Assignment: Writing a Scientific Report in Psychology (APA Style)
Title Page
The title page should include the title of your report, your name, institution, course name, instructor’s name, and the date of submission, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Example:
Title: The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance in College Students
Author: Jane Doe
Institution: XYZ University
Course: Psychology 201
Instructor: Dr. John Smith
Date: September 4, 2024
Abstract
The abstract is a concise summary of the report, typically between 150-250 words, summarizing the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.
Example:
This study explores the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance among college students. Fifty participants were subjected to a cognitive assessment after either 8 hours or 4 hours of sleep. The results indicate that participants who experienced sleep deprivation performed significantly worse on memory and attention tasks compared to those who had adequate sleep. These findings suggest that sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive functioning, particularly in academic settings.
Introduction
The introduction provides background information on the topic, outlines the research question, and presents the hypothesis. It should clearly explain the relevance and purpose of the study.
Example:
Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for cognitive functioning. Previous research has consistently shown that inadequate sleep can impair various cognitive processes, including memory, attention, and decision-making. College students, often prone to sleep deprivation due to academic pressures, may be particularly vulnerable to these effects. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive performance in college students. We hypothesize that students who experience sleep deprivation will demonstrate poorer cognitive performance compared to those with sufficient sleep.
Methods
The methods section details the experimental design, participants, materials, and procedures used in the study, allowing for replication.
Example:
Participants: Fifty college students (25 males and 25 females) aged 18-25 were recruited for this study.
Materials: Cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) for memory and attention tasks.
Procedure:
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- Sleep Deprivation Group: Participants had 4 hours of sleep.
- Control Group: Participants had 8 hours of sleep.
After the sleep manipulation, cognitive assessments were conducted in the morning. The experiment took place in a controlled laboratory setting.
Research Method:
This study employed a between-subjects experimental design. The independent variable was the amount of sleep (4 hours vs. 8 hours), and the dependent variable was cognitive performance, measured through memory and attention tasks.
Results
The results section presents the data collected during the study, often using tables, graphs, and statistical analysis, without interpretation.
Example:
Table 1 below shows the mean scores on the memory and attention tasks for both the sleep-deprived group and the control group.
| Task | Sleep Deprived (Mean ± SD) | Control (Mean ± SD) |
|---|
| Memory Task (WAIS) | 65.4 ± 10.2 | 78.9 ± 8.5 |
| Attention Task | 72.1 ± 9.8 | 85.6 ± 7.4 |
A t-test revealed significant differences between the two groups in both memory (t(48) = 4.32, p < 0.001) and attention (t(48) = 4.76, p < 0.001) tasks.
Graph 1: The bar graph below illustrates the difference in mean scores between the sleep-deprived and control groups on both memory and attention tasks.
![Bar Graph]()
(Note: You can insert a bar graph showing the comparison of cognitive performance between the sleep-deprived and control groups. The x-axis represents the tasks (Memory, Attention), and the y-axis represents the mean scores.)
Discussion
The discussion section interprets the results, discusses their implications, and relates them to the hypothesis and existing research.
Example:
The results support the hypothesis that sleep deprivation negatively impacts cognitive performance in college students. The significant differences in memory and attention task scores between the sleep-deprived and control groups align with previous research findings. These results underscore the importance of adequate sleep for maintaining cognitive functions critical for academic success. The diminished performance in sleep-deprived students suggests that academic institutions should prioritize sleep health. Future research could explore the long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation and its impact on other cognitive domains.
Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes the main findings and their implications, reaffirming the research question and hypothesis.
Example:
This study demonstrates the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students, highlighting the need for adequate sleep to maintain optimal cognitive functioning. These findings suggest that promoting healthy sleep habits should be a priority in educational settings to enhance academic performance.
References
The references section lists all sources cited in the report, formatted according to APA guidelines with a hanging indent.
Example:
Smith, J. A., & Brown, K. L. (2022). The effects of sleep on cognitive function. Journal of Sleep Research, 21(3), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/jsr.2022.0213
Jones, L. M., & Taylor, P. R. (2021). Sleep and academic performance in college students. Sleep Medicine, 15(2), 67-78. https://doi.org/10.5678/sleep.2021.15234
Formatting Guidelines
- Font: 12-point Times New Roman
- Spacing: Double-spaced throughout
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides
- Title Page: Include title, author, institution, course, instructor, and date
- Page Numbers: Top right corner of each page
- Headings: Use APA style for headings (e.g., Level 1 for main sections, Level 2 for subsection.
