Lab Report Writing

2007PSY Biological Psychology, - 2017

Information Sheet for the Laboratory Report 2007PSY MG 2017

This document sheet provides information on writing up the laboratory report. It also contains sign-post to other areas with the Assessment/Laboratory Report folder important for the completion of this Assignment. Please read this information sheet carefully.

General Description of this Assignment: Laboratory Report

• The word limit of the report is 2000 + 150 words for the Abstract = 2150 words maximum.

• Marks will be allocated for the following components of the report: Title page, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References, Appendix, Format, and General Style.

• It will be based on the experiment conducted in the Week 3 tutorial on Change Blindness.

• You are to write the report using the date gathered in these tutorials below, and are writing as a short paper using APA 6th format.

Specific Information about the Format of the Lab Report

• The word limit is 2150 words (Abstract + rest of report). The word limit will be strictly enforced. Once the word limit has been reached, the marker will cease reading the report. The word limit does not include: Title Page, the Abstract, Tables, Table Caption(s), Figures, Figure Caption(s), References and Appendices.

• The Abstract should be 150 words maximum, ideally around 120 words.

• While there are common aspects to good writing style, there is not necessarily only one way to write a good assignment.

• Penalties will apply for academic misconduct.

• Extensions for the assignment can only be granted for valid reasons as outlined on the Griffith University policy library and must be requested in writing with confirming documentation prior to the due date. This can be done in email to the Course Convenor.

• The report should comply with APA formatting. Up to 4 marks (out of 30) can be deducted for failure to follow APA format. Those aspects of APA formatting that will be noted include:

• • Double spacing of text

  • The first line of each paragraph is indented

  • Use of 2.5 cm margins

  • Use of a page header and page number on each page

  • Abstract starts on a new page and has the heading “Abstract” at the top

  • Abstracts should be limited to 150 words.

  • Introduction starts on a new page and has the title of the report at the top

  • Method, Results, and Discussion run continuous after the Introduction (that is, does not start on a new page)

  • References starts on a new page and has the heading “References” at the top

  • Appendix starts on a new page and has the heading “Appendix” at the top

  • If more than one Appendix is used, they are numbered by a letter e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B etc.

  • The following variation from strict APA formatting is allowed:

The figures and table should be inserted into the body of the report, rather than putting them at the end of the report with the words “Insert Figure 1 about here” in the text. The latter style is used for the preparation of manuscripts to be published in journals since the actual location of the figures and pages can vary according to the layout of the page. However, your assignment will be the “finished product” and as such should insert all figures and tables at the appropriate place in the text.

• • Figures should be numbered by consecutive Arabic numerals (i.e., Figure 1, Figure 2, …….)

  • Any tables should be numbered, (i.e., Table 1)

  • Each figure should have an appropriate figure caption below it

  • The table should have an appropriate table title above it

  • Citations in the text should be in correct format

  • All works cited in the text should be included in the reference list.

  • The format of common abbreviations are “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” “etc.” and “c.f.” and these should not be used outside of parenthetical comments.

  • Biased and pejorative language must not be used.

  • Italics/bold fonts are used where appropriate for headings and statistical copy

  • Statistical copy should be in APA (6th edition) format

  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms, except for familiar terms

  • Use appropriate labels of people. When describing the individuals in your sample, you should use the heading of “Participants” within the Method section.

  • All references should be in APA format

tips for the Laboratory Report

This file provides information regarding removal of erroneous outlying data from data files and displaying descriptives for each group.

Data Files

The data file will be loaded onto learning@griffith in week 5.

Turn-it-In Assignment Submission

Use the appropriate link to submit your assignment. Ensure your entire assignment (including any Appendices) is included in one single word processor file (e.g. .docx) or a .pdf file, then upload that file.  The assignment is due at 10 am on Monday, May 15, 2017.  Assignments submitted after this time will be penalised 5% per day or part thereof (see Course Profile).  You may submit at any time.  You may re-submit up until the due date without penalty. This link will become active on Thursday, May 11th 2017.

Tutorial Links

The tutorials in Week 3, 5, 6, and 7 were specifically designed to prepare you to write-up the Laboratory Report.

2007PSY Biological Psychology - Mt Gravatt - 2017 4