sections of a scientific report Flashcards
define type 1 error
Type 1 = accepted alternative hypothesis and rejected null, when you
should have rejected alternative and accepted null.
False positive – claimed to have found significance but actually don’t
At what P level are type 1 errors likely to be found
Type 1 errors are more likely if the significance level (P level) is too
lenient (0.1/10%).
define type 2 error
Type 2 = accepted the null and rejected the alternative, when you
should have rejected the null and accepted the alternative.
False negative – claimed to have no significance but actually do have
significance.
At what P level are type 2 errors likely to be found
Type 2 errors are more likely if the significance level (P level) is too
stringent (0.01/1%)
in terms of type 1 and type 2 errors why is the 0.05 P level used in psychology
Psychology use the 5% level as it best balances the risk of making a type 1 or a type 2 error.
what are the 6 sections of a scientific report
abstract
introduction
method
results
discussion
referencing
what is an abstract
Summary of aims and hypotheses, method/procedure, results and conclusions. About 150 words
When researching a particular topic, psychologists will often read the
abstract to decide whether they want to read the full report.
what is an introduction
A literature review of the area the research took place in.
Provides details of relevant theories, concepts and studies that are
related to the current study.
It should begin broadly, and gradually become more specific until the
aims and hypotheses are provided. (funnel analogy)
It reviews methodological issues and shows how the current
investigation’s aims/hypothesis were derived.
What is the method
This should provide enough detail for study to be replicated.
Includes design, sample, apparatus/materials, procedure, ethics.
What is included in the results section
Descriptive statistics, e.g. tables and graphs.
Inferential statistics: A statement about whether the hypothesis is accepted with reference to the calculated and critical values.
what is included in the discussion section
The researcher will summarise the results/findings in verbal form, rather
than the statistical form they were presented in, in the result section.
These will be discussed with relation to the context provided in the
introduction and other research that may be considered relevant.
Limitations of the investigation should be included, as well as suggestions
of how these can be resolved.
The wider implications of the research are also considered with real world
application of what has been discovered. This will also indicate the
contribution the investigation has to the existing knowledge base.
give 3 reasons why we reference
Why do we reference?
enables readers to track down the sources used
- to give credit to other researchers/acknowledge their ideas
- can avoid plagiarism.
How do you reference?
Top tips for referencing
Make sure that the references are placed in alphabetical order.
Ensure the surname comes first.
Ideally, learn the format by heart. Eg, name, comma, data, comma….
Q1 In 1992, a book about human relationships was published in London. The
book was written by Steve Duck from the University of Iowa. The title was
‘Human Relationships’. The book was published by Sage.
A researcher needs to modify the above information to include Duck’s book
in the references section of a scientific report.
Write the full reference for this book as it should appear in the reference
section of the researcher’s report.
Q2. Give one reason why it is important for scientific reports to include a
referencing section?
- Duck, S. (1992) Human relationships. London. Sage.
- enables readers to track down the sources used
- to give credit to other researchers/acknowledge their ideas
- can avoid plagiarism.
what is the acronym for writing a consent form
Writing a Consent Form for a Psychological
Report -TAPCHIPS
Title of project
Aims of study
Procedure
(what will participants have to take place in)
Confidentiality
do i Have to take part (R2W)
Information
(provide participants with contact details for researcher)
Participant responses to the following questions:
Have you received enough information about the study? YES/NO
Do you consent for your data to be used in this study and retained for use in other studies? YES/NO
Do you understand that you do not need to take part in the study and that you can; withdraw your participation at any time without reason or detriment? YES/NO
Signature from participants and researcher
