Research Reports

Academic researchers are frequently commissioned to carry out research reports; usually by the Government, charities and companies. These reports are often a primary source of information, although they may not have been through the peer review process. It is therefore important to check exactly who the authors are and who they are writing the report for. As a general rule reports commisioned for the Government and charities are more likely to provide good quality, unbiased information than those commissioned by companies.

Finding research reports 

A large number of research reports can be found by searching DISCOVER and by selecting Report under the Source option.

Many reports for the Government and charities are freely available to download on the web. A few useful websites for finding reports are:

• GOV.UK - this is the Government's portal to its various departments and publications.
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation - major commissioner of research into poverty, social disadvantage and society.
• The Children's Society - campaigns for a better childhood for all children.