Research Reports, Organization of

Communication research takes various forms, such as peer-reviewed articles in academic journals, competitively selected or invited book chapters, or detailed monographs on singular topics. Regardless of the forum, research needs to be well organized so that readers can grasp its key points and contributions. The organization of research reports combines form and content, since authors have to make a sound argument, using both to meaningfully impact readers and the broader field. Effective organization has as much to do with particular styles specified by the forum (i.e., academic journal, book), as with the underlying argument sought to be made, and the authors’ subjectivity. This entry focuses first on style guidelines and organization of research reports, then explores how to make an effective argument and how to ...