1. Year 10 Psychology
Elective

2. ERA: What is it?
 An ERA is presented in sections that follow a set order.
Generally, the report is presented in a logical sequence that
describes:
• what was done
• why it was done
• how it was done
• what was found
• what the findings probably mean.
 Although the different sections of the report described below
are usually presented in the order shown, they do not have to be
prepared in that order. For example, the abstract, which
summarises the investigation, appears first in the report but is
usually easier to write last.
 The following sections of an ERA will be discussed

3. TITLE PAGE
 The title should be brief (usually one sentence)
and indicate clearly what the investigation was
about. Quite often, researchers use a statement
based on the hypothesis for a title.

4. ABSTRACT
 The abstract is a brief summary of the
investigation, usually presented as a single
paragraph. It should include a statement of the
aim (purpose) of the investigation, the main
features of the method (information about the
participants and an overview of the procedures
used), the results (main findings) and the
conclusions.

5. INTRODUCTION
 Background information relevant to the study.
This often summarises relevant theory and results
of other research related to the investigation
being reported.
 Present a research that conducted the same
research as this one and the results of that past
research
 In the last paragraph state the aim of the
research followed by the hypothesis
 *Remember you must write in the third person (Do
not use ‘I’ or ‘We’ or ‘Our’)

6. METHOD
 Participants: (number, age, gender, population from
which the sample was drawn and allocation to
groups)
 Materials: A list of equipment and materials used.
Examples of word lists/tables/cards should be
recorded in the appendix at the end of the report.
 Procedure: A detailed description of the steps
involved in conducting the investigation. This
should be presented in a logical, step by step
sequence, however must be full sentences rather
than dot points.

7. RESULTS
 This should be a summary of the main results. Tables and
graphs can be used.
 Summarised data (not raw data)
 Data should not be analysed, but described and trends
identified. You are simply stating the results, not
interpreting them
 Usually presented with a graph or two then a written
description describing the graph(s).
 Tables and graphs should be labelled with appropriate
headings
 EG:
Table 1
Class percentages for time perception in ASC state.

8. DISCUSSION
 In this section, the results are interpreted and explained.
 The discussion should be started with a statement accepting, or
rejecting, the investigation’s hypothesis based on the results
obtained.
 Describe the results obtained from the investigation and give valid
explanation.
 Describe the general relevance of the results to the population
from which they were drawn. Do the results of the investigation
support or contradict previous research identified in the
introduction of your report.
 Describe any limitations of the study, explain what they were using
appropriate psychological terms and how they may affect
interpretations of results.
 What recommendations would you make for further research in
light of these limitations?
 Describe any ethical considerations relevant to the research.
 Formulate a conclusion. Can these results be generalised to a wider
population

9. REFERENCES
 This section has a list of all sources cited in the
report. Every quotation or summary of information
from another source used in the report must be
substantiated with a reference. The list of
references should be presented in alphabetical
order based on the surname of the first named
author of a source.
 EG:
Grivas, J., Down, R., Letch, N., Carter, L. (2010).
Psychology VCE Units 3&4. Melbourne:
Macmillan.

10. APPENDICES (If any)
 Materials that do not fit into the other sections of the
report are placed in the appendices.