Chapter 13

Question 1

Communicating Results of Research Study

Answer 1

1. Communicate findings
   - at a research conference
   - in a psychology research journal
2. Submit research manuscript for peer review
   - Does the research warrant publication?
   * Quality of the research
   * Effectiveness of the presentation

Question 2

Guidelines for Effective Writing

Answer 2

1. Know your audience
   - If you assume your readers know more than they do, they’ll be confused
   - If you underestimate your readers, they’ll be bored.
   - Err on the side of underestimating your readers
2. Identify your purpose
   - Use expository writing
   - Principle purposes: describe and convince
3. Write clearly
   - Foundation of good expository writing: clarity of thought and expression
   - Work and rework sentences for clear, logical flow of ideas
4. Be concise
   - Say only what needs to be said
   - Short words and short sentences are easier to understand
   - Decrease wordiness through several revisions
5. Be precise
   - Choose the right word for what you want to say (especially psychological concepts)
6. Follow grammatical rules
   - Poor grammar distracts reader and introduces unnecessary ambiguity
   - Grammatical errors decrease your credibility
7. Write fairly
   - Avoid words and sentences that are biased.
   - Avoid term “subjects” when referring to human participants
8. Write an interesting report
   - Present ideas and findings directly, but in an interesting and compelling manner
   - Make your writing reflect your involvement with the research problem
   - Strive to tell a good “story” about your research
9. Read journal articles to develop your own writing skills

Question 3

Structure of a Research Report

Answer 3

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Method
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. References
8. Footnotes
9. Appendices
10. Tables (if any)
11. Figures (if any)

Question 4

Title Page

Answer 4

1. Title of research project
   - Concise statement of main topic of research
   - Identify key variables (IVs, DVs) or theoretical issues
2. Authors’ names and affiliations
3. Author Note
4. Short title and page number

Question 5

Abstract

Answer 5

1. One-paragraph summary of the research
2. Four main elements
   - Problem under investigation
   - Key features of method
   - Major findings
   - Conclusions and implications of the findings
3. Write the abstract last!

Question 6

Introduction

Answer 6

1. Introduce problem being studied and why it’s important
2. Summarize relevant background literature and theoretical implications
3. Describe purpose, rationale, and design of present study with logical development of hypotheses

Question 7

Method

Answer 7

1. Purpose: describe in detail how the study was conducted
2. Based on Method section, a reader should be able to replicate the study
3. Participants, Materials (Apparatus), Procedure

Question 8

Results

Answer 8

1. Climax of the research report-the actual findings of the study
2. Answer the research questions raised in the introduction
3. Stick to the facts
4. Leave interpretation of findings for the Discussion

Question 9

Structure of results

Answer 9

1. Purpose of the statistical analysis
2. Descriptive statistics to summarize results
3. Results of confidence intervals, effect sizes, and inferential statistics
4. State conclusion that follows from each statistical procedure

Question 10

Discussion

Answer 10

1. Clear and concise statement of essential findings
2. Clear presentation of how findings support or refute hypothesis
3. Description of how results compare to previous research
4. Limitations or problems in the research
5. Specific ideas for additional research

Question 11

References

Answer 11

1. Include complete citation for each source cited
2. List in alphabetical order
   - According to last name of first author
3. Follow APA format precisely

Question 12

Footnotes

Answer 12

1. Rare in research manuscripts
2. Types:
   - Copyright permission
   - Content: Supplement or expand text material
3. All footnotes appear on separate page after References section
   - Not at the bottom of manuscript page

Question 13

Appendices

Answer 13

1. Rare in published research reports
2. May be required for class objects
3. Sometimes used to
   - Reprint verbatim copy of instructions given to participants
   - Provide exact copy of particular materials

Question 14

Tables and Figures

Answer 14

1. Any tables and figures cited in text are attached at the end of the manuscript
2. Only 1 Table or Figure per page

Question 15

Editor’s decisions

Answer 15

1. The quality of the research
2. The effectiveness of its presentation in the written manuscript, as assessed by the editor and the peer reviewers
3. Seek the best research, clearly described, and set rigorous standards for acceptance
4. Only about one of every four manuscripts submitted to the more than two dozen primary APA journals is accepted for publication
5. Whether what was submitted is appropriate for this journal

Question 16

Internet

Answer 16

1. Email
2. Discussion groups
3. Databases
4. Electronic Journals