Reporting Scientific/Psychological Investigations

Question 1

what are the sections in a psychology research report?

Answer 1

• abstract
• introduction
• method
• results
• discussion
• references

Question 2

what is the abstract?

Answer 2

summary of whole report

Question 3

what is included in an abstract?

Answer 3

• aim
• key research/theory study is based on
• experimental/alternative hypothesis
• brief method (design, materials, sample, procedure)
• brief results and statistical conclusion
• whether null hypothesis can be rejected

Question 4

what is in the introduction section?

Answer 4

• literature review - theoretical basis for investigation and relevant research studies
• rationale for study
• statement of aim(s)
• experimental/alternative hypothesis
• null hypothesis

Question 5

what are the 4 subsections of the method section?

Answer 5

• design: method, experimental design, variables, control
• participants: number, age, gender, sampling
• materials used
• procedure: numbered points of how investigation was carried out from selecting participants to debrief

Question 6

what is included in the results section of a report?

Answer 6

descriptive and inferential statistics

Question 7

what is in the discussion section of a report?

Answer 7

• explanation of findings
• relate to previous research/theory
• limitations and modifications
• implications of findings & suggestions for further research

Question 8

how do you reference a journal article?

Answer 8

authors name, initials, (date of publication), title of article, title of journal (underlined), volume number, page numbers.

Question 9

how do you reference a book?

Answer 9

authors name, initials, (date of publication), title of book (underlined), publisher.

Question 10

what should be included in an informed consent form?

Answer 10

• purpose of study
• length of time required
• any other relevant details
• right to withdraw
• reassurance about protection from harm
• reassurance of confidentiality of data

Question 11

what should be included in a debrief?

Answer 11

• thank participants for their time
• explain true aim and purpose of investigation
• data will be anonymous
• right to withdraw
• opportunity to ask questions