PSYCHOLOGY COURSEWORK THE INTRODUCTION

RATIONALE/PURPOSE HL The introduction is a literature/research review of the topic area you are studying. The introduction is a literature/research review of the topic area you are studying. It acts like a ‘funnel’ to your hypothesis; in other words it sets the scene for your study. It acts like a ‘funnel’ to your hypothesis; in other words it sets the scene for your study.

What to include General introduction to the subject under investigation General introduction to the subject under investigation Brief summary of the theory and key pieces of research associated with the topic. Do not include more than 3 pieces. Any works cited must be correctly referenced. Brief summary of the theory and key pieces of research associated with the topic. Do not include more than 3 pieces. Any works cited must be correctly referenced. The rationale (reasons) behind your investigation. Specify your aim and include details about why you chose your hypothesis. The rationale (reasons) behind your investigation. Specify your aim and include details about why you chose your hypothesis. Research hypothesis Research hypothesis Null hypothesis Null hypothesis

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA HL Criterion A – 5 marks The aim of the study is clearly stated. The background theories and studies are adequately explained and highly relevant to the hypotheses. The experimental and null hypotheses are appropriately stated and operationalized. The prediction made in the experimental hypothesis is justified by the background studies and theories.

For Example…… See p392 of the course companion for a HL example If you were doing your IA on the effects of eating cheese on people’s nightmares, you could start off by writing a few (referenced) sentences about cheese – perhaps a definition of cheese and a description of various types of cheese – you might also include the procedures, findings and conclusions of a couple of ‘cheese eating studies’ – eg, Jones et al’s (1947) comparison study of stilton preferences over Wensleydale.

You could then consider research into nightmares; for instance Smith’s (2006) study of food related nightmares. You might then move on to consider Abbott’s (2007) study of the effects of eating yoghurt (and other dairy products) on people’s dreams.

The final study would be the one you are replicating/modifying (or the one that is closest to the subject you are studying). Eg, Kimber’s (1850) study of nightmare occurrence following cheese consumption! Then state your hypotheses …

Hypotheses Don’t forget you will need to supply two of these:- H1. Your experimental hypothesis (only if your research study is an experiment – otherwise this is called an alternative hypothesis). Ho. Your null hypothesis (roughly speaking the opposite of the experimental hypothesis). These should be in the form of a testable - (fully operationalised – statement)

For example….. “Participants will experience a higher occurrence of nightmares - as measured by self report study - following the consumption of 100grams of cheddar cheese” “Participants will experience a higher occurrence of nightmares - as measured by self report study - following the consumption of 100grams of cheddar cheese” “There will be no significant difference in nightmare occurrence following the consumption of 100grams of cheddar cheese” “There will be no significant difference in nightmare occurrence following the consumption of 100grams of cheddar cheese”

How long should it be? Around one and a half sides of A4, with a 12 point font size. Approximately 400 words. Remember the whole write up should be a maximum of 2000 words, and a page is approximately 250 – 300 words! Remember the whole write up should be a maximum of 2000 words, and a page is approximately 250 – 300 words!

Which research should I include? It depends on the topic you are researching; however some named suggestions have been given in the experiment brief – Hint; stick to the order they are in on the brief! It depends on the topic you are researching; however some named suggestions have been given in the experiment brief – Hint; stick to the order they are in on the brief! Make sure you do not list the studies in APFCE format though, you should only include information that relates to your hypothesis. Make sure you do not list the studies in APFCE format though, you should only include information that relates to your hypothesis.

How will I know if it’s OK? When you’ve finished the introduction, see if it reads like an ‘inverted triangle’ – In other words, does it start with broad research, narrow through more specific research and end up with the research you are replicating?