In the news media, a special report is an in-depth piece of reporting that often involves investigating and exposing wrongdoing or corruption. It may also involve highly technical subject matter that requires a level of expertise and understanding not all reporters have. Specialized reporting can increase the credibility of a journalist and help them maintain or expand their audience reach.
A special report is a financial statement that deviates from the standard format of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). It provides specialized information to meet unique needs while maintaining professional standards and clarity. Special reports are frequently issued to comply with contractual agreements or regulatory provisions and can include certain sections, accounts, or items of a financial statement.
The first section of a research report is known as the introduction. It introduces the research problem and aims of the systematic investigation as well as highlights previous knowledge in the area of study. It also defines any jargons and terminologies that the reader may not be familiar with in order to make the research article more accessible for a non-expert audience.
The Hastings Center publishes the results of its research projects in a number of venues, including its Special Reports. These single-authored essays and essay sets organized around topics of interest in bioethics are one venue where the Center’s researchers communicate their findings to a wider audience. In these special reports, authors are encouraged to use their research in a manner that encourages discussion of the implications of their findings for future policy and practice. They are also encouraged to consider how the work they have done might influence future ethical considerations.