Introduction to Psychology Assignment - Research Report

PSYC 1311: Introduction to Psychology

Assignment 5

Research Report

(20%)

Purpose of Assignment

· Each student must submit a written report that reviews the literature pertaining to the following research issue:

Students enter the classroom with different orientations. Learning-oriented students view college classes as opportunities to acquire new information and skills that are personally and professionally useful. Grade-oriented students view college classes as a necessary step in the process of attaining professional certification or employment. Is academic performance related to students’ learning-orientation or grade-orientation? If so, how can academic performance be improved?

· This assignment aims at giving students the opportunity to become familiar with the process of writing a formal research report in psychology.

· A secondary purpose is to introduce students to the process through which scientists formally research topics for their research endeavors. Thus, students will search for and read articles relevant to the selected research issue.

Objectives

· To help students examine a particular research topic in psychology.

· To help students become familiar with the techniques of completing a formal research paper.

· To help students critically analyze the research process and become aware of inherent problems, including confounding variables, reliability, internal validity, and external validity.

· To help students further their knowledge of correct APA referencing protocols.

· To help students become familiar with the use of basic descriptive statistics.

· To help students become familiar with recognized psychology journals and reputable web sites in the field of psychology.

Requirements of Written Report

1. The report must use the students’ own language and should specify the reference(s) from which the information is taken.

2. Students are encouraged to examine reports in psychology journals to become familiar with the correct structure of scientific reports.

3. The report must:

· have a title page

· use Times New Romans or Arial, and font size 12

· have a space of 2 between lines

· be at least 4 full pages in length (not including the title page, abstract, and reference list)

· use topic sentences at the start of each paragraph

· use full sentences

The report must use the following sections:

Title Page (p. 1)

Page with the title of the report, student’s name, and institutional affiliation. Running head and page numbers should also be included.

Abstract (p. 2)

It is a summary of all sections of the report. Length: approximately 100-150 words.

Introduction

It includes the research issue and definitions of unfamiliar terms.

Literature Review

It is an overview of the research done in the area, including its findings, and criticism of its limitations (e.g., methodological issues) and inconsistencies.

Discussion

It includes a brief summary of the answer to the selected research issue, and the student’s personal conclusions regarding the available evidence. Ways to improve the current status of the available evidence and its use are welcome. Discussion must be both factual and related to existing theories.

References

The reference section includes at least 2 references. The references can be from books, book chapters, or peer-reviewed journals. APA referencing style should be followed.

Appendix or separate file

Attach answers to LOGO II questionnaire.

Assessment Criteria

See attached file.