RM - Reporting Psychological Investigation

Question 1

Sections of A Scientific Report:

Answer 1

1. abstract
2. introduction
3. method
4. results
5. discussion
6. referencing

Question 2

Purpose of an abstract

Answer 2

allows reader to gain an overview of of study and decide if they want to carry on

Question 3

What is included in an abstract?

Answer 3

• summary containing aims, hypotheses, method, results and conclusion
• 1st part of report
• 150-250 words

Question 4

Purpose of Introduction:

Answer 4

gives background on relevant theories and studeies to explain how aims and hypotheses are developed

Question 5

What goes in an introduction?

Answer 5

• begins by describing previous research. links with previous research from similar field made
• makes clear how current research will add to previous research
• ends with aim and hypotheses

Question 6

Purpose of Method:

Answer 6

gives detailed description of what researcher did (enough detail for replication)

Question 7

What goes in a method section?

Answer 7

S - sampling method: how many ppts and info of ppts
P - procedure - exact order of events, standardised instruction
E - equipment - material and apparatus used
E - ethics - any ethical issues and how to deal with them
D - design - e.g ‘repeated measures’ or ‘covert obs’ and justification

Question 8

Purpose of Results Section:

Answer 8

presents overall summary of findings to reader rather than raw data

Question 9

What is in a results section?

Answer 9

Tables showing frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion
Stats tests, calculated value and significance levels
Qualitative Data - content and thematic analysis

Question 10

Purpose of Discussion Section

Answer 10

discuss findings, suggest possible uses and future areas of research

Question 11

What goes in a discussion section?

Answer 11

• summary of results
• compare with other results from studies mentioned in intro
• limitations and modification made if it were repeated
• implications and future research

Question 12

Purpose of Reference Section

Answer 12

give details of any other articles/book mentioned in research to avoid plagiarism

Question 13

Referencing An Article

Answer 13

Author name - (date0 - title of article, journal title, volume, issue number, page numbers

Question 14

Referencing A Book

Answer 14

Author’s Last Name, Initial of 1st Name (Date). Book Title. Place of Publication: Publisher