How to Revise Report writing — OCR A-Level Psychology
Report writing is a topic in the OCR A-Level Psychology specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Report writing
- Ensure you can identify the specific purpose of each section of a report if presented with a scenario.
- Practice writing citations in the Harvard format to ensure accuracy in exams.
- When discussing peer review, focus on its function in maintaining scientific integrity and validating research findings.
- Use the structure of a practical report to organize your own small-scale research practicals in a portfolio.
Common Mistakes in Report writing
- Incorrect formatting of Harvard references (e.g., missing italics for journal titles or incorrect order of elements).
- Confusing the purpose of the 'Results' section (reporting data) with the 'Discussion' section (interpreting data).
- Failing to include all necessary sub-sections within the 'Method' section (design, sample, materials/apparatus, procedure).
- Misunderstanding the role of peer review as a process for validating knowledge rather than just a proofreading exercise.
Key Marking Points
- Knowledge of the standard sections of a practical report: abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, references, and appendices.
- Understanding the purpose of each section and sub-section within a practical report.
- Ability to cite academic research correctly using the Harvard referencing system.
- Understanding the role of the psychological community in the peer review process.
- Appreciation of how peer review ensures the integrity and validity of new knowledge.