Lab Report Writing

Question 1

What is the structure (in order)

Answer 1

Title
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Appendix

Question 2

What goes in the title

Answer 2

Single line description
No more than 13 words
Usually mentions variables

Question 3

What goes in the introduction

Answer 3

Background of research area
Overview of study
Literature review - theory and research
Aim & rationale
Hypothesis

Question 4

What’s in the method

Answer 4

Explain in detail how data collection was carried out
Design
Participants
Location
Procedure

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Describe findings
Cross tabulation table
Describe patterns in data
State what assumptions checks have shown
What inferential test was used
Direction and significance of output
Whether findings support or refute hypothesis

Question 6

References

Answer 6

Full list of references (only ones cited)
APA style

Question 7

Appendices

Answer 7

SPSS output
Labelled in lettered form (APA format)