Research Methods- Reporting psychological investigations Flashcards
Abstract -
The key details of the research report.
Introduction -
A look at past research (theory and/or studies) on a similar topic. Includes the aims and hypothesis.
Results -
A description of what the researcher(s) found, including descriptive and inferential statistics.
Method -
A description of what the researcher(s) did, including design, sample, apparatus/ materials, procedure, ethics.
Discussion -
A consideration of what the results of a research study tell us in terms of psychological theory.
What is the purpose of the abstract in a scientific report?
The abstract is a short summary (150-200 words) that includes the aims, hypotheses, method, results, and conclusions of the study. It helps researchers quickly identify studies relevant to their interests.
References -
List of sources that are referred to or quoted in the article, e.g, journal articles, books or websites, and their full details.
What does the introduction section of a scientific report include?
The introduction provides a literature review of the general area of investigation, detailing relevant theories, concepts, and studies. It logically progresses from broad to specific, ending with the study’s aims and hypotheses.
What are the sub-sections of the method section in a scientific report?
The method section includes:
- Design: The type of design used (e.g., independent groups, naturalistic observation) and justification for its choice.
- Sample: Information about participants, including number, demographic details, sampling method, and target population.
- Apparatus/materials: Details of assessment instruments and materials used.
- Procedure: A step-by-step account of what happened in the study, including instructions and debriefing.
- Ethics: Explanation of how ethical issues were addressed.
What is included in the results section of a scientific report?
The results section summarizes key findings using descriptive statistics (e.g., tables, graphs, measures of central tendency, and dispersion). It also includes inferential statistics, such as the statistical test used, calculated and critical values, significance level, and the final hypothesis outcome. Raw data and calculations appear in an appendix.
What is included in the referencing section of a scientific report?
The referencing section provides full details of all sources cited in the report, including journal articles, books, and websites. References follow specific formats, such as:
- Journal article: Author(s), date, article title, journal name (in italics), volume(issue), page numbers.
- Book: Author(s), date, book title (in italics), place of publication, publisher.
What is the purpose of the discussion section in a scientific report?
The discussion section summarizes findings in verbal form, relates them to the introduction and other relevant research, discusses limitations of the study, and suggests improvements for future research. It also considers the wider implications and real-world applications of the findings.
What is an example of a journal article reference?
Gupta, S. (1991). Effects of time of day and personality on intelligence test scores. Personality and Individual Differences, 12(11), 1227-1231.
What is an example of a book reference?
Flanagan, C. and Berry, D. (2016). A level Psychology. Cheltenham: Illuminate Publishing.
Why is it important to include ethical considerations in the method section?
Ethical considerations explain how the study adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring the protection and well-being of participants, which is crucial for the credibility and validity of the research.
What is the role of inferential statistics in the results section?
Inferential statistics determine whether the findings are statistically significant, including details about the statistical test used, calculated and critical values, significance level, and hypothesis outcome.
What is the role of descriptive statistics in the results section?
Descriptive statistics summarize and present the data in an understandable way, using tools like tables, graphs, and measures of central tendency and dispersion.
What should be included in the procedure sub-section of the method?
The procedure should provide a detailed, step-by-step account of the study, including everything said to participants (e.g., briefing, instructions, debriefing) to allow for replication.
What is the purpose of discussing limitations in the discussion section?
Discussing limitations acknowledges the study’s weaknesses, provides context for the findings, and suggests ways to address these limitations in future research.
What are the wider implications discussed in the discussion section?
Wider implications include the real-world applications of the findings and the study’s contribution to the existing knowledge base in the field.