Writing a thesis according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style involves adhering to specific formatting and organizational guidelines. APA style is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, education, and other fields. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you structure and format your thesis according to APA 7th edition guidelines, complete with examples.
---
## **General Formatting Guidelines**
- **Font:** Use a clear, readable font. APA recommends 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, or 11-point Calibri.
- **Margins:** Set all margins to 1 inch on all sides.
- **Line Spacing:** Double-space all text, including headings and references.
- **Alignment:** Left-align the text (do not justify).
- **Indentation:** Indent the first line of every paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- **Page Numbers:** Include page numbers in the top right corner of every page.
---
## **Structure of the Thesis**
1. **Title Page**
2. **Abstract**
3. **Table of Contents**
4. **List of Figures and Tables (if applicable)**
5. **Introduction**
6. **Literature Review**
7. **Methodology**
8. **Results**
9. **Discussion**
10. **Conclusion**
11. **References**
12. **Appendices (if applicable)**
---
### **1. Title Page**
**Elements:**
- Title of the thesis
- Author's name
- Institution affiliation
- Course name and number (if applicable)
- Instructor's name (if applicable)
- Date of submission
**Example:**
```
The Impact of Remote Learning on Student Engagement
Jane Smith
Department of Education, University of Example
EDU 500: Master's Thesis
Dr. John Doe
September 4, 2024
```
---
### **2. Abstract**
- A concise summary of your thesis.
- Typically 150-250 words.
- Should include the research problem, methods, results, and conclusions.
**Example:**
```
This thesis examines the impact of remote learning on student engagement in higher education. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 200 undergraduate students through surveys and interviews. The findings indicate that while remote learning offers flexibility, it poses challenges to maintaining student engagement due to technological issues and lack of face-to-face interaction. Recommendations for improving online engagement strategies are discussed.
```
---
### **3. Table of Contents**
- Lists all the major sections and subsections of your thesis with corresponding page numbers.
**Example:**
```
Table of Contents
Abstract...........................................ii
List of Tables....................................iv
List of Figures...................................v
Introduction.......................................1
Literature Review..................................5
Methodology.......................................15
Results...........................................22
Discussion........................................35
Conclusion........................................42
References........................................45
Appendices........................................50
```
---
### **4. List of Figures and Tables**
- If your thesis includes figures and tables, list them with page numbers.
**Example:**
```
List of Tables
Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Participants........16
Table 2: Student Engagement Scores by Learning Mode.........23
List of Figures
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework of Student Engagement........7
Figure 2: Survey Response Rate Over Time....................18
```
---
### **5. Introduction**
- Introduce your research topic.
- Present the background and significance.
- State the research problem and objectives.
- End with a clear thesis statement or research question.
**Example:**
```
Introduction
The rise of remote learning, accelerated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the educational landscape. While remote learning offers unprecedented access and flexibility, concerns have emerged regarding its effectiveness in fostering student engagement. This thesis explores the relationship between remote learning environments and student engagement levels in higher education settings. The primary objective is to identify factors that influence engagement and propose strategies to enhance the remote learning experience.
```
---
### **6. Literature Review**
- Review existing research related to your topic.
- Identify gaps in the literature.
- Establish the theoretical framework.
**Example:**
```
Literature Review
Remote learning has been a subject of extensive study in recent years (Anderson & Simpson, 2020; Moore, 2019). Studies indicate that student engagement is a critical factor in academic success (Kuh, 2009). However, the transition to online platforms poses challenges to traditional engagement methods (Garrison, 2017). This review synthesizes current findings on remote learning and student engagement, highlighting the need for innovative engagement strategies in virtual environments.
```
---
### **7. Methodology**
- Describe the research design.
- Explain the methods of data collection and analysis.
- Include information about participants, instruments, procedures, and ethical considerations.
**Example:**
```
Methodology
A mixed-methods research design was employed to comprehensively assess student engagement. The quantitative component involved a survey distributed to 200 undergraduate students enrolled in remote learning courses. The survey included the Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ) developed by Fredricks et al. (2004). For the qualitative component, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis included statistical analysis for quantitative data and thematic coding for qualitative data. Ethical approval was obtained from the University Research Ethics Committee.
