Psy 109: Nov. 14, 2002 Reporting Research: Written and Oral Laurie Karp Erin Roland

Why APA Format Standardized format makes research: Easier to read Easier to compare to other studies Easier to replicate

APA Format Title page Abstract Introduction Method Results Tables and Figures Discussion References Sample Research Report, Goodwin text, p444

The purpose of each part Title Page & Abstract – To introduce topic Introduction – What do we already know? Hypothesis? Method – How did we find information? Results, Tables & Figures – Is our information significant? Discussion – How does this effect understanding of issue? References – To credit sources

Title Simple summary of main idea Identify IV’s and DV’s List author names and affiliations Running head = on title page, 3 words Manuscript Page Header = top of all pages

Venting Feeds The Flame Running Head: Catharsis, Rumination, and Aggression Does venting anger feed or extinguish the flame? Catharsis, rumination, distraction, anger, and aggressive responding. Brad J. Bushman Iowa State University Example: Venting Anger Study

Introduction What is the question? What has been done? “Blowing off steam” vs. increasing anger What will you add to this past research? Rumination and distraction and venting What do you expect (hypothesis)?

Methods What exactly did you do? Subsections - Participants (or Subjects) - Procedure

Venting Anger Design 300 men, 300 women total, in 3 conditions Manipulated anger, then divided into rumination, distraction, control CONTROL 100 men, 100 women PUNCHING BAG PROCEDURE RUMINATION 100 men, 100 women DISTRACTION 100 men, 100 women

Results What did you find? Guideline for reporting results 1. Tests used = inferential stats: t-test, ANOVA, correlation, chi-square 2. Significance of each DV for all levels of IV = descriptive stats: mean, SD 2. Why it came out that way Tables and figures

Tables and Figures Tables show DV (results) for each level of IV means, standard deviations, N results of analysis, p (sig) Graphs and Figures Include captions, labels, and explain within results!!

Venting Anger Results Did Dependent Variables differ based on IV’s: male/female and rumination/distraction/control? DV’s:  Time spent hitting punching bag  Enjoyment of hitting punching bag *  How hard participants hit punching bag *  How many times they hit punching bag *  Self-reported anger *  Self-reported positive mood  Aggressive behavior towards partner

Confounding Variable! Gender differences with the punching bag

Significant Group Difference: Aggressive Behavior

Significant Group Difference: Self-Reported Anger

Variables That Were Not Significant Report the variables that were NOT significantly different as well. Explain why they weren’t. –Time spent hitting the bag –Positive mood –Aggression

Discussion What you found -relate to hypotheses -relate back to past research Limitations Suggest next step in this research

Venting Anger Study So what did we find out about venting? People who ruminated were angrier and had a less-effective workout Do something non-aggressive when you’re angry; picture something other than what made you angry

References Cite all ideas that are not originally yours Previous research has shown that rumination increases angry feelings (Rusting & Nolen- Hoeksema, 1998). In your own words – no quotations Cite all papers at end Bushman, Brad J. (2002). Does venting anger feed or extinguish the flame? Catharsis, rumination, distraction, anger, and aggressive responding. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 6,

Abstract Last part written, first part read People decide whether or not to read your article based on this Summarizes each of the other sections in a neat little package Only about 120 words! Brief but powerful!

Resources To Help You Sample papers Goodwin text - Appendix A, p444 Past student papers - ask your TA APA format Goodwin text, p440 Paper Guidelines - from TA in lab UVM’s Writing Center,

Oral Presentations Tell a research story Usually not as complete a presentation as an article Select the most important findings for discussion Be positive and interested; it will influence how your audience responds to the presentation

Oral Presentation Outline minutes total Introduction – 4 minutes Methods – 3 minutes Results & Discussion –5 minutes Questions – 1 minute

What To Do During Your Oral Presentation!!! 1. BREATHE! 2. Be on time and prepared (practice). 3. Use large overhead fonts. 4. Speak loudly, clearly and slowly. 5. Speak to the entire audience. 6. Explain– don’t just read from your overheads or notes. 7. Why did you do the study? Tell the audience interesting the topic is?

Paper & Presentation Info Presentations start Monday, Nov. 18 –All students: two hours as an audience –Tomorrow (Friday) open lab in Dewey Paper is due December 3 Susan’s and Sham’s groups: See Sham at the front