Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)

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Results of a Scientific Report

The results of the study are either qualitative or quantitative. They should be discussed in an appropriate manner.

Qualitative or quantitative

If the results are quantitative, then statistical tests should be conducted.
Qualitative data should be thematically analysed (summarising data) or content analysed (categorising data).

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis is completed on the results to describe any patterns to support or negate the hypothesis.
There are two main types of statistical analysis: descriptive or inferential.

Descriptive statistics

Descriptive statistics refers to the measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation).
- Data such as this is going to be represented as tables, graphs or charts which concisely summarise the data and are easier to read.

Inferential statistics

Inferential statistical tests are completed to show how significant the results are.
Tests include Spearman’s rho, Pearson’s r, Wilcoxon test, sign test, t-tests and the Mann-Whitney test.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

Why?

The observed value, critical value and level of significance should all be stated in the results section.
Finally, the reason why the certain statistical tests were chosen should be discussed.
- For example, if the study was a repeated measures or matched pairs design, a t-test would be used.

Discussion in a Scientific Report

The discussion section should include several key things: an explanation of the data, the implications, the limitations, how the study relates to previous research and suggestions about further research.

Data

The results section quantifies the data.
Once the data is presented, the numbers should be analysed.
This is done in the results section.
The data needs to be explained in the context of previous research, the current study and the impacts on future studies.

Impact of results

Psychological studies often reflect real-life situations.
The discussion section should argue the extent to which the results impact real life.
- For example, if caffeine levels affect short-term memory recall, then schools/exam boards/student should be informed of such implications.

Limitations

There is no such thing as a perfect study.
All studies done will have certain limitations - either due to logistics, finances or the nature of the study.
These problems should be discussed.
For the benefit of future scientists who may want to replicate the study, modifications for improvement can be provided.

Comparison

A scientific report starts off with the introduction which describes the background research previously done.
In the discussion section, the researchers should connect their study to the previous work.
Data should be compared - do the results support or negate previous studies?

Forward-looking

Lastly, the discussion is sort of like the reverse of the introduction.
Rather than discussing the background of the study (introduction), the discussion looks forward.
The discussion should include suggestions of what further research should be done.

References and Appendices

The references and appendices come at the end of a scientific report.

References

All books, studies, articles, websites, etc. that have been used to conduct the study must be referenced.
It is crucial in science to properly reference previous works and ideas of other scientists.

Formatting

The references follow a strict format (usually depending on the scientific journal’s guidelines).
But most follow a general rule of thumb of alphabetical order by the lead scientist’s surname.

Appendices

At last, the final section of any report is the appendices.
The appendices can include the questionnaires, survey questions, interview transcripts, apparatus diagrams, etc.
As well, raw (unanalysed) data and the statistical test calculations are here.

Importance

These can be important for peer review so other scientists can verify the validity of the findings.
The purpose is to not clutter the initial report but to provide other scientists' materials for repeat studies.