HOW TO: L A Q
OPENING STATEMENT
▪ Is evaluated and so it is compulsory to include
▪ Keyword must suit the question
i.e. Discuss one hormone
This essay discusses hormone X
▪ Must indicate the name(s) of the specific entity discussed
i.e. for hormone oxytocin you would write
“This essay discusses the hormone oxytocin”
▪ Must include the names of all the studies included (at least 2 studies since it is an LAQ)
▪ Must refer to the goal or core finding of each study
i.e. …study of X which aimed at/researcher/concluded/supported that…
OPTION 1
Mostly used when we use two studies for the same entity. For example, we discuss one
hormone with studies, so the theory is the same for both. When possible, writing about one
entity with two or more studies is preferable due to the limited time given in the assessment.
THEORY
General theory of the topic, with paragraphs and as extensively as possible.
If the studies that follow have any specific theory that accompanies them, you write it after the
general theory but BEFORE the study. For example, in Neurotransmitters you should write:
1. General Theory of Neurotransmission
2. Theory of Neurotransmitter (i.e. acetylcholine)
STUDY 1
▪ Name
▪ Date
▪ Research Method
▪ Aim
▪ Sample
▪ Procedure
▪ Findings
▪ Link to question
! AVOID mentioning what is evaluative. This can be stated and commented in the
study’s evaluation. Having them here is repetitive.
COPYRIGHT 2021 @ ORSALIA TOUTOUZA 1
, STUDY EVALUATION 1
General rule: 3 pros, 3 cons
1. Always define and explain everything you write
2. Possible evaluative points could be regarding:
▪ Sample (age, race, type, educational level, socioeconomic status)
-> Generalization Potential
▪ Research Method -> Validity
▪ Ethical Considerations
▪ Bias (researcher and participant)
3. Avoid saying too many but without explanation
STUDY 2
As in Study 1, but if there is special theory associated write it separately and before introducing
it.
STUDY EVALUATION 2
As in Study 1
THEORY EVALUATION
In this section, you mention all the arguments for and against the theory of the subject you
are discussing. It is highly advisable that you try to be as analytical as possible and make
links to your studies.
If you have any study as a counterargument, you write it here (short description of procedure
and much emphasis on conclusion and its contrast to your other studies’ conclusion).
CONCLUSION
Pretty much a short evaluative comment that brings together everything you have said. Ideally,
it should answer to the question by naming the conclusions of the study and making a small
evaluative comment. Just think what you would answer to someone who asks you orally and
wants the highlight of everything you have discussed.
OPTION 2
Mostly used for essays in which we should the “more” from the “one or more” and so there is
a distinct theory for the two entities we are talking about. For example, if we choose to discuss
the hormones cortisol and oxytocin, they share the general theory of hormones, but have their
own separate theory which should be written right before their corresponding studies.
COPYRIGHT 2021 @ ORSALIA TOUTOUZA 2
OPENING STATEMENT
▪ Is evaluated and so it is compulsory to include
▪ Keyword must suit the question
i.e. Discuss one hormone
This essay discusses hormone X
▪ Must indicate the name(s) of the specific entity discussed
i.e. for hormone oxytocin you would write
“This essay discusses the hormone oxytocin”
▪ Must include the names of all the studies included (at least 2 studies since it is an LAQ)
▪ Must refer to the goal or core finding of each study
i.e. …study of X which aimed at/researcher/concluded/supported that…
OPTION 1
Mostly used when we use two studies for the same entity. For example, we discuss one
hormone with studies, so the theory is the same for both. When possible, writing about one
entity with two or more studies is preferable due to the limited time given in the assessment.
THEORY
General theory of the topic, with paragraphs and as extensively as possible.
If the studies that follow have any specific theory that accompanies them, you write it after the
general theory but BEFORE the study. For example, in Neurotransmitters you should write:
1. General Theory of Neurotransmission
2. Theory of Neurotransmitter (i.e. acetylcholine)
STUDY 1
▪ Name
▪ Date
▪ Research Method
▪ Aim
▪ Sample
▪ Procedure
▪ Findings
▪ Link to question
! AVOID mentioning what is evaluative. This can be stated and commented in the
study’s evaluation. Having them here is repetitive.
COPYRIGHT 2021 @ ORSALIA TOUTOUZA 1
, STUDY EVALUATION 1
General rule: 3 pros, 3 cons
1. Always define and explain everything you write
2. Possible evaluative points could be regarding:
▪ Sample (age, race, type, educational level, socioeconomic status)
-> Generalization Potential
▪ Research Method -> Validity
▪ Ethical Considerations
▪ Bias (researcher and participant)
3. Avoid saying too many but without explanation
STUDY 2
As in Study 1, but if there is special theory associated write it separately and before introducing
it.
STUDY EVALUATION 2
As in Study 1
THEORY EVALUATION
In this section, you mention all the arguments for and against the theory of the subject you
are discussing. It is highly advisable that you try to be as analytical as possible and make
links to your studies.
If you have any study as a counterargument, you write it here (short description of procedure
and much emphasis on conclusion and its contrast to your other studies’ conclusion).
CONCLUSION
Pretty much a short evaluative comment that brings together everything you have said. Ideally,
it should answer to the question by naming the conclusions of the study and making a small
evaluative comment. Just think what you would answer to someone who asks you orally and
wants the highlight of everything you have discussed.
OPTION 2
Mostly used for essays in which we should the “more” from the “one or more” and so there is
a distinct theory for the two entities we are talking about. For example, if we choose to discuss
the hormones cortisol and oxytocin, they share the general theory of hormones, but have their
own separate theory which should be written right before their corresponding studies.
COPYRIGHT 2021 @ ORSALIA TOUTOUZA 2
