Doing Efficient Library Research (5 of 6)
Evaluate Internet evidence.
Is it ACCURATE?
Is the author EXPERT and CREDIBLE?
Is the perspective OBJECTIVE?
Is the information CURRENT?
Is the scope of COVERAGE reasonable?
Overall, how helpful is this resource for supporting the argument you are creating?
Doing Efficient Library Research (6 of 6)
Read ambitiously.
If the paper requires 10 sources, plan to read substantially more than that.
Your goal is to construct an argument with the 10 best resources you can find, not the first 10 you can find.
Doing a Search: Summary
Step 1 – Choose a topic.
Step 2 – Gather search terms.
Step 3 – Collect references (journals, chapters, books, other).
Step 4 – Search reference lists in sources for other references; go back to step 3.
Step 5 – Consult a reference librarian to expand or narrow search.
Writing About Psychology
APA Style
Represents rules for sharing scientific research in psychology
Writing style is predictable, consistent, and accessible.
Details can be found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
APA Style Research or Lab Report (1 of 5)
Organized into four main sections:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
APA Style Research or Lab Report (2 of 5)
Introduction
Presents what is already known about topic
Explains current study’s question
Identifies measured and manipulated variables
Defines hypothesis being tested
APA Style Research or Lab Report (3 of 5)
Method
Describes participants (number, sex, age)
Describes materials (equipment, surveys, questions)
Describes procedure (what was done, step by step, from start to finish)
APA Style Research or Lab Report (4 of 5)
Results
Concisely describes findings
Focuses on behavior
Provides statistical analyses
Does not interpret findings
APA Style Research or Lab Report (5 of 5)
Discussion
Interprets findings
Identifies possible improvements for replicating the work
Suggests next step in research
The Sequence of Sections of the APA Style Paper (1 of 2)
Title page – page 1
Abstract – page 2
Introduction – page 3
Method – follows Introduction
Results – follows Method
The Sequence of Sections of the APA Style Paper (2 of 2)
Discussion – follows Results
References – page after Discussion
Tables – separate page(s)
Figures – separate page(s)
Appendix
Master These APA Rules
Double-space everything.
Use 1-inch margins on all pages.
Do not justify the right margin.
Use easy-to-read 12-point font (e.g., Times Roman).
Number pages on the upper right margin.
Indent all paragraphs except for the Abstract.
Literature Review Papers
Summarize what is known about a psychological topic.
Three parts:
Topic overview – theme, purpose
Main section – review of material
Closing section – main conclusions
Other Writing Formats
Posters
Grant proposals
Technical reports
Case notes
Journal entries
Memoranda
Try to get as much experience as you can with different kinds of professional writing in psychology.
Stand and Deliver (1 of 2)
Tips About Good Public Speaking
Good speakers are usually nervous.
Always introduce yourself and state your purpose in speaking.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
Practice with technology (PowerPoint).
Stay on topic.
Stand and Deliver (2 of 2)
Tips About Good Public Speaking
Look professional, act professional.
Engage your audience (make eye contact, use humor).
Don’t end abruptly.
Give thoughtful responses to questions.
Target your speech to the time available.
Conclusion
Crafting successful communication—from developing research ideas to the final written or oral product—depends on hard work.
Start early, ask for help, practice, and then get ready for positive reinforcement.
Discussion Questions
What are some ways to generate research or paper topics?
Why are journal articles preferred over other sources?
What are some research challenges posed by the Internet?
If you were writing a psychology paper now, what would your topic be?
Which public speaking tip might help you be a better speaker?
