How to Write a Good Psychology Research Paper

A good psychology research paper is a culmination of in-depth analysis, evaluation and interpretation of a specific thesis in psychology. It has a similar format and approach to term paper, only that it is deep, longer and well-thought through. Depending on the topic, literature review and length of the study, a good research paper should range between 4,000 to 6,000 words. Below is an ideal structure and format for writing a good psychology research paper.

Parts of a Good Psychology Research Paper

Title Page

It is the first page of the research paper identifying a good psychology research paper. At the top of the page, right the name “Running Head” and the name of the research. A few steps down, write the full title of the research paper, followed by your name and the academic department or institution’s name. You can also decide to write your course instructor’s name and the date of submission.

Research Abstract

Like any other academic paper, an abstract summarises a good psychology research paper with all the details. It contains the research question, participants, data gathering method and a snippet of the results. The effects of the study also form part of the abstract, albeit in brief. Even though it is at the beginning of the research paper format, the abstract is among the last parts to be written.

Its wordings are short, straightforward and definitive as it summarises the entire research. It gives the reader an abridged research version and gets the picture before going for the detailed analogy.

Introduction

The section introduces the topic, giving the background of the research concept. It starts from a general approach and narrows to specifics, forming the hypothesis. You can discuss the concept, giving valuable background and literature. The aim is to craft the research problems, premise designs and zero down on your research methods.

Literature Review

It is proof of concept since it finds the relevant materials to support the research question. You must gather all information from psychology scholars and professionals, detailing their findings. It also touches on the execution challenges, effects and their relationship with your current study. All this is essential as it interrogates the findings, providing a strong case for or against the hypothesis.

Literature review is the engine of any good psychology research paper. It is either a good or bad research paper depending on the depth and formulation of the research questions. To drive the point home, the explanations should strengthen the topic, especially around the research hypotheses. Citation is key as it shows your sources, relevance and gives your work credibility.

Methodology

After providing context to your psychology research paper, you must test your hypothesis. It is a detailed account of what you will do to get the data and the data collection method. The method is in 3 sections; the sample group, data collection material and the procedure.

First of all, describe your participants and their selection criteria. Their description gives the reader a clear view of their ability and the objectivity of the research. Since psychology is into behaviours and personalities, the respondents must have a bare minimum, giving the researcher a heads-up of what to expect.

On data collection material, mention every piece of equipment, infrastructure and supplies. It helps build a picture of the procedure and authenticity. Most good psychology research paper materials are manual or virtual questionnaires with multiple-choice questions for uniformity.

Lastly, the procedure makes it easy for the data collectors to actualise the process. The questions might be leading, but the respondents have to answer truthfully and consistently. Depending on the target sample group, you can organise your interview sessions to give you the biggest output in record time.

If there are any conditions, let them be clear. At the end of the exercise, the results should inform a behaviour, trait or direction, which is big in understanding personalities.

Outcome/Results

In this section, you tabulate, summarise or present the outcome of the research. Based on the set hypothesis, you can either reject or approve the null hypothesis. To simplify the whole section, draw a table and write all the outcomes, especially if they are numerical. Figures go a long way to quantify data and make conclusions.

The length of this section is relative, depending on the number of research hypotheses. If you want to match the outcome between different hypotheses, it might lengthen this topic. However, it gives the reader more insight into the thesis.

Discussion

It is the interpretation section of the research paper. You get to infer behaviour, character and personalities from the findings generated. Ensure that the centre of your discussion is the hypotheses and the outcome point towards proving or discarding them.

For objectivity, you can relate the outcome based on the literature review. Any resemblance affirms the concept, while a deviation denotes a change in perception. You can also discuss the limitations, challenges, conflicting variables, and how they affect the overall outcome.

Lastly, provide areas for future research, especially on what might significantly affect your thesis. They include a thematic area that you think might bring out the best in the topic. Do not over-reach or infer a concept or idea that wasn’t part of the research. Professionalism dictates that you discuss the findings within your limits.

Draw a conclusion based on your findings and comment on the whole study. You can also touch on how you think the research might affect psychology as a discipline.

Reference

You must quote every resource you quoted in your research. Acknowledge their contribution to the discipline and write the reference based on a prescribed citation method. If your methodology and literature review had tables and figures, list them under appendixes for easy tracking.

Factors to Consider When Writing a Good Psychology Research Paper

• Understand the Topic – Before settling down to write, ensure you understand the topic, its intrinsic meaning and what it demands from you. You can either choose the topic or request the course instructor.
• Background research – it gives you the foundation from which you can start digging for content.
• Drafting – script down at least 3 drafts and go with the best one.
• Editing and Proofreading – Correct grammar, straighten theories, and improve concept deliveries before submitting.