Psychology research paper

I. ABSTRACT (about 1/2 page, separate page)

II. LITERATURE REVIEW (about 3-4 pages)

relevance of theories & studies cited

describe issue importance, state project purpose

explicitly state hypothesis

III. METHOD ( about 2 pages)

sample description

rights of subjects protected

followed ethical guidelines

procedure description

describe surveys

define key concepts, IVs, & DVs

IV. RESULTS (about 1 page)

presentation of findings

if appropriate, use of

tables, graphs, charts

V. DISCUSSION (about 3-4 pages)

implications of results - who cares?

relevance of positive psychological principles

explain underlying processes - why do the relationships exist?

develop results within framework of literature review

limitations of project; tentative statement of conclusions

summary of purpose, findings, conclusions, & recommendations

VI. TOPIC SELECTION CRITERIA

creativity; complexity

VII. PROFESSIONALISM

use of APA format, third person, appearance, neatness,

spelling, grammar; font 12 only.