Lab Research Report Checklist

This checklist is a summary of everything that a good report should contain. You should use it as a guide while writing your Lab Research Reports. When you have finished the report, use it to check that you haven't missed anything.


Research Report Quick Check List

Section 1:  Exploration

Introduction

  • Topic of the investigation is described. 
  • Research Question is precisely defined 
  • Independent variable(s), dependent variable(s) and controlled factors are all clearly identified.
  • Personal Engagement or Creativity with the investigation is demonstrated. Relevant theory and vocabulary are introduced. 
  • Relevant scientific context is introduced and discussed.
  • Theory is used to suggest a prediction or model, if appropriate.  
  • Safety, environmental, and ethical concerns are addressed.

Methods

  • Experimental setup is described, often with use of images or diagrams. 
  • Methods for collecting sufficient independent variable data are described. 
  • Methods for collecting sufficient dependent variable data are described. 
  • Methods for controlling other relevant factors are described. 
  • Diagrams are clearly annotated and captioned.

Section 2: Analysis

Data Collection

  • Quantitative data, including uncertainties, is presented fully and appropriately. 
  • Qualitative data is presented fully and appropriately (if relevant).

Data Processing

  • All manipulation and processing of data needed is clearly shown, including:
    • Samples of all calculations performed.
    • Samples of all uncertainty calculations performed.
    • Samples of how data was obtained from computer-generated graphs, if appropriate.
  • Processed data results are presented appropriately (graph, table, figure…) 
  • Results are presented to enable a conclusion addressing the research question.

  Further details on requirements for the Analysis section

Quantitative Data ­ Tables

  • Head each column with a label and unit, and an uncertainty ( ± ) if appropriate.
  • Report data to the appropriate number of significant figures.
  • Organize data clearly so that it is easy to interpret and see any trends (patterns).
  • Title each table (e.g.: Table 3: Mass of reactants vs. Time)
  • Write a caption describing table contents if anything is unusual or needs explanation.

Qualitative Data

  • Include a clear description of what you SAW (use descriptive adjectives!)
  • This data is also best included in a table, and can be important in your evaluation.

Sample Calculations

  • Give one example of each important calculation done on the raw data. (formula / substitution / final value)
  • Label what calculation you are showing (ex. Calculation of Percent Change in Mass)
  • Identify and use the same treatment and trial for the sample calculations.
  • Uncertainty ( ± ) in the average of 3 trials is half the range of the trials, rounded to 1 significant figure. (ie, (max ­ min) / 2 )
  • Averages should be rounded to the decimal place where the uncertainty starts.
  • Use units and make your calculations neat and organized.

Graphs

  • Include a label (such as Figure 1 ­ ) and a caption describing the graph.
  • Note in the caption important values (peaks, starting points, durations, slopes, y­ or x­intercepts) and explain their meaning, if appropriate.
  • Put the independent variable on the x­axis, and the dependent variable on the y­axis
  • Include labels and units for each axis.
  • Scale your graph appropriately (Start from (0,0), data takes 75% of the space.)
  • Size your graph appropriately so that it is easy to read the labels and analysis boxes.
  • Use an appropriate curve or line fit, if needed.

Section 3: Evaluation

Conclusion

  • What the results show regarding the research question is fully discussed.
  • The answer to the research question is presented as an equation from a graph, if appropriate.
  • The conclusion is placed in its scientific context. 
  • The conclusion is compared to any predictions made.
  • The results are compared to any ‘known’ or literature values, if appropriate.
  • A discussion of how strongly and reliably the conclusions are supported by the results is included.
  • Any limitations on the validity of the conclusions are discussed.
  • The level of confidence in the conclusion is discussed and justified.

Evaluation

  • Strengths in the experimental set­up are discussed by considering
    • the techniques used for controlling factors
    • the techniques used for making measurements in terms of accuracy, reliability, and repeatability.
  • Weaknesses in the experimental set­up are discussed by considering
    • the techniques used for controlling factors
    • the techniques used for making measurements in terms of accuracy, reliability, and repeatability.
  • Several of the most important sources of error, along with their impact on the results, are discussed.
  • Ways to reduce or eliminate each of the issues/sources of error outlined above are suggested.
  • Do not state "human error" as sources of error.
  • Do not say “be more careful”, “try not to spill”, etc.

4. Communication

  • Tables, diagrams and graphs are titled with captions.
  • The presentation of the report is clear.
  • Report sections are in order.
  • Tables, figures, and/or graphs and captions are not split across pages.
  • Subject specific terminology and conventions is appropriate and correct.
  • Sources are correctly cited using MLA formatting.
 

Here is a pdf version of the checklist.

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