BISC219:Guidelines for writing a lab report in the form of a scientific paper: Difference between revisions

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==  Guide for Scientific Writing ==
==  Guide for Scientific Writing ==
Papers for this course will be done in scientific writing style, which is the way most scientific work is published.  This is the style used in professional journals; however, it varies somewhat according to the publication.  This format has been developed to make all parts of scientific studies (e.g., hypotheses, background and pertinent literature, methods, implications of results) readily accessible to the reader.  Thus using the appropriate format is a very important part of scientific writing.  Arbitrary modifications of the format by "creative" writers can only confuse readers and lessen the clarity and impact of the results.  The best way to learn this type of writing is to read papers in journals and to practice writing.  Here are some guidelines to the general format of scientific writing (all sections should be labeled except 'Title' and 'Introduction'):<br>
Papers for this course will be done in scientific writing style, which is the way most scientific work is published.  This is the style used in professional journals; however, it varies somewhat according to the publication.  This format has been developed to make all parts of scientific studies (e.g., hypotheses, background and pertinent literature, methods, implications of results) readily accessible to the reader.  Thus using the appropriate format is a very important part of scientific writing.  Arbitrary modifications of the format by "creative" writers can only confuse readers and lessen the clarity and impact of the results.  The best way to learn this type of writing is to read papers in journals and to practice writing.  This handout is best viewed as the Word file:[[Media:Guide to Science Writing .doc]]
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'''1. Title''': Choose a title that reflects the major conclusion of the paper.  It is usually less than ten words. Compare these two example titles:<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"''Response of Patients to Different Doses of Ice Cream''"<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"''Frequent Administration of Ice Cream Boosts Patients' Morale''"<br>
The second one tells the reader much more about the findings of the study than does the first, which is a bland, non-committal statement that tells your reader little other than the subject matter of the report.<br>
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'''2. Abstract''':The abstract is a very brief summary of 1) what you did, including a statement of the hypothesis tested, 2) how you did it, i.e. the general methods used, 3) '''the specific, major findings of your study''', and 4) your conclusions.  Present the information in this order.  Conclusions should include a statement about how the findings contribute to scientific theory or to the solution of applied problems in the area of study.  If species, e.g., white oak (''Quercus alba'') or taxa, e.g., bumblebees (''Bombus'' spp.) are mentioned, scientific names should be given and italicized.  Readers should be able to use the abstract to find quickly what is in the paper before deciding to read the entire thing.  No information should be given in the abstract that was not given in the rest of paper.  The abstract should be written in the past tense and is generally written last. <br>
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'''3.Introduction''': This introduces the reader to the subject and entices her to continue reading.  A captivating first sentence might pose a general question or identify a controversy.  '''WHY''' are you doing this study?  The introduction should include any background information needed by the reader to understand the hypothesis posed and the purposes and procedures of the study.  Examples of background information: important concepts pertinent to your study, relevant information about species you are studying, and a review of the literature as needed to justify your study, that is, you are presenting what is known so that it is clear how your study will add to what is scientific knowledge.  '''Always tell the readers why your study is important.'''<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Students often begin their lab reports with, “In this lab we…” or “In this experiment we…”. Avoid both of these phrases. Remember that you are writing in the style of a scientific paper, not a lab assignment.  You should describe your work as a “study” rather than an “experiment” (if you really are talking about one specific experiment within a series of experiments covered in your paper, such as in the Results section, it’s okay to use the latter phrase).<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All of the information in the introduction should lead logically to the hypothesis, i.e., the hypothesis and test you propose, should seem to the reader like the next logical step for scientific research.  '''The introduction usually concludes with a paragraph that includes a clear, concise statement of the experimental questions, the hypothesis, its predictions, and the general approach that will be used to test the hypothesis'''.  Additional information about the methods to be used to test the hypothesis is found in the Methods section.  '''Write about your study in the past tense but about the findings of others in the present tense. ''' <br>

Revision as of 12:09, 15 June 2009

Wellesley College BISC 219 Genetics

Guide for Scientific Writing

Papers for this course will be done in scientific writing style, which is the way most scientific work is published. This is the style used in professional journals; however, it varies somewhat according to the publication. This format has been developed to make all parts of scientific studies (e.g., hypotheses, background and pertinent literature, methods, implications of results) readily accessible to the reader. Thus using the appropriate format is a very important part of scientific writing. Arbitrary modifications of the format by "creative" writers can only confuse readers and lessen the clarity and impact of the results. The best way to learn this type of writing is to read papers in journals and to practice writing. This handout is best viewed as the Word file:Media:Guide to Science Writing .doc

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