Reporting Psychological Investigations

Question 1

6 Sections in a Psychological Report

Answer 1

Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References.

Question 2

Abstract

Answer 2

Short summary about 150-200 words that includes all major elements of aim, hypothesis, method, results, and conclusions. Purpose to allow other researchers to read lots of abstracts when researching particular topics to identify those worthy of further examinations.

Question 3

Introduction

Answer 3

Literature review of general area of investigations. Details other relevant theories, concepts, and studies related. Follow logical progression that begins broadly but gets more specific until aim and hypothesis presented.

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

Provide enough evidence for study to be replicated. Contains; design, sample (information relating to people in study), materials, procedure (recipe style list), ethics (explanation of how addressed).

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

A summary of the data. It may include a summary table. There should be an analysis of the results using inferential statistics. It should end with which hypothesis is being accepted.

Question 6

Discussion

Answer 6

Summary of key findings in verbal form discussed in context of evidence presented in introduction. Say of agree/contradict other research. Discuss limitations and suggestions of how addressed. Considers wider implications in real world application and contribution to field.

Question 7

References

Answer 7

Includes full details of any source material cited in the report. Needed to give credit to researchers work discussed in article/book. Avoids plagiarism, and if want to find out more know where and how.

Question 8

Journal References

Answer 8

author, date, article title, journal name, volume(issue), page numbers.

Question 9

Book References

Answer 9

author, date, title of book, place of publication, publisher.

Question 10

Web References

Answer 10

source, date, title, weblink, date accessed.