Writing a Scientific Paper

How should the tables and graphs be set up?

1 inch margins Separate sheets / or put in text Should be all in one page

What is the structure of the report?

1 inch margins Times New Roman 12 Font Size Double Spaced Page Numbers - upper right hand corner or bottom middle

What objectives should a scientific report fulfill?

1. Clearly and completely describe the procedures that were followed and the results that were obtained. 2. Place the results in perspective by relating them to the existing state of knowledge and by interpreting their significance for future study.

What is the general format for the structure of scientific reports?

1. Introduction 2. Materials and methods 3. Results 4. Discussion 5. Acknowledgements 6. Literature cited

What should the author attempt to perform within a good discussion section?

1. Research conclusions about the initial hypothesis 2. Compare conclusions to those of others 3. Identify sources of error and basic inadequacies of technique 4. Speculate upon broader meanings of the conclusions reached 5. Identify needed next steps in research on the problem 6. Suggest improvements of methods

How does a scientist place their work in perspective?

1. Trace the scientific origins of the research program 2. Summarize the state of knowledge on the general topic 3. State the critical hypotheses toward which the study itself is addressed 4. Interpret the results of the study in relation to these hypotheses and to the general state of knowledge 5. Identify the scientific questions and procedural weaknesses that need to be addressed in the future

What questions should the introduction answer?

1. Why did the author undertake this study? 2. What is the existing state of knowledge about this topic? 3. What, specifically, is the author going to do?

How many sources should be used?

A minimum of 5 sources should be used.

What should the results section NOT contain?

Any interpretation of data.

What is the general tone of a scientific paper?

Avoid "I" and "We" Accurate and simply stated - use words you know Correct spelling and grammar Written in past tense, with a passive voice

What should be included in the results section?

Data Questions in lab - can be used for discussion of results Numbers here Brief text on how you got your numbers (before tables, graphs, etc.) Relevance of numbers

What should be included in the discussion?

Discuss questions here found in lab packet Problems found while doing the experiment Would you have done anything differently?

What is the included in the conclusion?

End with a summarizing statement "Why are your findings important?"

How do you answer the how question in the procedure?

Explain the techniques of collecting data or conducting experiments, and describe the equipment used. If these procedures and equipment are standard, do this by reference to published descriptions. Otherwise, describe them in detail so that the reader can duplicate them.

How should the results section be structured?

Gather all data and summarize your findings Begin with text to explain what was done, how it was done (simply) and why State your results simply Do not interpret results - Discussion Use Graphs and Tables to present data (show overall trends and relationships) Do not include all data Only results after calculations Descriptive captions

How do you answer the when question in the procedure?

Give the time periods during which the work was done (day, month, year, time of day) whenever this is relevant to the type of data collected. Other information (seasonal cycle, tide cycle, special conditions of weather...) if needed/relevant.

How do you answer the where question in the procedure?

In a field study, give the exact location. Describe relevant features of the study site, such as vegetation, climate, topography, and human disturbance. In a laboratory study, give the location and identify the general facilities available to the research. In either case explain why this was an appropriate site for the research.

How should the first paragraph be structured?

Introduce the topic - be very general in first paragraph Include broad background information (paraphrase, cite references in AY format)

How should the second paragraph be structured?

Introduce variables you are testing and how it relates to the topic Cite previous research done on your topics here (journal articles)

How should the literature cited be formated?

It is not a bibliography Books, journals, internet (full text sources - author, date, publication) Author year format

How should the graphs be structured?

No borders Key - use a different symbol for each set of data No colors - different shades of gray

How should the tables be structured?

No grid lines WORD by hand Data should be read down not across for comparison purposes

How should the last paragraph be structured?

Provide specifics of what was tested and how Just explain overall approach Include your hypothesis State objective

What is one of the most basic requirements for scientific research?

Repeatability

How should the discussion be structured?

State your findings Relate topics from intro Compare your findings to what is already known. Use your primary resources to compare to what you found. Discuss errors that may have affected your outcome Discuss how you could improve experiment if you were repeat it

What should be included in the discussion section?

The author must interpret the data in relation to the original objectives or hypotheses, and related these interpretations to the present state of knowledge and future needs for research.

What should the results section contain?

The data and observations obtained in the study in summarized form.

What is the most effective way to share the results of scientific activity?

Through the presentation of reports in scientific journals and other widely distributed publications.

What should be on the title page?

Title Name Date Bio Section

How should the title be structured?

Title should be concise, informative, and descriptive. Include independent variables if applicable.

What is the purpose of the procedure?

To answer all the basic questions about the way the study was conducted: where, when, and how.

What is the purpose of the introduction?

To explain exactly what the objectives of the study are and why it is a worthwhile effort.