How to Write a Psychology Lab Report

Psychology research studies create a plethora of data. Upon the completion of these studies it is necessary to compile this data into a usable report. Writing a well-written and professionally organized psychology lab report can be accomplished by implementing a uniform strategy to the method of reporting.

Instructions

Preparing the report

1. Organize your report into the seven major sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Result, Discussion and Reference.

2. Write a 12- to 15-word title for your report. The title should be concise and refer to the subject that is being investigated. The title will be placed on the first page of the report with your name directly underneath and the name of the institution below that.

3. Develop an abstract page. Center the word "Abstract" on the page and leave room for a one-paragraph summary of the research. The actual writing should not be done until the entire report is concluded.

4. Write an introduction on the third page of your report. Answer two questions in the introduction: What research has already been conducted on the subject being investigated, and what is the basis for your study? Begin with a general explanation of these questions and conclude with a specific hypothesis of what you expect to find as a result of your study.

Method

1. Begin the method section of your report on a separate page. Describe the methodology in detail so that anyone reading this page alone would be able to replicate your study. Use these topics within the method section: participants, apparatus and procedure.

2. Form the participants topic by including information about the subjects' demographic. Include specific details, such as sex, age, number of subjects, selection and group assignment.

3. Write the apparatus and materials topic of the method section of your report. Describe all of the materials used in your investigation. Cite sources for any apparatus that was not created by you.

4. Explain what was performed during the investigation as well as how it was performed in the procedure section. Detail the investigation from start to conclusion. Describe the assignments, treatment presentation and a summary of the instructions given to participants. Present a statement that summarizes the operational design and variables of the investigation.

Finishing Touches

1. Present your data and analysis in the results section of your paper. Do not begin on a new page, but include a centered heading "Results" above the first paragraph. Describe the findings of your investigation. Reference any objects within your report, such as tables and graphs. The results section is an overview of what was accomplished by your investigation.

2. Develop a discussion section to your report. This section does not need a new page. Use a centered heading "Discussion" above the first paragraph. The discussion section will be based on your conclusion of the analysis. The answers to your initial questions will be answered here. Evaluate the results of your investigation.

3. Include at least three paragraphs in the discussion section of your report. The first part should compare your findings to your initial hypothesis.

4. Discuss the findings and how they confirmed or contradicted your hypothesis in the second paragraph. Include circumstances that limited your ability to perform the research.

5. Summarize your concluding thoughts on the findings of your investigation in the last paragraph.

6. Begin the references section and final portion of your report on a new page. Center the heading "References" above the first source. Continue this section by citing any sources used during the compilation and process of the investigation. Alphabetize each source by last name. Use a hanging indentation where the first line is not indented but the rest are tabbed five spaces.

References

• Preparing Your Laboratory Report
• Psychology With Style: A Hypertext Writing Guide