Reporting Psychological Investigations

Question 1

Sections of report

Answer 1

Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
Referencing

Question 2

Abstract

Answer 2

1st section
Short summary (150-200 words)
Includes major elements such as aims/hypotheses/method/procedure/results/concs
=

Question 3

Introduction

Answer 3

Literature, review of general area of research detailing relevant theories/concepts + studies that r related to the current study
The research review should follow logical progression
(Beginning broadly + gradually becoming more specific until the aims + hypothesis r presented

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

Split into several subsections
Should include sufficient detail so other researchers r able to to replicate
1. Design (independent groups/naturalistic obs + justification)
2. Sample (info related to people in study - sampling method)
3. Apparatus/materials (detail of any assessment instrument used + other relevant materials)
4. Procedure (recipe style list of everything that happened in the investigations from beginning to end standarsided instructions etc
5. Ethics (explanation of how addressed in study)

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Should summarise key findings
Likely to feature descriptive statistics sic as tables/graphs
Inferential stats should include reference to choice of stats critical values/levels of significance
Raw data collected
Qualitative methods results likely to involve analysis of themes + categories

Question 6

Discussion

Answer 6

Several key elements
Research will summarise findings
Limitations + how to address
Wider implications of research
May include real world applications

Question 7

Referencing

Answer 7

Includes full details of any source material in report
Format - authors/dates/article time/journal name/volume/page numbers
Book references - place/publisher