Reporting Psychological Investigations

• What are the sections of a scientific report?

  Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Referencing
• What is the purpose of the Abstract in a scientific report?

  • Key details of the research report
  • Summary of aims, hypotheses, procedure, results, conclusions
  • Typically 150 - 200 words long
• What does the Abstract summarize in a scientific report?

  Aims, hypotheses, procedure, results, conclusions
• What does the Introduction section of a scientific report include?

  Past research, aims, and hypothesis of current investigation
• How does the Introduction lead to the current research's aim and hypothesis?

  By summarizing several studies logically
• What is included in the Method section of a scientific report?

  • Description of what the researcher did
  • Design, sample, apparatus, procedure, ethics
  • Sufficient detail for replication
• What should the Method section provide for replication?

  Enough detail about the research process
• What does the Results section of a scientific report describe?

  • Findings of the research
  • Descriptive and inferential statistics
  • Key findings summarized
  • Raw data and calculations in an appendix
• Where should raw data and calculations appear in a scientific report?

  In an appendix
• What is likely included in the Results if qualitative methods are used?

  Analysis of themes and categories
• What is the purpose of the Discussion section in a scientific report?

  • Consideration of results in terms of psychological theory
  • Verbal explanation of results and limitations
  • Suggestions for future research and wider implications
• What should be explained in the Discussion section regarding the study's results?

  Limitations and future suggestions
• What is included in the Referencing section of a scientific report?

  • List of sources referred to or quoted
  • Full details of any cited source material
• What is the required format when referencing a journal?

  Author, date, article title, journal name in italics, volume, page numbers
• What is the required format when referencing a book?

  Author, date, title in italics, place of publication, publisher
• What is the required format when referencing a website?

  Source, date, title, weblink, date accessed