Report Writing in Psychology

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the purpose and function of reports in psychology
  • Familiarity with the general principles of good report writing
  • Knowledge of different types of reports

Assessment Process Overview

  • Entry to Exit Framework (adapted from Growth-Marnat & Jordon Write, 2016):
    • Entry: Referral and Initial Assessment (including Mental Status Examination (MSE) and Risk Assessment)
    • Collaboration: Gathering Collateral Information and Provisional Case Conceptualization
    • Testing: Hypothesis Generation, Therapy Planning, and Follow-Up Assessments
    • Exit: Comprehensive Psychometric Report, Recommendations, and Final Outcomes

Importance of Reports

  • Reports can significantly influence clients' lives by effectively communicating interpretations and recommendations
  • Long-lasting effects on clients, as reports can extend beyond their initial use
Objectives of a Report
  • Respond to referral questions
  • Provide a description of the individual
  • Organize and interpret data efficiently
  • Offer recommendations for interventions

Ensuring Report Meaningfulness

  • Reports should be:
    • Integrated: Not just disjointed data but a cohesive narrative
    • Client-Specific: Recommendations should be tailored to the client's environment and situations
General Guidelines
  • Recommended length: 5-7 pages, varying based on client history and issue complexity

Deciding What to Include

  • Consider the needs of the referrer
  • Gather background information
  • Implement relevant details while avoiding excessive extraneous information that can obscure key points
Balance in Reporting
  • Avoid cluttering the report with unnecessary detail that detracts from significant insights
Emphasis and Certainty
  • Make clear distinctions in language regarding degrees of certainty (e.g., “likely”, “may”, “possibly”)
  • Be mindful of personal biases that might influence data interpretation
Recommended Practices for Data Inclusion
  • Inclusion of raw data depends on the test used; ensure no copyrighted material is shared
  • Accessible language is essential for understanding by average literate individuals
  • Facilitate feedback sessions to review the draft report with clients before finalizing

Specific Writing Guidelines

  • Use of active voice instead of passive
  • Avoid jargon and acronyms
  • Employ clear headings and organized paragraphs to enhance readability
Common Issues in Report Writing
  • Vague language or overly technical terms can confuse readers
  • Ensure clear transitions between topics and avoid overly complex sentences

Tense and Structure in Psychological Reports

  • Use past tense to discuss historical data and test behaviors
  • Use present tense for depicting enduring traits and current situations
Suggested Report Format
  • No universally accepted format, but confidentiality should be stated on each page
  • Suggested sections:
    • Referral Question
    • Evaluation Procedures
    • Behaviour Observations
    • Background Information
    • Test Results
    • Interpretations
    • Summary and Recommendations

Referral Question Examples

  • Clearly state the purpose of the evaluation to provide context
  • E.g. “Ms Smith was referred for memory issues”
Evaluation Procedures
  • List tests administered, interviews conducted, and consultations with professionals

Behavioural Observations

  • Include direct observations pertinent to assessment
  • Avoid interpretation; keep observations objective and relevant

Background Information

  • Contextual relevance is critical to understanding the issues at hand
  • Include history, significant life events, and current relationships when relevant
Test Results and Interpretations
  • Prefer standardized results over raw; Percentiles help with immediate comparisons
  • Interpretations should highlight strengths and weaknesses along with supporting data

Summary and Recommendations

  • Highlight primary findings succinctly
  • Recommendations should be clear, practical, and customized to the individual’s needs
Conclusion of Report Writing
  • Clarity and conciseness are crucial; avoid extraneous information
  • All interpretations should be justified with data
  • Consulting with supervisors and using de-identified reports can enhance quality
  • Develop a unique style in report writing that reflects personal insights and clear organization

Types of Reports

Clinical Reports
  • Similar structure to assessment reports
Forensic Reports
  • Dedicated to answering specific legal questions (e.g., competency to care for a child)
  • Two categories: civil and criminal contexts
Court Reports
  • Required to provide detailed information requested by the court regarding a client’s situation

By following these guidelines, practitioners can create effective psychological reports that support client understanding and intervention strategies.

References

  • Groth-Marnat, G. (2015).
  • Growth-Marnat & Horvath (2006).