This document provides instructions for writing an Empirical Research Activity (ERA) report, which is used in psychology to report the results of an experiment or research study. It outlines the typical sections of an ERA report, including the abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references sections. Each section has specific content requirements to describe the study purpose, methodology, findings, and implications of the research in a structured format. Adhering to this format is important for publishing research and allowing studies to be replicated.

1. HOW TO WRITE AN ERA
SAC 2 PREPARATION
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

2. WHAT IS AN ERA
An ERA is a Empirical Research Activity, which is a scientific
report on an experiment or research study conducted by
Psychologists.
Note that it is a REPORT not an essay, and so involves a set
structure that is adhered to by all psychologists, whether they
be VCE psych students or 20 year experienced APA
(Australian Psychology Association) accredited Psychologists.
An experiment’s ERA is what is published in Psychology
Journals.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

3. SECTIONS OF ERA
ERAs are separated into distinct sections
Each section has set guidelines as to what information goes
where and some sections have sub-sections within them.
There are 5 sections of a report plus an addition Reference
page.
The 5 sections are; Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results,
and Discussion
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

4. ABSTRACT
The first page of an ERA and is on a page of its own titled in bold
and centred Abstract.
Although the abstract is at the beginning of the report, write it
LAST!
The abstract provides a concise summary of the study.
It includes approximately two sentences from each section of the
report and MUST state the sample, population, IV, DV,
hypothesis, results and concluding statement.
The abstract is a maximum of 150 words at VCE level.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

5. Introduction
The introduction is titled by the RESEARCH STUDY TITLE NOT introduction.
The introduction must:
*state the research aim
*explain the main concepts involved in the research
*define all terms used in the research
*summarise previous relevant research
*explain why the research was considered necessary
*state the independent variable and the dependent variable and indicate how they
are operationalised
*state the experimental hypotheses it is testing.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

6. Method
The method begins immediately after the Introduction and is
titled in bold and centred Method
The method provides exact details of the participants and the
procedures of the study.
The method requires acute detail to enable replication of the
study.
The method is divided into three sub-sections each titled in italic
left alignment in own paragraph, Participants, Measures,
Procedure.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

7. Participants
Here is where you write all participant details including the
population taken from, the sample, the age, gender and
education/occupation of the participants.
Remember NO personal identification details are to be
reported due to ethical considerations (Privacy).
Note, you do NOT list participant selection or allocation here!
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

8. Measures
Here is where all the materials used for the experiment are
listed.
This section is permitted to be in dot form.
Every material used is to be listed - even pens and paper!
Remember it is to allow a complete stranger to read your
report and replicate it exactly!
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

9. Procedure
This is the most important sub-section of the method as it is
where you detail STEP BY STEP the processes taken in the
experiment.
This is where you list how you selected the participants and
how you allocated them to groups and what you actually did
every step of the way!
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

10. Results
As the name suggests the results section reports the results of
the study.
It is followed immediately after the method and titled in bold
and centred Results
All tables, graphs and descriptive data is here, including any
statistical tests conducted on the results, however NO
interpretation of the results are revealed here.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

11. Discussion
The discussion is where you explain the results in relation to the hypothesis and
previous research that was mentioned in the introduction.
NEVER refer to any research in your discussion if you did not in the introduction!
Here your hypothesis is supported or rejected. Any cases of rejected hypotheses,
comment on a possible alternative hypothesis to maintain the validity of your study.
Limitations of the study are also commented on in the discussion. Possible solutions
to the limitations are provided.
NOTE: Don’t highlight too many limitations or your study will not be considered
worthwhile! At VCE level, two limitations are sufficient.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012

12. Reference
This the same as any reference page however be sure to start a
new page and bold and centre title Reference
In psychology the correct referencing style is very picky! At
university a comma in the wrong place will lose marks!!
For Year 11, all that is required are the following details of
ANY source: Author, date of publication, Title of source
(book/report/journal/web), and for internet sources the web
address.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012