Post 4- Research Memo

Instructions: A research memo analyzes a small set of data in few pages. This language is concise, and it should be no more than 2-3 pages in length.

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Title (Provide a title that summarizes and is catchy.)

Section One: Hypothesis

Write this response in a paragraph or more with leading topic sentences. In this section, state and explain one or more of your research questions. State your personal beliefs on what you think the answer should be. Even though this is your opinion, do not overuse “I”.

Section Two: Context

Answer these questions in a paragraph or more with leading topic sentences. Who was your target audience? Why did you choose these respondents? Are your results reliable and valid? How do you know? Is any data biased or skewed because of invalid questioning?

Section Three: Results

This is where you insert your data. This should be placed in a graph, chart, map, or table form to ease for readers. This can be done in multiple tables with appropriate labels, such as “Figure 1.”

Section Four: Data Analysis

Write this response in a paragraph or more with leading topic sentences. This is where you analyze your data from the results section. This should your longest and most analytical section. As you analyze your data, you should break it up into three findings or patterns that you noted with your data. One finding can compensate for multiple survey questions. After you state a finding, use statistical data from your results section to support your answer.

·         Findings One (Should your strongest, most valid point)

·         Findings Two (Second strongest)

·         Findings Three (Third strongest)

Section Five: Conclusion:

Connect back to your hypothesis. Where you correct? Why? What was different than expected? Why? What can you conclude about your question based on the data.

Section Six: Follow Up

Where do you want to go from here with your research? Which of your five essential research questions should logically be researched next? As a result of this research, have you changed your research questions? If so, why?

Here are three blogs are that are good examples of research memos. If you like their topic, then follow their blogs!
Valerie: http://sanchezisearch.blogspot.com/2011/11/tech-too-can-make-some-wrecks.html
Jhanai: http://aikenisearch.blogspot.com/2011/11/research-memo-1.html
Reid: http://blaineisearch.blogspot.com/2011/11/public-opinion.html