Introduction
Describe the topic of the study, why the study needs to be conducted, and the potential positive social change implications of the study.
Preview major sections of the chapter.
Study Purpose/Research Objectives
Indicate that this is a quantitative study.
Present the study intent (such as, describe, compare, correlate, explore, and develop).
Identify the independent, dependent, and covariate variables.
Research Question(s) and Hypotheses
State the research questions.
State the null and alternative hypotheses (if appropriate) that identify the independent and dependent variables studied, the association tested, and how the variables are measured.
Methodology
Describe the data you used.
Describe the variables and how each variable is measured or manipulated.
Identify the statistical test(s) used to test the hypothesis/hypotheses.
Explain the rationale for including potential covariates and/or confounding variables.
Analysis/Results
Report statistical analysis findings, organized by research questions and/or hypotheses, including:
Exact statistics and associated probability values
Confidence intervals around the statistics (as appropriate)
Effect sizes (as appropriate)
Report results of post-hoc analyses of statistical tests, if applicable.
Include tables and figures to illustrate results, as appropriate, as per the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
Implications
Describe the potential impact for positive social change at the appropriate level
(individual, family, organizational, and societal/policy).
Describe methodological, theoretical, and/or empirical implications, as appropriate.
Describe recommendations for practice, as appropriate.
Limitations
Describe the limitations to generalizability and/or trustworthiness, validity, and reliability that arose from execution of the study.
Conclusions
Provide a strong “take home” message that captures the key essence of the study.
Use this resource to support learning, planning and original work. Follow your institution’s academic integrity requirements.