RESEARCH REPORTS

Question 1

a research report consists of…

Answer 1

title
abstract
intro
method
results
discussion
references

Question 2

what should be reiterated throughout the report and most described in intro?

Answer 2

the main aims and hypothesis
fully desc in intro, briefly mentioned in abstract, form basis of discussion

Question 3

harvard referencing

Answer 3

4+ et al

Surname, Initial., Surname, Initials, Year. Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp page start-page end.

Question 4

apa referencing

Answer 4

3+ et al

Surname, Initial., Surname 2, Initial. (Year.) Title of article, Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page start – page end

Question 5

tips for writing style

Answer 5

short sentences
subheadings added and deleted to ensure para has meaning
past tense man, present for current beliefs
number = words if at start or <10
intro = longest

Question 6

title

Answer 6

attract attention of reader
inform of major features of the research paper
Effects of _ on _ / Relationship between _ and _

Question 7

abstract

Answer 7

summary of aspects of research report
structure of purpose, methods, results and conclusion
clear and comprehensive, more effective for decision of reading

Question 8

intro

Answer 8

review of previous research on topic to justify new research
1. brief description of topic
2. key concepts and ideas written in detail
3. criticisms of research, synthesis of where they research similar conclusion
4. review of important and relevant aspects of research literature
5. theoretical matters petienent to research
6. desc and discuss key variables in research
aims and hypo as summary statements at end

Question 9

method

Answer 9

design - if research design x simple e./g. between/within subjects
participants - total num of ppts + in each condition, gender distribution, average age with SD, recruited through..
materials - biggest section, psychological tests allows replication of study, name of test and number of items
procedure - instructions given to ppts, random/non-random allocation, look at previous studies similar to get idea of length

Question 10

results

Answer 10

past tense
outcome of statistical analysis
descriptive stats - characteristics of data
inferential stats - indicate whether findings are statistically significant
table need figure headings

Question 11

discussion

Answer 11

past tense mostly
statement whether hypothesis was supported or not
related to previous research casting light on findings
how is knowledge enhanced, extended or complicated by new findings
strengths and limitations of research
implications and applications of research

Question 12

references

Answer 12

try not to put ‘____ stated ____’ , but instead cite at the end paraphrasing what the author has said