Essay

Explain the general APA formatting rules for reporting statistics in narrative sentences versus parenthetical presentations. In your explanation, detail how statistical terms like mean and standard deviation are treated in each case, and provide one example of each format.

Question: Explain the general APA formatting rules for reporting statistics in narrative sentences versus parenthetical presentations. In your explanation, detail how statistical terms like mean and standard deviation are treated in each case, and provide one example of each format.

Sample answer: According to APA style, when statistical results are reported in a narrative sentence, all statistical terms must be completely spelled out (for example, using 'mean' and 'standard deviation'). Conversely, when statistics are reported parenthetically, these terms must be abbreviated (for example, using 'M' and 'SD'). An example of a narrative sentence is: 'The mean age of the participants was 22.4322.43 years with a standard deviation of 2.342.34.' An example of a parenthetical report is: 'The treatment group had a mean of 23.4023.40 (SD=9.33SD = 9.33).'

Key points:

  • Statistical terms are completely spelled out when presented in narrative sentences.
  • Statistical terms are abbreviated when presented parenthetically (e.g., using 'SD', 'M', or 'r').
  • Includes a correct narrative example, such as 'The mean age... was 22.43 years with a standard deviation of 2.34.'
  • Includes a correct parenthetical example, such as 'The treatment group had a mean of 23.40 (SD = 9.33).'

Rubric: The response must accurately describe the spelling rules for narrative sentences (spelling out terms) versus parenthetical reports (using abbreviations). It must provide correct examples of both formats, ensuring terms like mean and standard deviation (or their abbreviations) are formatted correctly in the respective examples.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related