REPORTING A PSYCHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION

• ABSTRACT:

  • First (written LAST)
  • Short summary of aim, hypotheses, method, results, conclusions
  • Hypothesis- ACCEPTED or REJECTED
  • Max- 200 words
• Introduction:

  • Outline previous research (relevant)
  • Outline background to the study
  • At the end -> outline studies AIMS and HYPOTHESES
• Method:

  • Design (e.g. independent groups / naturalistic observation - justify)
  • Participants (who was included? How were they selected, sampling method?)
  • Apparatus / materials (e.g. pens / questionnaires)
  • Procedure (Each step of the study be in chronological order, include ethical considerations)
• Results:

  • Include descriptive statistics (mean / median / mode)
  • Graphs / charts
  • Stats test
• Discussion:

  • Summary of findings, explanation & conclusion
  • Strengths / Limitations of study
  • Accept / reject alternative hypothesis 
• References:

  • Acknowledge other research- avoid plagiarism