Structure of a research report

Question 1

1. Title

Answer 1

• Gives a clear indication of the focus of study
• Should make references to the main variables under investigation

Question 2

2. Abstract

Answer 2

• An overview of study - aims to summarise the main details before full report is read
• One paragraph of: the aim, hypotheses, participants, method used, results + conclusions

Question 3

3. Introduction

Answer 3

• Presents the audience with previous research that have investigated same/similar topic studied
• Places work into context by reporting on background information/ theories
• Clearly state the aim of the research + state the hypothesis

Question 4

4. Method

Answer 4

• Researcher reports on the IV and DV
• Description of the sampling techniques + sample used
• Refer to ethical guidelines that have been taken into consideration
• Describes the experimental design used, and in depth procedure
• A consent letter is included (evidence)

Question 5

5. Result

Answer 5

• Show in table of summary
• Report of measures of central tendancy + dispersion
• Results are illustarted through an appropriate graph + inferential statistics

Question 6

6. Discussion

Answer 6

• Discusses findings by comparing previous research (introduction- is there an agreement?)
• A conclusion for the results explaining which hypothesis is accepted + rejected
• Identifying strengths + weaknesses + offering suggestions for improvements
• Concluded with implications/ usefulness of study

Question 7

7. References

Answer 7

• All research cited in the report must be alphabetically listed
• (Surname, Initials, Date, book name, where it was published, publisher house)

Question 8

Design your own study questions:
What to include?

Answer 8

• Worth 10/12 marks
• Given a scenario and asked to create a study based on that topic
• Question will specify which parts to design- (never asked to design whole study)
• Areas you may be asked to design include:
  -Abstract -Hypothesis
  -Aim -Procedure (method)
  -Sample/Sampling Technique -Ethics
  -Material/equipment - Parts of the discussion