CH 16

• Research report


  A major part of the research process
• Major sections of a research report

  • Introduction
  • Method
  • Results
  • Discussion
• Abstract


  A summary of the report, usually between 150 and 250 words, including a concise synopsis of the experiment
• Abstract


  Should contain a statement of the problem studied, participants involved, the method, the results, and the major conclusions
• Results in the Abstract should include significance levels and effect sizes
• The Abstract is usually written after the report is finished
• The Abstract is the most frequently read portion of any article, so spend time making it right
• Introduction


  Sets the stage for the research that follows, including the hypothesis statement(s) and evidence as to why the research is important
• Introduction


  Includes a literature review with citations to background experiments
• Method


  Tells how the experiment was performed and describes the participants, procedure, and materials
• Subsections of the Method

  • Participants
  • Measures
  • Manipulations
  • Design
• Results


  Describes the statistical procedures used to evaluate data and all obtained statistical values, including group means, measures of variability, estimated effect sizes, and confidence intervals
• Results can be summarized in tables if appropriate
• Discussion


  Evaluates the experiment, interprets the results, and brings the project full circle by explaining and qualifying the findings, reexamining the initial hypotheses, identifying possible confounds and problems, and suggesting future ideas and possible studies
• References


  Lists all resources mentioned in the manuscript, enabling readers to do their own background research
• Journal articles are written for informed audiences and are strictly limited in length
• Title


  Gives readers a description of what the report is about, including both the independent and dependent variables and their relationship
• The title should be specific and concise, with 12 words or fewer
• Running head


  An abbreviated title printed above the pages of the article to identify it
• The Results section reports statistical analyses used to test the hypothesis, and may include a subsection for manipulation checks to verify factors in the experiment
• The Discussion summarizes major findings and shows the study's practical implications, including a subsection for Study Limitations and Future Research
• References


  Only includes the resources mentioned in the manuscript, following APA format exactly and composed in hanging style
• Most journal submissions are currently online, and the goal is to put together a draft that could easily be turned into the published form
• Elements of the first page (title page)


  • Title
  • Author name and affiliation
  • Running head
  • Page numbering
  • Author notes
• The second page is the Abstract, and the third page begins the body of the article with the title
• Each new section is introduced by a boldfaced, centered heading, and tables and charts follow APA guidelines
• Appendices


  Extra information necessary to explain the article, included at the end rather than in the body
• Articles are often edited during the review process, and revisions may be necessary to ensure the report is clear, grammatically correct, and focused on the scientific research
• Any small error greatly discredits the research, so it's important to know grammar and style rules and look them up when in doubt