MRS HOLMES (SECTIONS OF A SCIENTIFIC REPORT) Flashcards
What are the sections of a scientific report?
Abstract, introduction, method (participant, materials, design, procedure), results, discussion, referrencing.
Explain what abstract is?
A shoert summary of the research, which includes key features such as the basic methodology, what the hypothesis was and whether the findings supported this hypothesis.
How is abstract used?
By other researchers to see if they want to read the whole article.
Explain what introduction is?
The researcher discusses the reason for deciding to conduct their research. this includes a lengthy review of the past research, what is yet to be known and how the researcher aims to remedy this is also where the hypothesis of the research is set out.
Where is the hypothesis of the research written out?
The introduction.
Explain what the method is?
This section gives very precise details of how the research was conducted to best allow replicaiton of the experiment. it is usually split up into design, procedure and participant subsections.
Explain what the participant is in relation to the sections of a scientific report?
Details of how many people were used, the distribution of their gender, their average age, the population they were drawn from and the method of selection, and whether or not they were consenting to take part in the study.
Explain what the materials are?
This gives details of any equipment or specific documents used in the study.
What is an example of materials when in relation to the sectiuons of scientific report?
If the design involved computerised task, it may include details of the computers graphical abilities and the size and resolution of the monitor screen.
Explain what the design is?
Aspects of the experiment are briefly described, such as whether the study uses one, two or multiple groups of participants and conditions. Includes information on how the particpants were formed into their conditions.
Explain what the procedure is?
Adetailed description of what instructions were given to participants , any measures that were taken to reduce order effects and how long the participants had to complete each task.
Explain what the results are?
This section first begins with describing the data using descriptive statistics, such as the mean average scores. it then moves on to show the results of any statistical or quanlitative analyses conducted on the data and what theiir stastisitcal significance is.
Explain what the discussion is?
Researcher links the statistical findings to the hypothesis and concludes on whether they support or condradict the predictions of their study.
Explain what the reference is?
It is very important that the writer of the article creditis other researchers work if they have reffered to it. This is to prevent the reader from believing that these ideas are the authors original ideas rather than the work of someone else.
