How to structure a psychology lab report

This guide explains the purpose, structure, use, and navigation of Psychology Laboratory Report Writing.

Purpose

The purpose of this site is to assist students and other users to acquire the skills that are necessary for writing a psychology laboratory report.

Structure

This site has a structure that essentially follows that of a psychology laboratory report. There are six core modules – Title page, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion. These six modules cover the major sections of a psychology report. Two additional modules outline the preparation of tables and of figures in a psychology report. Another two focus on the References section and the Appendices. A final module has been designed to highlight important issues concerning the style of writing expected in a psychology laboratory report.

Each module identifies the principles involved in writing the relevant section of the psychology report and examples that are designed to illustrate how those principles can be translated into practice.

Using Psychology Laboratory Report Writing

Most students would probably benefit from working through the modules, from the first to the last. Other users might have particular needs. They might find it more efficient, therefore, to go directly to the module or modules that meet those needs. The modules are designed to be used together, in sequence, to help in the writing of a complete report. However, each module stands on its own and can be used independently.

Navigating the Psychology Laboratory Report Writing

At the top of every page is the menu bar. The menu bar takes you to 5 different pages. These are:

You can use this menu bar at any time to go to any one of those pages.

Writing the report links to the writing modules. You can begin at the beginning with Title page, or select the area of the report that you need help with. At the beginning and end of each module, there are links to the preceding module and to the following module. Clicking on those also allows you to navigate your way through the modules.

Worked examples contains annotated examples of completed reports, demonstrating how they are constructed in accordance with these guidelines. It also contains the full text for all the guidelines and examples that are presented in Writing the report.

FOPs contains examples of Frequently Observed Problems, to assist you in reviewing your own writing.

Please go to Writing the report to begin navigating the web site.