A special report is a written account of a research process and findings. It typically features illustrations and other visual representations. A research report is essential for scientists to communicate their findings and discoveries with other researchers and the broader scientific community. It should be clear, concise and informative while avoiding jargons and terminologies that may not be understood by the intended readership.
In accounting, a special report is a customized financial report that deviates from the standard formats established by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. They are usually used to comply with contractual agreements or regulatory provisions and can cover specific sections, accounts or items of a financial statement. Creating a special report requires understanding unique information needs and striking a balance between maintaining professional standards and providing clarity.
Often times, special reports feature highly controversial subject matter that requires a high level of knowledge and expertise to write about. This is the case with the Hastings Center Report, which publishes essay sets organized around topical issues in bioethics.
A special report can be published by a government agency, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or by an organization, such as the National Academy of Sciences. It can also be a technical paper, such as the report on storing food under the house that USDA produced in 1996. In addition to the report, the USDA issued a booklet that provided tips on how to keep food from spoiling.