How To Write Laboratory Reports

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How to write report.rtf Laboratory Reports Laboratory reports are to be submitted online via BlackBoard as PDF files and should also be printed and submitted in class. Unless students are provided with a laboratory sheet to fill-in, the following format needs to be used when submitting a lab report: Grading sheet The first page of every laboratory report should be the grading sheet which is included on the last page of this syllabus. Table of contents This should be the second page of your laboratory report. Executive summary In this section include a summary of what was learned in this laboratory exercise and what the purpose of this laboratory exercise was. Apparatus In this section, all the apparatus (hardware and software) that was used in the laboratory exercise should be clearly documented in a table along with version/model numbers for each tool used. Laboratory procedures In this section, the procedures followed should be documented. If forensic tools were used – include screenshots of the procedures that were followed. Sometimes, pictures might have to be taken if documenting a crime scene. Any figures/tables in a laboratory report should be labeled with captions and numbers. Tables should be numbered at the top of the table and figures should be labeled and numbered under the figure as per APA guidelines. Problem solving/troubleshooting In this section, any problem encountered should be stated along with how the problem was solved, where the information was retrieved for solving the problem (cited in APA format), as well as any alternative solutions that were identified. For example: Problem 1: The computer did not detect the hard drive. Solution 1: The write-blocker bridge was switched off – so it was switched on. Alternative solution: None. Of course, the above example is simplistic in nature. There could be more complicated scenarios that students might encounter in their laboratory exercises. Conclusion and recommendations In this section, students are expected to have some conclusive remarks about the laboratory exercise and some recommendations for anyone that might be replicating their work in the future. References All references should be cited using APA style. Report Grammar & Style Expectations (Note: some of these items were borrowed and modified from the Purdue NET lab manual) Lab reports are formal documents; therefore they should conform to all rules of formal writing such as proper spelling and correct grammar, including but not limited to, prepositions at the end of sentences. Additionally, “Setup” is a noun and the phrase “set up” is an action, e.g., the setup was four computers with OSX installed as opposed to we set up the network. Failure to write a professional document free of spelling and grammar errors leads the reader to question the quality of the work performed and the validity of the conclusions drawn. Technology reports typically involve many technical issues that may be difficult to describe. Authors should select the best means of communicating the information to the reader: prose, tables, graphs, or figures. If tables, graphs, or figures are used, they should be clearly labeled with a number. Per the APA standard, figure labels should be located directly beneath the figure and table labels should be located directly above the table. The figure number must then be referenced from a point in the body of the report where the information in the figure is relevant. Whenever possible, the figure must be located on the same page as the reference to assist the reader in keeping their place as they read the report. If the figure will not fit on the same page as the reference, it should be a page adjacent to the referring paragraph. For these reports, use 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins and 1.5 spacing for ease of correction and saving paper. Additionally, button or menu item procedural text should be distinguished in some way, e.g., “OK” was clicked or the option “Do not send me useless product information in email” was selected. To indicate a series of selections in a program menu, use the following notation: Start | Programs | Accessories | Games | Solitaire was selected. Each section (cover page, table of contents, executive summary, apparatus, laboratory procedures, problem solving/troubleshooting, conclusion and recommendations, and bibliography of the report) must start on a new page. Technical reports are typically written in third person – and this is expected of you. Third person voice refers to writing a sentence from the perspective of an outsider to the situation. While it is permissible to use some first or second person passages when discussing problem solving and troubleshooting, the focus of the report should be on the actions that were taken rather than on the people performing the actions. The following passages show how the same sentences can be written in multiple voices: First Person I connected the hardware write-blocker to the hard drive. We then imaged the hard drive using FTK imager. After installing the FTK software, we analyzed the forensic image using FTK. Second Person You connect the hardware write-blocker. You then image the hard drive using FTK imager. After installing the FTK software, you analyze the forensic image using FTK. Third Person The hardware write-blocker was connected to the hard drive. The hard drive was then imaged using FTK imager. After installing the FTK software, the forensic image was analyzed using FTK. Lab reports must be written in past tense. Remember that the purpose of the report is to tell what was done, not what you’re going to do. If there are open issues or work that remains to be completed, it should be addressed in a separate section of the report to provide a clear differentiation between what was completed and what remains to be completed. Instructions for the case study involve analyzing how a spreadsheet containing confidential information was exfiltrated from a company, integrating evidence from a forensic image of a computer’s hard drive, and interviews with personnel. The report should include detailed examination of the timeline of document creation, transfer methods, and involvement of company personnel. Use the provided forensic images, interview summaries, and case details to deduce the sequence of events and identify potential suspects and their methods. Emphasize documenting all forensic processes, troubleshooting encountered during the investigation, and logical conclusions based on evidence. The report should adhere to formal academic standards, APA citation styles, and include all relevant technical details, evidence analysis, and recommendations for preventing future leaks.