Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 7.2.15
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.
Test yourself on Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)
Any raw (unanalysed) data and the statistical test calculations are included in which section of a report?
Why is the content of the appendices NOT included in the main body of the report?