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CHAPTER 13: Communication in Psychology 429Title PageThe first page of a research report is the title page. It indicates what the researchis about (i.e., the title), who did the research (i.e., the authors), wherethe research was done (i.e., authors’ affiliation), a brief heading to indicate toreaders what the article is about (the “running head”), and an author note. Theauthor note identifies the author’s professional affiliation and contact information,as well as listing any acknowledgments.The title is perhaps the most critical aspect of your paper because it is the partthat is most likely to be read! By identifying key variables or theoretical issues,the title should clearly indicate the central topic of your paper. Avoid needlesswords such as “A Laboratory Study of . . . ” or “An Investigation of . . . .”Tips on Writing a Title A common format for the title of a research report is“[The Dependent Variable(s)] as a Function of [the Independent Variable(s)].”For example, “Anagram Solution Time as a Function of Problem Difficulty”would be a good title. The title must not only be informative, but it shouldalso be brief. Most important, be sure your title describes as specifically aspossible the content of your research.Under the title appears the name(s) of the author(s) and the institution withwhich each author is affiliated. We discussed the criteria for authorship inChapter 3; only those who meet these criteria should be listed as authors of aresearch report. Others who contributed to the research are acknowledged in anauthor note.AbstractThe abstract is a concise one-paragraph summary of the content and purposeof the research report. Rules regarding word limits for an abstract differ amongscientific journals. Consult the Publication Manual for these guidelines. The abstractof an empirical study typically will identify the following:(a) the problem under investigation;(b) the method, including tests and apparatus that were used, data-gatheringprocedures, and pertinent characteristics of participants;(c) the major findings; and(d) the conclusions and implications of the findings.The abstract, in other words, should highlight the critical points made in theIntroduction, Method, Results, and Discussion sections of the research report.A well-written abstract can have a big influence on whether the rest of a journalarticle will be read. Abstracts are used by information services to index andretrieve articles, and thus an author should include keywords related to the study.The Publication Manual describes more fully the critical elements of an abstractfor empirical studies and also how abstracts should differ for literature reviews,meta-analyses, theory papers, methodological papers, and case studies.