PSYCHOLOGY IA

1. PSYCHOLOGY IA THE DISCUSSION

2. Important points • This section carries the most marks. • Do not discuss the behaviour of the participants. • Think carefully about limitations of methodology and don’t go for obvious things like sample size. • No strengths • Do not forget to correctly reference any works cited. • Remember, this is the discussion section, therefore your job is to discuss and evaluate, rather than just describe.

3. What to include • Analysis of results including descriptive statistics. A common mistake is to discuss the measure of central tendency but not the measure of dispersion. (SL and HL). Explain what they mean. • HL must also discuss Inferential statistics. • HL relate your findings to each piece of background research in the introduction. No new studies or theories should be introduced. For SL, discuss in terms of the replicated study.

4. SL and HL mention how your results differed and where they were in line with the study replicated/background studies. • To consider the limitations of your research methodology (identifying possible extraneous variables) AND suggest modifications. Aim for 3. • Suggest further research that may have arisen during the investigation but was not dealt with in the actual study. 1 only. • A brief conclusion summarizing the results, include stats in HL.

5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA HL Criterion G – 8 marks Analysis of results is well developed and complete (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics are discussed). The findings of the student’s experimental study are discussed with reference to relevant background studies and theories. Limitations of the design and procedure are highly relevant and have been rigorously analysed. Modifications are suggested and ideas for further research may be mentioned. The conclusion is appropriate.

6. Discussion/Analysis of results • Begin by re-stating all of your results (numerically) and then explain what they actually mean. • Do the results support or undermine your hypothesis? Why? • Point out any unusual or atypical scores which might affect your averages, and say why they might have happened.

7. Relate findings to background research • Comment on your findings in relation to the previous research which you have outlined in your introduction. • Say whether your findings support or undermine previous findings. Explain this by pointing out similarities and/or differences between these studies and yours. • In particular, you need to say whether there are differences in methodology between your study and the others in previous research.

8. Make sure you comment on all the research you have introduced earlier. • Make sure you don’t introduce studies that haven’t been included in your introduction.

9. You need to criticise your own study and say whether biases or extraneous variables could have affected your results (hint! See your ‘controls’ section!) E.g. Did your sampling method have an effect? If you used RM did the order in which conditions were carried out effect results? If you used IM how did individual differences affect your results? Was the environment the same each time you tested participants (controlled)? There are plenty more! Limitations and modifications

10. Suggestions for further research • This could include your views on the consequences or implications which your research might have for people or the wider society, or specific groups within that society, e.g. police when interviewing witnesses, Psychologists in relation to current theories, teaching etc. • Any ideas for follow-up studies- something may have happened in your study which you think is worthy of further investigation. • Or consider culture, gender age etc. Would these present opportunities for further study?

11. Conclusion • A brief conclusion summarizing the results of the experiment.