Scientific Reporting

Question 1

Abstract

Answer 1

• This is always the first section of the report
• This is a short summary of the journal article
• Contains the main elements: aim/hypothesis, method/procedure, results and conclusion
• In many cases, psychologists researching topics will read the abstracts to identify if the article is worthy of further examination
• Normally about 150-200 words

Question 2

Introduction

Answer 2

• Literature review of general area of investigation. Explains relevant theories and studies related to current study
• Starts general, and progresses till it becomes specific about the aim and hypothesis of the study

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

Method should be specific enough for replication.
- Design - E.g. independant or repeated measures, alongside justification for choice
- Sample - information on the sample, sampling method, target population
- Apparatus - detail of any assessment materials or other relevant materials used to manipulate IV or measure DV
- Procedure - step by step instructions of everything that happened in the investigation from start to end. Also should include what was said in the briefing, instructions and the debrief
- Ethics - explanation of how the ethical guidelines were addressed in the study

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• Contains the key findings. Features descriptive statistics such as tables and graphs, mean, mode etc.
• Also contains inferential statistics - the statistical test, calculated and critical values. Whether hypothesis was significant or rejected
• If qualitative methods used, the themes or categories are clarified here
• Raw data gathered is attached in an appendix and not included here

Question 5

Discussion

Answer 5

• Findings are explained using theory and linked to the studies discussed in the introduction
• Methodological limitations of the investigation are discussed
• Wider implications of the study are discussed, as well as possible applications
• Next steps are suggested based on existing research

Question 6

How to reference a journal article:

Answer 6

Name, year, title, publication journal, volume and edition number, pages

e.g. Simon, C. (2001). The link between congenital factors and autism. Learning difficulties journal, 11(2). 123-156.

Question 7

How to reference a book:

Answer 7

Author, date, title of book, place where the publication company is based, publisher

e.g. Nicolson, R. (2010). Cognitive Perception. Sheffield, University of Sheffield Press.

Question 8

Why referencing is important:

Answer 8

• References allow the reader to find the referred research, if there are interested themself
• Avoids plagiarism, gives the research more integrity