chapter 12 a&b

Chapter 12: Writing the Empirical Article Part A

Selecting the Research Design

  • Selection of research design is critical before writing.

  • Decisions on measures should prioritize validity and reliability.

  • Ethical approval must be secured prior to commencing the research.

  • Research assistants may be hired to support the project.

Analyzing and Presenting Results

  • Data gathered should be analyzed according to methods learned in prior courses (e.g., site 305).

Writing Objectives According to Carol Bem

  • Primary Purpose: The writing should communicate what has been learned from the study.

  • Writing Style: Use simple, direct language as if addressing a layperson (e.g., a grandmother).

Structure of a Standard Journal Article

  • Traditional structure includes:
      - Introduction
      - Methods
      - Results
      - Discussion

Introduction

  • Should begin broadly and gradually become more specific as it leads to the study.

  • Functionally resembles an hourglass model:
      - Broad introduction.
      - Specific methods and results (the 'neck' of the hourglass).
      - Broad discussion following the results.

  • Guidelines for Writing the Introduction:
      - Use clear English prose — avoid jargon.
      - Introduce the problem in a stepwise fashion to engage unprepared readers.
      - Utilize Examples: Examples should illustrate theoretical points and aid in understanding unfamiliar concepts.
      - Focus on relatable subjects (people/animals) rather than solely on psychologists or their research.

Literature Review

  • Includes summary of current state of knowledge regarding the problem being addressed:
      - Citations: Adhere strictly to APA style for referencing.
      - Example references:
        - TC and Tongue (1949) regarding MAO activity in schizophrenia.
        - Present in text: “MAO activity in some individuals with schizophrenia is higher than normal (TC & Tongue, 1949).”
        - Emphasize authorship based on idea significance.

Citation Formats in APA

  • In-text Citations:
      - For two authors: (Sangster & Lawson, 2014)
      - For three or more authors: (Couture et al., 2016)

  • Reference List Example:
      - Sangster, S. L. & Lawson, K. L. (2014). Title of the paper. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page Range. DOI.

  • Book Citations:
      - Format: Author(s). (Year). Title. Publisher.
      - Example: Stoneman, R. (2008). Alexander the Great: A Life and Legend. Yale University Press.

  • Chapter from a Book:
      - Example: Armstrong, D. (2019). Title of the chapter. In M. G. Leach & C. J. Rushton (Eds.), Book Title (pp. 144-163). Publisher.

Developing Your Research Hypothesis

  • On completion of the introduction and literature review, clearly state your hypothesis or research question.

Chapter 12: Writing the Empirical Article Part B

Writing the Methods Section

  • Should provide enough detail for replication of the study:
      - Overview of the study design is crucial.

  • Example Overview:
      - A study by Bem involving 60 male undergraduates randomly assigned to three payment conditions ($1, $20, control).
      - Describe participant tasks, payments, and subsequent enjoyment measures.

Detailed Components of the Methods Section

  • Provide comprehensive summaries or transcripts of participant instructions, environment settings, and questionnaire items.

  • Participants: Describe demographic relevant information.

  • Materials: Outline materials and measures used along with their reliability and validity.

  • Procedures: Discuss any ethical issues encountered during the study.

Results Section

  • Present findings clearly and compellingly:
      - Remind readers of your hypotheses prior to the results.
      - Summarize key outcomes in plain English:
        - Example conclusion: “Men did cry more profusely than women.”
      - Include statistical findings afterwards:
        - Example statistics:
          - F(112) = 5.79, ext{ p} < 0.025, ext{ effect size } d = 0.45

Discussion Section

  • Discuss the implications of the findings:
      - Present and acknowledge study limitations.
      - Suggest future research avenues and practical applications.
      - Conclude with a compelling ending statement to engage readers.
      - Examples include emphasizing media influence on public perception or critical consumption of news.

Writing a Strong Conclusion

  • Consider using a strong narrative to bookend the introduction and conclusion (e.g., thematic literary devices).

Title and Abstract

  • Title Requirements:
      - Should be 10-12 words, descriptive of theoretical issues and variables.

  • Abstract Importance:
      - A brief summary determining interest in the paper; it’s often the first impression.

General Writing Guidelines by Bem

  • Conciseness: Omit unnecessary words.

  • Avoid Meta Comments: Remove unnecessary commentary on writing style.

  • Correct Usage: Recognize that 'data' is a plural term; use ‘the data are…’ instead of 'the data is…'.

  • Bias-Free Language: Strive to use inclusive and non-biased language in your writing.