Research Reports

Dr. Leo Finkelstein, Jr.

CS 415Social Implications of Computing

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Overview of Topics

Research Report RequirementsResearch Report Requirements

Deliverables and DatesDeliverables and Dates

Common Grammar and Style ErrorsCommon Grammar and Style Errors

Passive VoicePassive Voice

Report Requirements

10 Pages of 10 Pages of SubstanceSubstance containing: containing: Transmittal Letter Title Page Informative Abstract Standard Introduction Discussion Summary/Conclusion Documentation

What is Substance?

““Material of an essential nature” Material of an essential nature” Solid, informative, and practical Has mass and occupies space

Substance includes:Substance includes: Non-fluff, unpadded discussions Useful, well-integrated visuals Proper, fully cited documentation

Transmittal Letter

Short, to the point, and SIGNEDShort, to the point, and SIGNED

(address) (date)

Dear Dr. Finkelstein:

The attached document entitled, “An Intellectual View of Piracy,” fulfills the research report requirements of CS 415 for the Summer Quarter 2002. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at student@wright.edu, or call (937) 775-1234.

Sincerely,(signature)

How to write itHow to write it Inform reader of the report’s substance Make it about 250 words in length

“An intellectual view of piracy includes both its therapeutic effects on the pirate and the economic stimulus it provides the local economy. Pirates derive substantial catharsis from their criminal activity in a way that does not threaten society with violence. Economically, the availability of high quality software at a bargain price stimulates the local sale of computers and contributes to the sales tax base.”

Informative Abstract

Standard Introduction

Here’s what to include:Here’s what to include: Purpose

What is this paper designed to do?

Problem What is the subject of this paper?

• How does it fulfill the CS 415 requirement?• Introduce topics and provide needed background

Scope What is included, and what isn’t, and why?

Discussion

This is the heart of your reportThis is the heart of your report What were the goals of your research? What was the methodology employed? What were the findings and results? What are your interpretations?

Documentation RequirementDocumentation Requirement Discussion must include source citations

Summary

Summarize your researchSummarize your research Make it similar to your abstract

Assuming you did the abstract correctly

Focus on substance Assuming you have substance

Provide any conclusionsProvide any conclusions Based on what’s in the discussion

Do not introduce new information here

Documentation Requirements

A complete list of references A complete list of references 1.Finkelstein, Leo Jr., “Sample Resume.” Internet:

www.cs.wright.edu/~lfinkel, May 20, 1998

2.Finkelstein, Leo Jr., “The QuadFINKEL Experience.” Internet: rec.sports.skate.figure, April 20, 1999.

3. Finkelstein, Leo Jr., “The Ethics of Using the FinkelKICK in Competition.” Black Belt (July 1999), pp. 68-72, 140.

Source citations in the textSource citations in the textBecause of the kick’s great power, even its inventor says, “This technique should never be used.” (3:69)

Deliverable Dates

Research Report DocumentResearch Report Document Due Thursday, August 15, 2002

Due at the beginning of class in class

Late turn-in penalties < = 24 hours - 1/2 letter grade > 24 hours - too horrific to fathom

Research Report PresentationResearch Report Presentation As scheduled in class

No-show penalty - too horrific to fathom

Grammar and Style

Common ErrorsCommon Errors Comma splice (CS)

The computer was crashing, the operator was sleeping

Verb agreement (VB) Everybody is invited to the demonstration.

Pronoun error (PN) Everybody must do his part. (agreement) This is how I look. (reference)

Fragment (FRAG) Running diagnostics on the CPU that’s a RISC

processor.

Grammar and Style

Common Errors (continued)Common Errors (continued) Spelling (SP)

It’s important to know the CPU and it’s capabilities.

Modification (MOD) Ignorance of social implications is a phenomena

among CS students that must be destroyed. Semicolon (SEMI)

Format a disk as follows; type format a: /s and hit <RETURN>.

Fused sentence (FS) The workstation is poorly designed it really

sucks.

Passive Voice

Active: subject – verb – objectActive: subject – verb – object Direct and efficient

“She hit him.” (3 words)

Passive: object – verb – subjectPassive: object – verb – subject Indirect and inefficient

“He was hit by her” (5 words)

Can omit the subject (accountability) “He was hit.”

Key to spotting itKey to spotting it (form of the verb-to-be) + (past participle)

Summary of Topics Covered

Research Report RequirementsResearch Report Requirements

Deliverables and DatesDeliverables and Dates

Common Grammar and Style ErrorsCommon Grammar and Style Errors

Passive VoicePassive Voice

Research Reports

Dr. Leo Finkelstein, Jr.

CS 415Social Implications of Computing

College of Engineering and Computer Science