Research methods 8: Writing reports and peer review

Question 1

What three things do a consent form need to include?

Answer 1

-Purpose of the investigation
-Procedural information
-Ethical information

Question 2

What would the procedural information in a consent form include?

Answer 2

-The way participants will be assessed
-The researcher is fully trained to conduct
-Duration of procedure
-Random allocation of participants to conditions

Question 3

What would the ethical information in a consent form include?

Answer 3

-Remind them of their rights
-Withdraw at any time
-Withdraw data from study
-Data is confidential and anonymous
-Free to ask questions any time

Question 4

What are the 5 sections of a report?

Answer 4

1.Title
2.Abstract
3.Introduction
4.Method section
5.Results

Question 5

What should the title of a report be?

Answer 5

Clear, relevant and fully informative (including variables)

Question 6

What should the abstract of a report be?

Answer 6

It should provide a short summary of the study, to establish if the full report is worth reading

Question 7

When should an abstract be written?

Answer 7

Whilst it’s at the front of the report, it should be the last section you write.

Question 8

What length should the report abstract be?

Answer 8

between 150 to 250 words

Question 9

How should the abstract be written?

Answer 9

As one paragraph, structured the same as your paper.

Question 10

What two parts should the introduction be made of?

Answer 10

-Background research
-Hypothesis

Question 11

What does the Introduction - Background research involve?

Answer 11

It provides background information on theories and studies relevant. It contextualises research and shows where aim and hypothesis were derived from.

Question 12

What does the introduction - Hypothesis involve?

Answer 12

A one tailed hypothesis will be made if previous research allows us to predict a direction. But without then a two tailed hypothesis will be made.

Question 13

What are the 4 parts of the Method section in the report?

Answer 13

-Design
-Participants
-Materials
-Procedure

Question 14

How is the design written in the method section of a report?

Answer 14

-State choice of research method
-State choice of experimental design
-Identify variables
-Ethical considerations

Question 15

How is the participants written in the method section of a report?

Answer 15

-Target population
-Sampling method used
-Actual sample (number and how recruited)
-How participants were allocated to conditions

Question 16

How is the Materials written in the method section of a report?

Answer 16

-Describe the stimulus material and any other apparatus which is going to be used in the study. (Can be done in bullet points)

Question 17

How is the procedure written in the method section of a report?

Answer 17

-Describe step by step what the participants will do.
-Very precise in order to make replication possible.
-Standardised instructions and debriefing

Question 18

What are the 7 parts of the Results section in a report?

Answer 18

-Results table
-Graph
-Descriptive statistics
-Inferential statistics
-Discussion
-References
-Appendices

Question 19

How is the result table written in the results of a report?

Answer 19

-Might be asked to present the results in a table, this table must have a title and the columns and rows have to be labelled clearly.

Question 20

How is the graph written in the results of a report?

Answer 20

-The axis of the graph should be clearly labelled and titled, keep a realistic scale.

Question 21

How is descriptive statistics written in the results of a report?

Answer 21

-You could be given the mean or any other measure and asked to comment on its meaning. Revise this as well as the advantages and disadvantages, link your answer to study in question.

Question 22

How is inferential statistics written in the results of a report?

Answer 22

You choose the appropriate statistical test from:
-Test of difference
-Level of measurement
-Experimental design
Determine if results are significant through critical value

Question 23

How is discussion written in the results of a report?

Answer 23

-Explanation of findings
-Relationship to background information
-Limitations and improvements
-Implications/applications and suggestions for future research

Question 24

How is references written in the results of a report?

Answer 24

All the cited evidence in the report should be included in a conventional alphabetical list.

Question 25

How is appendices written in the results of a report?

Answer 25

Include all additional info, stat calculations, raw data, standardised instructions, consent form and debrief. Appendix should have a full title and be referred to somewhere in the main body of the report

Question 26

What must standardised instructions include?

Answer 26

-explain the procedures of this study relevant to participants
-include a check of understanding of instructions

Question 27

What must the Debrief include? (5 points)

Answer 27

-The real aim of the experiment
-Thanking participants
-Ask for questions
-Contact details
-Relevant ethical issues

Question 28

What is peer review?

Answer 28

The process by which psychological research papers are subjected to independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field.

Question 29

There is usually four options for reviewers in peer review:

Answer 29

-Accept the work unconditionally
-Accept it as long as the researcher improve it in certain ways
-Reject it, but suggest revisions and resubmission
-Reject it outright

Question 30

Should you use subheadings in a design a study question?

Answer 30

Yes, to provide a clear structure and insure you are addressing each element.

Question 31

Should you use bullet points in a design a study question?

Answer 31

No, bullet points aren’t okay you should write in a clear and coherent method using paragraphs.