```
---
### **8. Results**
- Present the findings without interpretation.
- Use tables and figures where appropriate.
- Report statistical analyses (e.g., t-tests, ANOVAs) if applicable.
**Example:**
```
Results
Quantitative Findings
The survey results indicated that students reported lower engagement levels in remote learning compared to traditional classroom settings (M = 3.2, SD = 0.8). A paired-samples t-test revealed a significant difference in engagement scores between remote and in-person learning modes, t(199) = -5.67, p < .001.
Qualitative Findings
Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified three main themes affecting engagement: technological barriers, lack of interaction, and self-motivation challenges. Participants expressed feelings of isolation and difficulty staying motivated without face-to-face contact.
*Table 2: Comparison of Engagement Scores*
| Learning Mode | Mean Score | Standard Deviation |
|---------------------|------------|--------------------|
| In-Person | 4.1 | 0.6 |
| Remote Learning | 3.2 | 0.8 |
```
---
### **9. Discussion**
- Interpret the results in the context of your research questions.
- Discuss how findings relate to existing literature.
- Address limitations of the study.
- Suggest implications and areas for future research.
**Example:**
```
Discussion
The findings corroborate previous studies indicating that remote learning can adversely affect student engagement (Stone & Springer, 2019). The significant reduction in engagement scores suggests that current remote learning models may not adequately address the interactive needs of students. Technological barriers and reduced interpersonal interactions were prominent issues. Limitations of the study include a limited demographic scope and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of remote learning on engagement and test intervention strategies.
```
---
### **10. Conclusion**
- Summarize the main findings.
- Restate the significance of your research.
- Provide final thoughts or recommendations.
**Example:**
```
Conclusion
This thesis highlights the challenges of maintaining student engagement in remote learning environments. The significant decrease in engagement levels underscores the need for educational institutions to rethink online pedagogical strategies. Implementing interactive tools, fostering community, and providing support can enhance engagement. Addressing these areas is crucial for improving educational outcomes in an increasingly digital world.
```
---
### **11. References**
- List all sources cited in your thesis.
- Use hanging indentation (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches).
- Follow APA citation format.
**Example:**
```
References
Anderson, T., & Simpson, M. (2020). Online learning in the post-COVID era. *Educational Technology*, 60(4), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.1000/xyz123
Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence. *Review of Educational Research*, 74(1), 59-109.
```
---
### **12. Appendices**
- Include supplementary material such as raw data, survey instruments, or detailed calculations.
- Each appendix should start on a new page.
**Example:**
```
Appendix A
Survey Instrument: Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ)
[Include the full survey used in the study]
Appendix B
Interview Protocol
[Include the list of interview questions]
```
---
## **Additional APA Formatting Tips**
### **Headings and Subheadings**
Use APA heading styles to organize your thesis.
**Levels of Headings:**
1. **Level 1 Heading (Centered, Boldface, Title Case)**
2. **Level 2 Heading (Left-Aligned, Boldface, Title Case)**
3. **Level 3 Heading (Left-Aligned, Boldface Italic, Title Case)**
4. **Level 4 Heading (Indented, Boldface, Title Case, Ending with a Period.)** Text begins on the same line.
5. **Level 5 Heading (Indented, Boldface Italic, Title Case, Ending with a Period.)** Text begins on the same line.
**Example:**
```
Methods
Participants
Demographic Information. The participants were...
Recruitment Process. Participants were recruited through...
Data Analysis
Quantitative Analysis. Statistical tests were conducted using...
Qualitative Analysis. Thematic coding was performed on...
```
### **In-Text Citations**
- **Paraphrasing:** (Author, Year)
- Example: Remote learning challenges student engagement (Anderson & Simpson, 2020).
- **Direct Quote:** (Author, Year, p. Page Number)
- Example: "Student engagement is critical in remote learning environments" (Garrison, 2017, p. 45).
### **Numbers**
- Use numerals for numbers 10 and above.
- Use words for numbers below 10.
- Always use numerals for measurements, dates, ages, sample sizes, and exact sums of money.
**Example:**
- Five participants dropped out of the study.
- The survey included 15 questions.
- Participants ranged in age from 18 to 24 years.
