Final answer:
Complex reports are detailed documents that integrate data from multiple tables, include calculated fields and summary statistics, and may require parameter input. They are used across various fields such as business and healthcare and feature data visualizations and structured formats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reports that require data from more than one table, incorporate calculated fields, utilize summary statistics, or need parameter input at the time the report is generated are predominately known as complex reports. These reports stand out due to their intricate nature and the various levels of data manipulation and analysis involved.
Complex reports are typically found in environments like business, healthcare, and technical fields, where multiple data sources are integrated to provide comprehensive insights. For instance, a complex report in a business setting might pull sales data from one table and customer demographic information from another, then use calculated fields to determine average purchase values. Summary statistics could be used to show the overall sales trends, and parameters might be required to filter the report for a specific time frame or region.
Frequently, these reports will also include various forms of data visualization, such as tables that organize data linearly, or charts like pie charts and bar graphs. They are part of formal reports which are structured, data-driven documents that may be quite extensive and are generally split into sections with specific headings. Moreover, they always cite their sources, ensuring the credibility and traceability of the information presented.
The creation of complex reports often involves the use of sophisticated software tools that allow for the pulling and processing of data from various databases. It is crucial for researchers to be mindful of the levels of measurement and to present data in a clear and comprehensible manner, rounding off figures appropriately to reflect the precision of the collected data.