This (just for fun) literary guide for psychologists by Milton Hodge from the University of Georgia was originally published in 1962. Hodge explained the reason for the guide, along with a call to action as follows:
Recently, while visiting another science laboratory at my institution, I was given a glossary of phrases commonly used in scientific reports. Because I am sure that all psychologists who read and write research reports are interested in maximizing "communication," I cheerfully offer an abridged guide for use with psychological literature. Perhaps other psychologists can suggest additional definitions which will increase our enlightenment.
What Was Said
It has long been known that...
What Was Meant
I haven't bothered to look up the original reference but...
What Was Said
Of great theoretical and practical importance...
What Was Meant
Interesting to me.
What Was Said
While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to these questions...
What Was Meant
The experiement didn't work out, but I figured I could at least get a publication out of it.
What Was Said
The operant conditioning technique was chosen to study the problem...
What Was Meant
The fellow in the next lab already had the equipment set up.
What Was Said
Three of the subjects were chosen for detailed study...
What Was Meant
The results on the others didn't make sense.
What Was Said
Typical results are shown...
What Was Meant
The best results are shown...
What Was Said
It is suggested...It is believed that...It may be that...
What Was Meant
I think.
What Was Said
It is generally believed that...
What Was Meant
A couple of other people think so too.
What Was Said
It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding...
What Was Meant
I don't understand it.
What Was Said
Correct within an order of magnitude...
What Was Meant
Wrong.
What Was Said
Thanks are due to Joe Glotz for assistance with the experiments and to John Doe for valuable discussion.
What Was Meant
Glotz did the work and Joe explained what it meant.
Wonder if anybody can think of some more examples to add to the list?
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Literary Guide For Psychologists
