Required Analyses Lab Report

James Neill

The minimum required analyses for the lab report consist of:

• 1 Factor analysis (FA)
  • Also report corresponding reliability analyses, particularly for any factors used in the MLR and ANOVA analyses.
  • Do I only have to report one FA?
• 1 Qualitative analysis
• 1 MLR (recommended to involve at least 3 IVs)
• 1 Advanced ANOVA, out of of:
  • one-way repeated measures ANOVA
  • factorial ANOVA (at least 2 x 2)
  • mixed ANOVA (at least 2 x 2)
  • ANCOVA
  • MANOVA

You may wish to report more than the minimum.

In marking, some account will be taken of the scope of the analysis undertaken.  In other words if a more advanced analysis is appropriate, relevant and well conducted and reported on, then this would represent higher quality work than a well conducted, relatively simple analysis.  However, be aware that there's much to be said for keeping it simple and getting it right (and within the word count), and avoiding being overly ambitious and unnecessarily complex.  If in doubt, go with analyses which meet the min.  criteria, relate to your central research question, and which you are confident about interpreting and presenting.

Do I only have to report one Factor Analysis?

Whilst in theory you could just report one FA, in order to do MLR and ANOVA, most people will probably find themselves wanting to use Motivation and Satisfaction factors.  In this case, you'll conduct two FAs - one for Motivation, one for Satisfaction.  Present one of the FAs in full detail, whilst the other can be summarised.  If you are focusing only on Satisfaction or Motivation factors in the MLR/ANOVA, then just report on one FA.

See also

• Data analysis