive lines. The main text body must be written with double-
line spacing. Paragraphs must be justified and aligned. Use “12 pt distance” before and “12 pt
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distance” after each paragraph. Kindly note that this 12-point distance must be set for
paragraphing.

Language Usage: The project write-up should be in STANDARD BRITISH ENGLISH

LANGUAGE written in a simple form that can be easily understood without sacrificing the
technical nature of the study. The student should ensure the following:

1. Correctness of the spellings of the words.

2. Proper Punctuations.

3. Proper Capitalisation.

4. Proper use of italics.

5. Appropriate sentence Structure.

Hard Copies: Each student is required to submit three (3) hard bound copies of the completed
project to the College on or before the stipulated deadline for signature endorsement and
approval by the PDE Coordinator, and External Moderator.

All hard copies submitted must bear the Project Supervisor’s signature before submission to
the College. This means that students are expected to liaise with their respective supervisors and
ensure that their project works have been duly Reviewed, Approved, and Endorsed with the
Supervisor’s Signature prior to submission. Any project submitted without the supervisor’s
endorsement may not be processed for further approval.

Final Binding of Project/Thesis: All final projects are bound with hard cover with the
following colours:

NCE - Dark Black

PDE - Dark Black

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Number of Words: The project must have a MINIMUM word count of 15,000 words.

Prepared by:
Project Committee

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