Research methods - reports

Question 1

What are the features of a scientific report?

Answer 1

Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
Referencing

Question 2

What is an abstract?

Answer 2

A summary of the study covering aims, hypothesis, method, results and conclusions.

Question 3

What is an introduction?

Answer 3

Begins with a review of previous research so the reader knows why it is being done. This should lead logically to the current study. The researcher states their aims and hypothesis.

Question 4

What is a method?

Answer 4

Provides information about what the researcher did in conducting the study and should be detailed enough that replication is possible.

Question 5

What are the results?

Answer 5

• Details are given about the findings
• Not raw data (this can be put into an appendix)
• Descriptive statistics
• Inferential statistics
• For qualitative research: themes are described

Question 6

What is the discussion?

Answer 6

• The findings are interpreted
• Explanation of what the results show is given (conclusion)
• Consideration of the meaning of the findings with reference to the previous research outlined in the introduction
• Criticisms of the methodology/ limitations of research may be made
• Implications of the research - on the economy; social sensitivity may be discussed

Question 7

What is the format for a journal article?

Answer 7

Author’s name(s), date, title of article, journal title, volume (issue number), page numbers.

Question 8

What is the format for a book?

Answer 8

Author’s name(s), date, title of book, place of publication, publisher.

Question 9

What is peer review?

Answer 9

Other psychologists working in a similar field check the research report in terms of its validity, significance and originality before deciding whether it should be published.
This is independent - the reviewer should not be aware of who has written the research report and should be anonymous themselves.

Question 10

What is the purpose of peer review?

Answer 10

It improves the quality of research by preventing dissemination of irrelevant findings/ unwarranted claims/ unacceptable interpretations/ personal views and deliberate fraud.
It ensures published research is taken seriously because it has been independently scrutinised.

Question 11

What are the strengths of peer review?

Answer 11

• It ensures scientific rigour is applied to psychological research. Showing the work to others increases the probability that weaknesses will be identified and addressed.
• Peer reviewers also judge the quality and the significance of the research in a wider context. So wellbeing is improved and it contributes overall to the field of psychology.

Question 12

What are the limitations of peer review?

Answer 12

• It isn’t always possible to find an expert in a particular field
• Journals tend to publish studies with positive results, known as publication bias. However, negative findings can be important, but these are not often published
• Once a study has been published it is difficult to retract, even if it is proved to be wrong
• Peer review does not always spot the mistakes