reporting psychological investigations

Question 1

abstract

Answer 1

the key details of the research report.
summary of aims and hypotheses, method/procedure, results and conclusions.
about 150 words.

Question 2

introduction

Answer 2

several studies on similar topics summarised leading logically to the aim and hypothesis of the research.

Question 3

method

Answer 3

a description of what the researcher did.

should provide enough detail for study to be replicated.
includes design, sample, apparatus/materials, procedure, ethics.

Question 4

results

Answer 4

a description of what the researchers found.

descriptive statistics, e.g. tables and graphs.

inferential statistics: a statement about whether the hypothesis is accepted with reference to the calculated and critical values

Question 5

discussion

Answer 5

a consideration of what the results of a research study tell us in terms of psychological theory.

results verbally explained, limitations of study discussed, future suggestions and wider implications explained.

Question 6

referencing

Answer 6

list of sources that are referred to or quoted in the article (e.g. journal articles or books) and their full details