### **Abbreviations**
- Spell out abbreviations the first time they appear, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
**Example:**
- The Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ) was utilized.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
## **Structure of a Journal Article**
1. **Title Page**
2. **Abstract**
3. **Keywords**
4. **Introduction**
5. **Method**
6. **Results**
7. **Discussion**
8. **References**
9. **Tables and Figures (if applicable)**
10. **Appendices (if applicable)**
---
### **1. Title Page**
**Elements:**
- **Title:** Centered and bold, written in title case (capitalize major words).
- **Author(s):** Below the title, list the author(s) names, centered.
- **Institutional Affiliation:** Below the author(s) name(s), list the affiliation(s).
- **Author Note:** If required, provide an author note at the bottom of the title page.
- **Running Head:** Include a running head only if requested, flush left in the header, with the page number flush right.
**Example:**
```
Running head: THE IMPACT OF REMOTE LEARNING ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
The Impact of Remote Learning on Student Engagement
Jane Smith
University of Example
Author Note
Jane Smith, Department of Psychology, University of Example. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Jane Smith, Department of Psychology, University of Example, 123 Main St., Example City, Country. Email: jsmith@example.edu
```
---
### **2. Abstract**
- **Length:** Typically 150-250 words.
- **Content:** Summarize the research problem, methods, results, and conclusions.
- **Keywords:** Include 3-5 keywords below the abstract.
**Example:**
```
Abstract
This study examines the effects of remote learning on student engagement in higher education. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 200 students through surveys and interviews. The findings suggest that while remote learning provides flexibility, it also presents challenges to maintaining student engagement, particularly due to technological issues and reduced face-to-face interaction. Strategies for improving engagement in online learning environments are discussed.
Keywords: remote learning, student engagement, higher education, online education, mixed-methods
```
---
### **3. Introduction**
- **Content:** Introduce the research problem and provide background information.
- **Thesis Statement:** State the purpose and objectives of the study.
- **Literature Review:** Briefly review relevant literature and identify gaps.
**Example:**
```
Introduction
Remote learning has rapidly become a prominent mode of instruction, especially in the wake of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While remote learning offers unprecedented flexibility and access, there are significant concerns regarding its impact on student engagement. Engagement is a critical factor in academic success, and understanding how remote learning environments influence engagement is essential for developing effective educational strategies. This study seeks to explore the relationship between remote learning and student engagement, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by online education.
```
---
### **4. Method**
- **Participants:** Describe the participants and how they were selected.
- **Materials/Instruments:** Detail the tools, surveys, or instruments used.
- **Procedure:** Explain the steps taken during the research.
- **Data Analysis:** Outline the statistical or qualitative methods used to analyze the data.
**Example:**
```
Method
Participants
Two hundred undergraduate students enrolled in online courses at the University of Example participated in this study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of demographics and academic backgrounds.
Materials
The primary instrument used was the Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ), a validated survey designed to measure various dimensions of student engagement.
Procedure
Participants were invited to complete an online survey, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subset of 20 participants. The survey measured engagement across cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions, while interviews provided in-depth insights into student experiences with remote learning.
Data Analysis
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic coding to identify key themes related to engagement.
```
---
### **5. Results**
- **Content:** Present the findings without interpretation.
- **Tables/Figures:** Use tables or figures to illustrate data, if applicable.
- **Statistical Analysis:** Report the results of any statistical tests conducted.
**Example:**
```
Results
Quantitative analysis revealed that student engagement scores were significantly lower in remote learning environments compared to traditional classrooms, t(199) = -4.56, p < .001. Thematic analysis of interview data identified three main themes: technological barriers, reduced social interaction, and challenges with self-motivation.
*Table 1: Comparison of Student Engagement Scores by Learning Mode*
| Learning Mode | Mean Score | Standard Deviation |
|---------------------|------------|--------------------|
| In-Person | 4.3 | 0.7 |
| Remote Learning | 3.5 | 0.9 |
```
---
### **6. Discussion**
- **Interpretation:** Discuss the significance of the findings in relation to the research question and existing literature.
- **Implications:** Highlight the practical implications of the research.
- **Limitations:** Acknowledge any limitations of the study.
- **Future Research:** Suggest areas for future research.
