Reporting psychological investigations

• When a study is complete, it needs to be written up- there's a specific way laid about by BPS:

  1. Title
  2. Abstract
  3. Introduction
  4. Method
  5. Results
  6. Discussion
  7. Reference
  8. Appendix
• Abstract= a summary of the study, covering what you found out: aims, method, findings, conclusion.
• Introduction= what researchers intend to investigate- a review of previous research, leads logically to aims & hypotheses.
• Method= a detailed description of what the researcher did, providing information for replication.
• Results= what was found- includes graphs, tables, averages & inferential statistics.
• Discussion= researchers offer explanations of the behaviours they observed & might also consider the implication of results and make suggestions for future research.
• References= listing all journals/ books/ texts mentioned in the research.
• Appendix= should contain all raw data, any materials used such as standardised instructions, tasks sheets, debrief & consent forms etc.
• The method is important, as:

  • It ensures the study is replicable
  • Means that the test-retest reliability can be established
  • Ensures that results can be checked for authenticity (prevents fraud).
• Participants:

  • Identify the target population- refer to a geographic location
  • Say how you obtained your sample (eg opportunity sampling) & why you chose this method.
  • Give relevant details, eg how many, age range, background.
• Materials:

  • Describe the materials used, eg pictures, word lists, instructions, debrief, record sheets etc.
  • Give plenty of detail and explain why you chose these things.
  • May want to include an appendix with your materials in- especially if they are difficult to describe.
• Design:

  • State the experimental design.
  • Identify both the Independent Variable conditions.
  • State the Dependent Variable and how it was measured (operationalised).
• Procedure:

  • Describe the precise procedure you followed when carrying out the experiment.
  • Include the brief standardised instructions & debrief.
  • Start with a sentence like "PPs were approached in the college and asked if...".
• Consent form needed for PPs:

  • Title of experiment, name of researchers.
  • Brief outline of the purpose of research & procedure, including all IV conditions.
  • Duration, risks/ beliefs, confidentiality, right to withdraw, contact details, place for PPs to sign to confirm they'll participate.
• Debrief form:

  • Title of experiment, names of researchers, thank participant, state what the study is about, contact details.