Research Methods- Report Writing

Question 1

Why are psychological reports important?

Answer 1

Findings can be showcased
Other psychologists/ students can replicate the study conducted

Question 2

What 7 elements are included in basis of the layout of academic papers or journal articles?

Not harvard referencing

Answer 2

Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References, Appendices

Question 3

What is abstract in terms of layout?

Answer 3

At the beginning
Summary of research
Includes aim, method, hypothesis, IV and DV, sample, sampling technique, results, conclusions

Question 4

What is introduction in terms of layout?

Answer 4

Places study in the context of relevant theories/ research
- justification and WHY research is being done

Question 5

What is method in terms of layout?

Answer 5

Design, sample + sampling method, procedure (reference to ethics), apparatus, material (e.g. questionnaires etc), relevant justifications

Question 6

What are results in terms of layout?

Answer 6

Contain both descriptive and inferential statistics
Consider results in light of context from introduction- conclusions can be drawn about meaning of results

Question 7

What is discussion in terms of layout?

Answer 7

Explains results
Links back to intro + previous research outlined
May include failings or suggestions for further study
Can conclude which hypothesis can be rejected and accepted

Question 8

What are references in terms of layout?

Why should we reference in papers? (what does it avoid?)

Answer 8

Lists articles/ books/ sources referred to in paper- explains whose research informed yours

Protects against plagiarism

Question 9

What are appendices in terms of layout?

Answer 9

At the end containing additional info- covers details that aren’t essential to research but provide useful context/ background knowledge

Question 10

How are references made in journals in terms of the Harvard system of referencing?

Answer 10

Surname+ initials+ year of publication
Article title
Title of journal
Relevant page numbers
(e.g. Milgram, S. (1963) Behavioural Study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67, (4), 371-378.)

Question 11

How are references made in books in terms of the Harvard system of referencing

Answer 11

Name(s)+ initial(s)
Year of publication
Title
Publisher’s name
Town in which publisher is located

Question 12

What is the significance of peer review?

Answer 12

Takes places before a study is published to ensure research is of a high enough quality
Acts as a control mechanism only allowing high quality research to be shown to the public

Question 13

How is peer review carried out?

Answer 13

1. Research paper is submitted to a journal
2. Editor examines topic, sends paper to experts in the field (other psychologists)
3. Critical appraisal of work returned with suggestions for improvement before publication