**Example:**
```
Discussion
The findings of this study support the hypothesis that remote learning negatively impacts student engagement. This is consistent with prior research suggesting that the lack of face-to-face interaction and technological challenges can hinder student involvement in online courses. However, the study also highlights potential strategies for mitigating these effects, such as incorporating interactive tools and fostering a sense of community in online classrooms. Limitations of this study include a limited sample size and reliance on self-reported data, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Future research should explore the long-term effects of remote learning on student engagement and academic outcomes.
```
---
### **7. References**
- **Content:** List all sources cited in the article, formatted according to APA guidelines.
- **Hanging Indent:** Use a hanging indent for each reference.
**Example:**
```
References
Anderson, T., & Simpson, M. (2020). Online learning in the post-COVID era. *Educational Technology*, 60(4), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.1000/xyz123
---
### **8. Tables and Figures**
- **Placement:** Tables and figures can be embedded in the text or placed after the references.
- **Labeling:** Number tables and figures consecutively, with a brief title.
**Example:**
```
Table 1
Comparison of Student Engagement Scores by Learning Mode
| Learning Mode | Mean Score | Standard Deviation |
|---------------------|------------|--------------------|
| In-Person | 4.3 | 0.7 |
| Remote Learning | 3.5 | 0.9 |
Figure 1
Survey Response Rate Over Time
[Insert Figure 1]
```
---
### **9. Appendices**
- **Content:** Include any supplementary material such as raw data, detailed calculations, or additional questionnaires.
- **Labeling:** Label each appendix with a letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
**Example:**
```
Appendix A
Survey Instrument: Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ)
[Include the full survey used in the study]
.
### **In-Text Citations**
- **Paraphrasing:** (Author, Year)
- Example: Student engagement is critical in online learning (Anderson & Simpson, 2020).
- **Direct Quote:** (Author, Year, p. Page Number)
DIFFERENCE OF BPA STYLE:
BPA refers to a specific institution's guidelines for thesis writing, those guidelines are usually provided directly by the institution itself. This could include formatting rules for:
- Title Page: Specific layout, fonts, and placement of the title, author’s name, and institutional details.
- Margins: Requirements for page margins (e.g., 1 inch on all sides).
- Font and Size: Specific fonts (e.g., Times New Roman) and font size (usually 12pt).
- Headings: How to format different levels of headings and subheadings.
- Citation Style: Rules for in-text citations and the reference list, which may be similar to or differ from APA, MLA, or other common styles.
- Page Numbers: Placement and style of page numbers.
- Tables and Figures: How to label and format tables and figures.
- References and Bibliography: How to list references, including format for books, journal articles, and online sources.
Example Structure Based on Common Academic Standards
While I can’t provide specific BPA rules, I can offer a structure that might be adapted to suit the requirements if BPA is a local or institutional guideline:
Title Page
- Title of the thesis
- Your name
- Institution's name
- Date of submission
- Degree for which the thesis is submitted
- Name of the supervisor(s)
Abstract
- A concise summary of the research, including the problem statement, methodology, findings, and conclusions. Typically 150-300 words.
Acknowledgments
- A section to thank those who supported your research.
Table of Contents
- A list of chapters and major sections, with page numbers.
List of Tables and Figures
- If your thesis includes tables or figures, list them with page numbers.
Introduction
- Introduction to the topic, research problem, and objectives.
Literature Review
- A review of existing research relevant to your topic.
Methodology
- Explanation of the methods used for your research, including data collection and analysis techniques.
Results
- Presentation of the research findings.
Discussion
- Interpretation of the results, linking them back to your research question and literature review.
Conclusion
- Summary of findings and their implications, potential limitations, and suggestions for future research.
References
- A list of all the sources cited in your thesis, formatted according to the specific guidelines of BPA (if available) or a similar style like APA.
Appendices
- Any supplementary material, such as raw data, questionnaires, or additional tables.
Example References Section in APA Style (as a Placeholder)
While waiting for exact BPA guidelines, here's an example of a reference section in APA style:
References
- Smith, J. A. (2020). The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 15(4), 123-145.
- Doe, J., & Johnson, M. (2019). A comprehensive review of renewable energy sources. Renewable Energy Journal, 22(3), 200-215.
If BPA follows similar principles, the structure and formatting might resemble these examples, adjusted to any specific instructions provided by your institution or guidE.
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