A. Title and Abstract

Weight

A1. Title Content • Clearly and concisely outlines the main topic of the research,

including the relationship between key variables.

1%

A2. Abstract

(Background)

• Describes the problem under investigation (i.e., the research topic).

1%

A3. Abstract (Method) • Describes relevant sample characteristics (e.g., number of

participants, age, gender composition) and essential features of the study method (e.g., study design, outcome measures, data- gathering and analysis procedures).

1%

A4. Abstract (Results) • Describes the main findings, including effect sizes and statistical

significance levels (i.e., p values), where appropriate.

1%

A5. Abstract (Discussion) • Discusses the implications of the study’s findings with regard to

the problem under investigation.

1%

B. Introduction

Weight

B1. Opening • Opens by introducing the problem under investigation and

outlining its importance.

5%

B2. Literature Review

(Relevance and Understanding)

• Provides a succinct and focused review of literature relevant to the problem.

• Summarises key background information accurately and in appropriate detail.

10%

B3. Literature Review

(Rationale)

• Develops a cogent rationale by critically evaluating the literature and explaining how the current study builds on prior research.

10%

B4. Aims and Hypotheses • Outlines the purpose and scope of the study and generates                   5%

specific hypotheses for testing.

C. Method

Weight

C1. Participants • Describes the participants involved in the research. In most cases,

this includes:

- number of participants in total and in relevant subgroups

- descriptive statistics for years of age

- gender composition of the sample

- other major demographic characteristics as warranted by the study

- eligibility and exclusion criteria

0%

C2. Materials and

Measures

• Describes all outcome measures, and the materials used to derive them, with sufficient detail to facilitate reproducibility.

0%

C3. Procedure and

Design

• Describes the procedures that were carried out in the study, including a detailed outline of how participants were allocated to groups or conditions and the specific steps involved in collecting and analysing data.

0%

D. Results

Weight

D1. Statistical

Information

• Presents all relevant statistical information accurately and                    5% completely.

D2. Presentation • Describes the results of each analysis appropriately and presents          10%

statistical and mathematical information in correct APA Style

format.

• Presents results in an organised manner, following the structure

set by the study’s design and the order of the aims and

hypotheses.

• Avoids making interpretive comments that are better suited for

the Discussion (e.g., interpreting what the result means for the

hypotheses stated in the Introduction).

D3. Tables and Figures • Presents at least one table or figure which is referred to and 5%

described appropriately in text.

• Tables/figures conform to the requirements of APA Style.

• Each table/figure serves a purpose and does not merely duplicate

information contained in the text or in another table or figure.

E. Discussion

Weight

E1. Hypotheses • Opens with a clear statement summarising the aims and

hypotheses and indicating whether the hypotheses were supported or not.

5%

E2. Interpretation • Considers how the study’s findings are similar to or different from         15%