Psychological reports

• Identify the sections of a scientific report in the correct

  chronological order in which they appear.

  Abstract

  Introduction

  Methodology

  Results

  Discussion

  References
• Outline the structure of the abstract section of a scientific report.

  Typically one paragraph that follows the structure of the report.

  I.e. brief introduction, overview of methods and results and then a brief discussion.
• Outline the purpose of the abstract section of a scientific report.

  Enables the reader to get an overview of the research without having to read the entire report.

  They can then judge whether the research is relevant to decide whether they should read the entire report.
• Outline the structure of the introduction section of a scientific report.

  Typically a few thousand words.

  Works like a funnel i.e. starts with a more general background of the research (e.g. previous research) before introducing the current study i.e. the rationale for conducting it and the aim and hypotheses.
• Outline the purpose of the introduction section of a scientific report.

  Highlights existing research within the field and offers a rationale for why the current study is being conducted.
• Outline the structure of the methodology section of a scientific report.

  Divided into:

  1. Design
  2. Participants
  3. Materials
  4. Procedure
• Outline the purpose of the methodology section of a scientific report.

  Gives readers enough information about how the study was conducted so that they can assess its credibility and/or replicate the research to check its reliability.
• Outline the structure of the results section of a scientific report.

  Quantitative research would involve presenting descriptive statistics (e.g. measures of central tendency and dispersion), tables and graphs, and inferential analyses (the stats test chosen and whether the result was significant).

  Qualitative data would present the findings from a content or thematic analysis.
• Outline the purpose of the results section of a scientific report.

  Gives the reader a breakdown of the findings without any interpretation/bias.
• Outline the structure of the discussion section of a scientific report.

  Includes:

  Conclusion

  Discussion of how the findings compare to previous research (does it support or contradict?)

  Criticisms of the current study

  Applications the study may have

  Suggestions for future research.
• Outline the purpose of the discussion section of a scientific report.

  Draws conclusions about the findings that are easier for the general public to understand.

  Also provides criticisms of the current study and suggestions for future research to further progress research into this area.
• Outline the purpose of the referencing section of a scientific report.

  Prevents plagiarism as it ensures research referred to in the report is clearly stated.

  Enables readers to find any research mentioned so that they can read about it in more depth.
• How do you structure a reference in a scientific report?

  Author surname, initial of first name. (Date). Title of book. Place of publication. Publisher.