RESEARCH REPORTS Written communication of research Science as a social activity Writing... –as thinking –as a tool to focus your thinking –as hard work

WRITING REQUIRES ATTENTION

THE STRUCTURE OF A RESEARCH REPORT Title Page Abstract Body of Report –Introduction –Method –Results –Discussion References Tables and Figures

THE FRONT END Title Indicates main idea, independent and dependent variables words maximum Abstract Summarizes the whole report Usually a sentence for each section Avoid details of method 100 – 150 words maximum

THE BODY of the REPORT Introduction Overviews the problem or question Provides background on prior work Outlines the “design” and its purpose Describes main hypotheses [so: reader knows what you did and why]

BODY of the REPORT (cont’d) Method Describes what was done, how it was done Focus on circumstances that could influence the results Usual subheadings: –Participants –Apparatus and/or materials –Procedure [ so: reader could “replicate” your experiment]

BODY of the REPORT (cont’d) Results Describes how data was “reduced” Verbally states pattern of results in the context of hypotheses –Uses tables or figures to help represent pattern Assesses reliability with inferential stats [so: reader knows what happened]

BODY of the REPORT (cont’d) Discussion Reviews results in context of hypotheses Explains how results add to what was known Acknowledges any limits or shortcomings Notes practical or broader implications [so: reader knows what we’ve learned]

THE REAR END References To prior work specifically cited in the body of the report Arranged alphabetically, etc. Author note(s) & footnotes Table(s) Figure caption(s) Figure(s)

THE STYLE OF SCIENCE WRITING Transparent prose –vs. prose style as content Paraphrased citations –vs. direct quotes Common structure and format –vs. ideosyncratic structure Few, short footnotes –vs. many, discursive notes Dispassionate, no ad hominem stuff –vs. when personalities, passions play a role Hedging conclusions –vs. conclusions as truth

STERNBERG’S TIPS What you say: Start strong, engage interest Do what you say you’ll do Keep the lit review short, focused and balanced Explain what your results mean Consider alternative explanations End strongly with a take-home message

STERNBERG’S TIPS (cont’d) How you say it: Write clear, concise and readable sentences Aim for logical flow and organization Provide “advanced organizers” when needed Use analogies and concrete examples Don’t assume people will “know what you mean” Tell a good story Write for a slightly broader audience Avoid autobiography

ORAL PRESENTATIONS OF RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY Why have oral presentations? Rapid communication of results –(but cf. Internet) More efficient communication Social bonding and interactions An excuse to travel

ORAL PRESENTATIONS (contd) Types of presentations Colloquia & “job talks –50 minutes Seminars & workshops –one to three hours Conference papers –10 to 20 minutes

ORAL PRESENTATIONS (contd) Elements of a good presentation Have a plan, stick to it, and tell what it is Same basic organization as a written report Be painfully clear, redundant when necessary Simplify and stress important elements Know and relate your “take-home message”

ORAL PRESENTATIONS (contd) Some notes on style Be relaxed, but don’t overuse humor Read if you must, but write as you talk Try to tell a good story Use visual aids as aids Control the dialogue Watch the time!