Reporting Psychological Investigations Flashcards
6 features of psychological reports
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References
What is the abstract and its purpose
The abstract is a one sentence summary from all sections of the report which is written last. It enables the reader to ensure the research is appropriate before reading on
What is the introduction and what is its purpose
A background literature review of psychological research containing general theory, aims and hypotheses. Its pusrpose is to explain how the research fits into research that is already in existence.
What is the method and its purpose
Consists of materials, design, sample, procedure and ethics. It enables accurate replication of the study for a test retest
What are the results and their purpose
Contains descriptive and inferential statistics, graphs and table. Shows whether the data proves or disproves the hypothesis
What is the discussion and its purpose
Explains the results without referencing the data, links back to theory mentioned in lit review and discusses limitations and implications for future research. Aids other researchers studying the same topic
What are references and their purpose
To ensure that credit is given to authors of research referred to, avoids plagiarism and allows reader to find original source
Book referencing (APA)
Surname, Initial, Year, Book title, publishing location, publisher
Journal referencing (APA)
Surname, initial, year, title of article, title of journal (underlined), volume/issue number, page number, web address
