Writing a Lab Report: The Introduction

Summary

This video provides guidance on writing an effective lab report introduction, using the example of an experiment on rose quartz and its impact on mood. It emphasizes the importance of crafting the introduction in one's own words, including background information about crystal healing, a clear research question, hypothesis, and the significance of the study. The speaker outlines the necessary components such as in-text citations and references to avoid plagiarism. Additionally, the video details the experimental variables, including dependent and independent variables, and stresses the use of past tense throughout the report, aiming to help viewers present their research clearly and coherently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing the introduction is often the most challenging part of a lab report, requiring the integration of background information.
• 📖 Background information should be presented in your own words and is crucial for framing the experiment's context.
• 🔍 The experiment discussed involves testing whether rose quartz can improve mood, stemming from the belief in crystal healing.
• 💡 Despite the absence of scientific evidence for crystal healing, many individuals still use and purchase healing crystals.
• ❓ A clear testable question is essential for guiding the experiment; in this case, it's whether touching a crystal has a psychic effect.
• 📝 Citing sources properly is important to avoid plagiarism; in-text citations and references should be included as needed.
• 📊 The study's purpose is to determine if the presence of a crystal can significantly alter mood, highlighting its importance in psychological research.
• 🔬 A hypothesis is a testable explanation, while a prediction indicates expected outcomes based on the hypothesis.
• ⚖️ Variables in the experiment include the dependent variable (subjects' mood) and the independent variable (exposure to rose quartz).
• 📏 It's important to control other variables in the experiment, such as the size and weight of the crystals, to ensure accurate results.

Q & A

Why is writing the introduction considered one of the most difficult parts of a lab report?

Writing the introduction is challenging because it requires synthesizing a lot of background information and presenting it in a clear, cohesive manner.

What is the main topic of the example experiment discussed in the transcript?

The example experiment investigates whether rose quartz can improve mood, based on the belief in the healing properties of crystals.

What is the author's hypothesis regarding the effect of crystals on mood?

The author hypothesizes that the perceived effect of a mood-altering crystal is limited to the placebo effect and not the psychic properties of gemstones.

What role does background information play in the introduction?

Background information sets the context for the experiment, helping readers understand the relevance and purpose of the research question.

How does the author ensure they avoid plagiarism in their report?

The author paraphrases information from sources and includes in-text citations and a reference list to give proper credit to the original authors.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction as explained in the transcript?

A hypothesis is a testable explanation of how the world works, while a prediction is a specific outcome expected from an experiment based on the hypothesis.

What are the independent and dependent variables in the discussed experiment?

The independent variable is the exposure to rose quartz, while the dependent variable is the subjects' reported mood, measured through a survey.

Why is it important to discuss variables in a lab report?

Discussing variables is crucial for clarifying what is being manipulated and measured in the experiment, ensuring a clear understanding of the research design.

What resources does the author suggest for help with APA referencing?

The author recommends the Purdue Online Writing Lab as a useful resource for learning how to format citations and references in APA style.

What tense does the author choose to write their lab report, and why?

The author chooses to write in the past tense to describe the experiment, as it aligns with standard practices for reporting completed research.