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Writing the Results Section in Psychology

Sep 5, 2024

Preparing the Results Section of a Psychology Lab Report

Overview

  • The results section consists of three main components:
    1. Treatment of Results: Explanation of data preparation for analysis.
    2. Descriptive Statistics: Summarizing data and identifying trends.
    3. Inferential Statistics: Determining statistical significance of findings.

1. Treatment of Results

  • Explain how data was prepared for analysis:
    • How scores for variables were derived and calculated.
    • Handling of outliers and missing data.
    • Outline the approach for dealing with study results.
  • Example: Simple calculation of totals for permutations of variables.
  • Steps involved in data collation and scoring.
  • Address data transformation and exclusion:
    • Provide reasons for any data exclusion.

2. Descriptive Statistics

  • Summarize data with statistics instead of presenting raw data:
    • Use frequencies, measures of central tendency (mean), and measures of dispersion (standard deviation).
  • Use tables and figures to illustrate data:
    • Comment on observed trends and patterns.
  • Principles of good practice:
    1. Focus descriptions on patterns relevant to the research question.
    2. Do not describe patterns as significant without inferential statistics.
    3. Include visualizations like tables and figures.
    4. Use appropriate visualization methods (e.g., tables, bar graphs, line graphs).
    5. Ensure clear titles and labels for tables and graphs.
    6. Avoid cluttered presentation and direct copying from statistical software.

3. Inferential Statistics

  • Depend on specific analysis being run.
  • Principles of good practice:
    1. Explain the inferential test used and its purpose.
    2. Report results in the correct format.
    3. State whether results support or refute the hypothesis.
    4. Avoid copying outputs from statistical software directly.
  • Example passage:
    • White text: Explains test, purpose, and outcome in words.
    • Orange text: Numerical result in correct format.
    • Green text: Relationship between results and hypothesis.

Conclusion

  • Emphasize the importance of clearly presenting information in the results section.
  • Encourage subscribing to the channel for more psychology study tips.

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