Discussion

This section is worth 6 marks out of 20 for SL; 8 marks

out of 28 for HL.

Students need to be sure to:

1. Discuss their results in light of the original study. Why did
they get the stats that they did?
Here it is important for them to reflect on the numbers. Why do
they think that the standard deviations were so large? Why
were the results insignificant/significant? How did their
numbers compare with the original study?
2. Directly relate the results to all studies in the introduction.
There must be a direct link to each of the studies that are cited
in the introduction. For each study, there should be some
reflection/comparison with the replication. For SL candidates,
this means only the study being replicat
Evaluate the design and procedure. Do NOT discuss the
behaviour of the participants. Also, do not say that one needs
to have a larger sample or that the experiment should be
replicated. This is not a valid criticism as it is always true.
Students often evaluate the behaviour of the participants
rather than the study - and this is not satisfactory. Students
should concentrate on the problems of using an independent
measures design, issues with their directions, problems of
participant variability, ecological validity, etc.

4. In light of the evaluation, how could this study be improved
in the future?

It is easiest if the student responds to each of the limitations
with a plan for improvement for the future.

5. What are the implications of the study? What areas of
further study would be necessary?
The implications of the study ask for the "bigger meaning" of
the findings. In addition, students should think about what
they could do differently in the future - for example, slightly
change the IV or the setting of the experiment. Suggestions for
further research are not required for SL candidates.

6. Write a final statement of conclusion.
The final statement of conclusion should have the IV, DV,
hypothesis and statement of significance (HL only)