1RESEARCH METHODS I - PSY 241

Evaluation of Research Manuscript (100 points) Name _________________________

I. APA Style (70 points)

Title: Does the title convey the essence of the experiment in a clear and concise manner?
(5 points) _____

Abstract: Is there a concise statement of problem, method, results, major findings, and
conclusions?
(5 points) _____

Introduction: Is there a clear presentation of the problem? Is the relevant literature

cited and intelligently organized? Is there a clear statement of hypotheses or of expected
results? _____
(10 points) _____

Method: Are the characteristics of participants described and note made of special
selection or dropped subjects? Is there a precise description of material and apparatus
(lists, questions, equipment, etc.)? Is the procedure clearly outlined and detailed enough to
be replicated? _____
(20 points) _____

Results: (A) Are the data summarized appropriately using descriptive statistics and
tables/figures? Are the statistical summaries accompanied by appropriate verbal
descriptions and interpretations? Are the proper statistical tests correctly carried out and
interpreted? _____ (B) Are the data correctly analyzed (e.g., proper formulas followed) and the
computations done without errors? _____
(15 points) _____

Discussion: Is the nature of the problem, as well as the rationale of the project briefly
restated? Are the results interpreted in terms of the hypotheses made? Is the
relevant literature cited? Is there a discussion of possible problems related to the design
or nature of the outcome? _____ Is there a cogent summary paragraph which “ties it all
together?” _____
(15 points) _____

II. APA Format (15 points)

Format: Is there proper use of headings, margins, reference format, tables and figures,
abbreviations, italics/underlines, etc.?
(15 points) _____

III. Written Communication (15 points) based on:

Unsatisfactory = 0; Serviceable but needs improvement = 1; Satisfactory = 2; Good = 3.

Audience Awareness Organization Paragraph Structure _____

Sentence Structure Word Usage _____
(15 points) _____

TOTAL POINTS _______

Feedback on Written Communication:

Audience Awareness includes:

knowing for whom you are writing; writing at a level appropriate for this audience.

sensitivity to the "needs" of the reader; writing in a way that "leads" the reader over
"obstacles" (e.g., difficult points or abstract concepts).

Comments:

Organization includes:

using clear, informative, and interesting introductory paragraphs.

developing a logical progression (flow) of ideas and argument.

Comments:

Paragraph Structure includes:

including good topic sentences, as well as good concluding (connecting) sentences.

providing each paragraph with coherent organization.

Comments:

Sentence Structure includes:

following proper grammatical rules (e.g., subject and verb agreement); attending to
sentence length and to construction of clauses.

employing correct punctuation.

Comments:

Word Usage includes:

choosing proper words and using words in a way that is appropriate for a college level
student.

spelling.

Comments: