reporting psychological investigations

Question 1

What are the six main sections of a psychology research report?

Answer 1

1. Abstract
   
   2. Introduction
   3. Method
   4. Results
   5. Discussion
   6. References

Question 2

What is the purpose of the abstract in a psychology report?

Answer 2

The abstract is a concise summary (approx. 150–200 words) of the entire study, including the aim, hypothesis, method, results, and conclusion.

Question 3

What should be included in the introduction section?

Answer 3

• A review of relevant background research
• The rationale for the study
• The aims
• The research hypothesis (and null hypothesis if applicable)

Question 4

What subheadings should be included in the method section?

Answer 4

1. Design (e.g., independent measures)
2. Participants (sampling method, number, demographics)
3. Materials/apparatus
4. Procedure (including ethical considerations)

Question 5

What goes in the results section of a psychology report?

Answer 5

• A summary of descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, range, SD)
• Inferential statistics (e.g., statistical test used, calculated and critical values, significance)
• Graphs/tables to illustrate findings clearly

Question 6

What should the discussion section contain?

Answer 6

• An explanation of the findings in context of the hypotheses
• Links to previous research
• Consideration of limitations and improvements
• Suggestions for future research

Question 7

What is the correct format for the references section?

Answer 7

Use the APA referencing style—include:
• Author(s),
• Year,
• Title (italicised),
• Publisher/journal name
Example: Smith, J. (2020). Cognitive Psychology Today. Oxford University Press.

Question 8

What do examiner reports say students struggle with in reporting investigations?

Answer 8

• Confusing method with results
• Omitting or mislabelling subsections
• Not stating hypotheses clearly
• Failing to match results to hypotheses in the discussion

Question 9

What is one key difference between the abstract and the discussion?

Answer 9

The abstract briefly summarises all elements of the study, while the discussion interprets results, evaluates the study, and suggests future research.