Write a Statistics for Behavioral Science Essay

Write a Statistics for Behavioral Science Essay

Statistics is a daunting subject for many students. Statistics for behavioral sciences is every bit as complicated. When one takes statistical data and attempts to compile an essay or article based on that data, formatting is important in order for the reader to fully understand the scope of the research that has been conducted and how it affects future analysis and treatment of clients with behavioral problems. The standard format for writing an essay in Statistics for behavioral sciences is APA formatting. There are many different web and written guides to how to write in APA formatting.  Below is a general guide of those sections that should be included in the essay.

Basic parts of APA Statistics for Behavioral Science Essay

Cover page

• Include header (different header for first page; include page number upper right corner of header).
• Title, author, and institution should be centered on the page

Abstract

• This section should be between 150 and 250 words.
• It is a paragraph that is used to get the attention of the reader and compel them to read further to find out what the questions are and how research was done on a particular topic.  
• Do not indent the first line of the abstract.  
• Center the word Abstract.

Introduction (Center on page)

In this section the hypothesis is discussed. There should be mention of how the research is to be conducted and what findings are expected. There should be more detail placed on history of the research (why it is being done) as well as the hypothesis and how the researcher began to consider the question which prompted the research.

Method (Center on page)

The method section discusses particulars on how the research was conducted. It will include the parameters that are used in the initial research process.

Including the following:

• Participants
• Procedure
• Measures

Results (Center on page)

Once the research and data has been completed this section of the essay will discuss what the findings were. This is more informative than conversational. What is included in this section is what was discovered by the research. No conclusions will be written in this section.

Including the following:

• Descriptive statistics
• Results for each statistical test (eg: t Test)

Discussion (Center on page)

This is the section where analysis on the data that was defined in results is done. In the discussion the writer should be able to explain what the results mean and what can be done with a client based on the results. The hypothesis will be discussed in this section, and whether it was proven or disproved and how the data led the researcher to their answers. It is a detailed account of both the methods and results sections of the paper including the researcher's comments about their hypothesis based on the data.

Conclusion (Center on page)

The conclusion adds a small summary of the hypothesis, how the statistics were used to find data to either prove or disprove that hypothesis, and suggestions as to how to use the data.

References (Center on page)

• All references should be listed in alphabetic order in APA 9.0 formatting.
• Reverse indentation should be used (first line flush with left margin, all other lines of each reference indented)

Appendices

When using statistics tables, graphs, and charts should be included for visual understanding of the data, how it was compiled, and how it was intrepreted. In addition, any terms that were used through the essay should be repeated in a glossary of terms in a separate appendix.

Things to consider

Before following any template or online guide check with the professor of your class and ensure they do not have templates or examples for you to use in the completion of your essay.  It is always a good idea to keep your professor close at hand during the writing process in order to assure proper formatting and structure to your paper.