Undergraduate Writing in Psychology

This third edition features new writing samples, including a full-length literature review and full-length scientific research paper, and new guidance to reflect the seventh edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

This accessible, practical guide to undergraduate writing takes the reader step by step through the process of developing research questions or theses, conducting literature searches, analyzing and synthesizing the literature, writing the paper, and more. Students will learn how to analyze and organize ideas for literature reviews, as well as how to prepare each section of a scientific research paper (introduction, method, results, discussion).

This updated edition is full of:

• advice and resources, including a checklist and self-quiz;
• a sample grading rubric that an instructor might use;
• example reference formats; and
• several before-and-after writing samples showing marked-up changes.

Bonus guidance is given for communicating effectively with instructors and preparing conference posters.

Preface

Introduction

1. Why Psychology Students (and Not Just English Majors) Have to Write
2. Starting Your Paper: Finding the Thread of Your Story
3. Extracting the Useful Nuggets From a Literature Search
4. How to Write Your Psychology Paper With Style: General Tips
5. Bringing the Audience Up to Speed With Literature Reviews
6. Telling an Original Story Through a Research Paper
7. The Rest of the Story: Title, Abstract, References, and Tables
8. Reshaping Your Story for Different Audiences: Other Types of Writing in Psychology

References

Index

About the Author

R. Eric Landrum, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Boise State University, Idaho. His research interests center on the study of educational issues, identifying those conditions that best facilitate student success (broadly defined).

Over the course of his career he has worked with or mentored hundreds of students and taught tens of thousands. His teaching and research awards include the Associated Students of Boise State University Outstanding Faculty Member Award,1994 and 2005; Boise State University Foundation Scholars Outstanding Teacher Award, 2002; and Social Sciences & Public Affairs Tenured Research Award, 2004.

Landrum has published 17 books or book chapters and over 60 professional articles in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. His work has appeared in journals such as Teaching of Psychology, College Teaching, Educational and Psychological Measurement, Journal of College Student Development, College Student Journal, and Psychological Reports.