Reporting on Psychological Investigations (RM P2)

Question 1

Order for the Report

Answer 1

• Title
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Method
• Results
• Discussion
• References
• Appendices: include
  Standardised instructions, consent forms, debrief forms, raw data, statistics

Question 2

Method Design

Answer 2

• Research method used
• Experimental design used and justification
• IV and DV (operationalised)
• Extraneous variables controlled
• Explanation of removal of bias
• Any assumptions to be stated
• Conventional level of significance and justification
• Ethical considerations

Question 3

Method materials

Answer 3

• Description and explanation e.g consent form, word lists, standardised instructions, debrief form (make sure you refer to appendix page number)
• Include description of locations (if necessary)

Question 4

Method participants

Answer 4

• Target populations
• Sampling method used
• Age range
• Numbers of each gender used
• Allocation to conditions (should be random)
• Did any decline/drop out?
• How were they kept naive?

Question 5

Method procedure

Answer 5

• Explain investigator’s role
• Describe participant’s role
• Consent form and debriefing of pps
• Standardised instructions
• Debriefing and thanks to pps

Question 6

Results

Answer 6

• Draw up summary table of data (with full headings)
• Draw appropriate graph (with full labels and headings)
• Give basic facts from graph and descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion)
• State results of inferential statistics test (with calculated and critical values)
• State level of significance
• State no. pps
• Give full justification of choice of statistical test

Question 7

Discussion

Answer 7

• Explanation in terms of findings: outcome in terms of hypothesis, including: results, critical value and level of significance. Accept or reject hypothesis
• Comment on the graph in relation to the result
• Relationship to background research: link the result to background literature and research that agrees and disagrees with the result
• Note any possible sources of error (uncontrolled variables)
• Any corresponding modifications

Question 8

References

Answer 8

• Sources quoted in conventional style (Harvard style)
• Listed in alphabetical order by surname
• Including websites

Question 9

Appendices

Answer 9

• Number and title for each appendix
• Include: consent form, standardised instructions, copy of questionnaire/survey, raw data, statistical analysis (full version), debrief form

Question 10

What should the report style be?

Answer 10

• Past tense (preferably)
• No pronouns