Psycolohy Research Methods-reporting Psycological Investigations And Peer Review. Flashcards
Reporting psychological investigations-what is the mnemonic to rember the format?
Alien in my room doesnt read a lot
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Appendix
What does the abstract include?
-Summarises the study
-Ps used,aim,tests conducted,hypothesis that was accepted,conclusions.
-maximum of 200 words-written last.
What does the introduction include?
-reader to understand the importance and motivation behind the research being carried out.
-include a general theory,relevant existing studies to provide logical context for the aim/hypohteises of the experiment.
-explains general expectations of experiment-contain alternate and null hypothesise.
What does the method include?
4 key sections
-design-explain type of design+how ps will be allocated to each condition .
-Sample-numbers,location,age range and gender.Clear how it represents TP.
-materials and apparatus-what equipment/objects needed to carry out the experiment -fully operationalised.
-procedure-each step of experiment written in chronological order-ethical considerations must be included.Exact location + timings of study.
What do results include?
-summarised account of the data using statistics and graphs+stastical results.
-no raw scores are included.
-highlights key findings but no why.
What does the discussion include?
-explanation of results.
-links back to the studies referenced-similarities,differences and whether results were expected or not.
-state weaknesses of experiment/problems
-ideas for follow up research.-investigate variable causing correlation
-overall conclusion of study
What does appendix include?
-all other important documents,details and mathematical caculations are presented.
What do references include?
-gives acknowledgment of other research and psychologists used in own research.
Define peer review
The use of independent experts to assess the quality and validity of the scientific research and reports.
Explain step 1 of the process of peer review
-researchers submit their /article report to the editor of the journal in which they would like their research published
Explain step 2 of the process of peer review
The editor sends the report for review to 2 or 3 peers who have published their own expert research in a similar error.
-psychologists are kept anonymous-prevent bias.
Explain step 3 of peer review process
-each psychologist reviewing the article writes a independent report on it.
-includes=recomendations for improvement-whether or not it should be accepted for publication.
Explain step 4 of peer review process
-psychologist consider the adequacy of literature review,methods + sstastical analysis
-justification of research hypothesis to be tested
-importance of research is evaluated
-reports are sent back to editor.
Explain step 5of the process of peer review
Article will be accepted for publication,returned for revisions or rejected.
Explain 1 purpose of peer review
-researchers get to read other people’s studies and keep in touch with new ways of thinking+scientific develepoments.
-may be working on the same topic or think they could improve upon/disapprove of someone else’s theory.
-knowledge grows through sharing information
Explain another purpose of peer review
-studies submitted for publication are subjected to critical appraisal-ensure poor quality research doesn’t enter the public domain.
Explain a strength of peer review
-promotes and maintains high standards in research-has implications for society and funding allocation so that it is assigned to Hiigh quality research.
Explain a strength of peer review
-prevents scientific fraud-submitted work is scrutinised.
-promotes scientific process through development and dissemination of accurate knowledge+contributes to knew knowledge in the field.
Explain a weakness of peer review
Can create competition
-if anonymity if not maintained ,experts with conflict of intrest might not approve research to further their own reputation.
Explain a weakness of peer review
Publication bias
-contributes to File drawer effect-statistically significant findings published more frequently.Means findings that challenge existing understanding might be overlooked as they are not published.
