Week 7: Writing a research report

Question 1

Describe Plagiarism (3 points)

Answer 1

• Presentation of the work of another person as though it is one’s own, without properly acknowledging that person
• Copying from ANY other source: Books, websites, journal articles, peers
• It also includes paraphrasing others’ work without proper acknowledgement of that source

Question 2

Describe Paraphrasing (4 points)

Answer 2

• Preferable to paraphrase when mentioning a source
• Paraphrasing = the process of rewriting someone else’s idea(s) in your own words.
• A paraphrase is usually around the same length as the original
• Read and rewrite an authors idea, followed by acknowledging the source

Question 3

Describe Quoting (4 points)

Answer 3

• At times, you may find it more appropriate to quote an author.
• Usually if you cannot reword, without altering the meaning
• Generally a very small statement
• “Must be presented in quotation marks” and include the page number in the reference (Smith, 2012, p.10)

Question 4

Describe Results section (6 points)

Answer 4

• What should be included:
  1. 1 correlation (relationships between two variables)
• Scattergrams + sentences
  2. 1 t-test (difference between two groups on same variable)
• Bar graphs + sentences
• Output included as an appendix (i.e. at the back of the paper)

Question 5

How to present correlation Results (7 points)

Answer 5

• The first sentence clearly identifies what variables were compared.
• The figure is referred to in text before it is included.
• The title is below the figure (and formatted correctly).
• Information has not been repeated in the figure and text:
  
  • Please note, in this case there is no need for text after the figure.
• The text is formatted correctly:
  
  • 1.5 spacing; indented; justified

Question 6

How to present t-test Results (7 points)

Answer 6

• The first sentence identifies what was compared and introduces the figure.
• Mean ± SD data presented in figure with statistical results presented in text.
• The title is below the figure (and formatted correctly).
• It is clear what statistical test has been used (equal or unequal variance).
• Factual statement indicating the difference in means, but NO discussion that attempts to explain the difference.
• The text is formatted correctly:
  
  • 1.5 spacing; indented; justified

Question 7

Describe Discussion section (4 points)

Answer 7

• Where you bring the whole story together.
• You need to show insight and critical evaluation of information and make links to the literature.
• DO NOT repeat the results…
• Structure is important

Question 8

Describe the structure of Discussion section (5 point)

Answer 8

• Para 1: Discuss results from your analysis (making reference to both the t-test and correlation) in relation to Australian football
  
  • Draw links between physical demands of positions on the and relationships and/or differences that you have found.
  • Has anyone else (in the literature) reported similar relationships/differences that you can discuss.
• Para 2: What are the limitations associated with performing analysis on data that you did not personally collect.
• Do the same for the remaining paragraphs

Question 9

List the do’s and don’ts of of writing a discussion (9 point)

Answer 9

DO:
- Check to ensure that you have formatted correctly
- Include linking sentences at the end of each paragraph
- Proof read your document
- Check you have answered the questions and made links back to the question
- Include four peer-reviewed references
DON’T:
- Leave the questions from the template in your work
- Repeat your results
- Cite the Figures in your discussion
- Include dot points

Question 10

Describe the conclusion (1 point)

Answer 10

• Summarise the key points or findings and ensure that statements link back to the introduction…