How to Write Psychology Research Reports and Assignments, 10th edition

Published by Pearson (28 November 2023) © 2024

  • Leah Kaufmann
  • Benedict Williams
  • Bruce Findlay Swinburne University of Technology

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Title overview

Writing is a core part of studying psychology, but knowing what your lecturers expect can be challenging when you're learning new conventions, formats and academic standards.

How to Write Psychology Research Reports and Assignments helps students develop the skills and confidence to communicate psychological ideas clearly and effectively. Designed for undergraduate psychology students, this practical guide walks readers through the essential elements of academic writing, from citations and references to research reports, essays and literature reviews.

Filled with examples, explanations and practical resources, it provides more support and detail than a typical departmental guide. Students can see what successful psychology writing looks like, understand the reasoning behind academic conventions and build the skills needed to approach assignments with confidence.

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Samples

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Key features

  • Step-by-step guidance for writing psychology assignments and research reports
  • Clear explanations of APA 7th edition conventions used throughout
  • Flowcharts that help students plan and structure reports and essays
  • Examples drawn from contemporary Australian and New Zealand psychology research
  • Practical demonstrations of effective introductions, summaries, citations and referencing
  • Online examples of high- and low-quality research reports to reinforce learning
  • A glossary of key psychology terminology for quick reference
  • Comprehensive index to help students find support when they need it
  • Coverage of a wide range of assessment types, including essays, literature reviews, research proposals, presentations and posters
  • Additional resources and guidance for more advanced undergraduate study

What you'll learn

Throughout this text, students will develop the essential writing and communication skills needed for success in psychology.

  • Build strong academic writing foundations. Understand the purpose of writing in psychology, learn how assignments are structured and develop strategies for planning and organising your work.
  • Master citations and referencing. Learn how to apply APA 7th edition conventions correctly and confidently across different types of academic assessments.
  • Write effective research reports. Develop the skills needed to communicate research methods, findings and conclusions using the conventions expected in psychology.
  • Develop critical analysis skills. Learn how to evaluate evidence, synthesise research and construct well-supported arguments in essays and literature reviews.
  • Communicate across assessment formats. Gain practical guidance for research proposals, presentations, posters and group projects commonly used throughout psychology programs.
  • Build confidence for future study. Develop academic writing skills that support success in advanced undergraduate study, research projects and professional communication.

Who it's for

This resource is ideal for:

  • First- and second-year undergraduate psychology students
  • Students new to academic writing in psychology
  • Learners looking to strengthen research report and essay-writing skills
  • Students seeking practical guidance on APA 7th edition formatting and referencing
  • More advanced psychology students tackling unfamiliar assignment types
  • Educators looking for a reliable writing companion text to support undergraduate courses

Whether you're writing your first psychology report or refining your academic writing skills, How to Write Psychology Research Reports and Assignments provides practical guidance, clear examples and trusted support to help you communicate your ideas with confidence.

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Table of contents

  • 1. Reasons for Writing in Psychology Units
  • 2. Getting Started: The Basic Elements
  • 3. Citations and References
  • 4. Research Basics: How to Start your Report
  • 5. Research Reports in Psychology
  • 6. Essays in Psychology
  • 7. Literature Reviews
  • 8. Research Proposals, Presentations, Posters, and Groupwork in Psychology

Author bios

Dr Leah Kaufmann is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the Australian Catholic University. Leah is an active member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and serves as President of the ACU Branch at NTEU (National Tertiary Education Union).

Benedict J. Williams - Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology.

Dr Bruce Findlay - Formerly of Swinburne University of Technology, Department of Psychological Sciences.

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