7- writing psychological reports

Question 1

what are the 7 stages of writing a report

Answer 1

1. title
2. abstract
3. introduction
4. method
5. results
6. discussion
7. reference

Question 2

describe stage 1: title

Answer 2

• provide clear focus and involve key variables

- not too vague or too specific

Question 3

describe stage 2: abstract

Answer 3

• 150-200 words
• written after report is completed
• clear and concise summary to give readers an overview
• goes at the front of the report
• info such as background research, aims, hypotheses. design, sample used, methods, findings. conclusions and limitations

Question 4

describe stage 3: introduction

Answer 4

• previous research
• clear rationale about why you wish to study the area
• general discussion of topic and then focus on actual question
• state an aim and hypothesis

Question 5

describe stage 4: method

Answer 5

1. design
   - experimental design and reasoning
   - research method and reasoning
   - state variables
   - ethical issues
2. sample
   - give sample detail
   - sampling methods and why
3. materials
4. procedure
   - steps or a report in sufficient depth for easy replication
   - briefing, standardised instructions and debriefing

Question 6

describe stage 5: results

Answer 6

• descriptive statistics (tables, graphs, raw data, central tendency, measures of dispersion)
• inferential statistics (what test and why, significance levels, calculated values)
• if qualitative, then describe themes
• state if hypothesis is accepted/rejected

Question 7

describe stage 6: discussion

Answer 7

1. results summary
2. relationship to background research
3. limitations and modifications
4. implications and suggestions

Question 8

describe stage 7: reference

Answer 8

• full details of any journals or books mentioned must be given