Pics Flashcards
What is a scientific paper?
A special type of written work that communicates research results among scientists
Scientific papers are typically published in academic journals.
What are the characteristics of scientific papers?
- Published in a journal
- Peer reviewed
- Citable
- Includes citations
- Standardized format
These characteristics help ensure the quality and reliability of the research presented.
What does it mean for a scientific paper to be peer reviewed?
Subjected to the scrutiny of several experts in the field who verify the quality and accuracy of the work
Peer review helps maintain scientific integrity.
What is the significance of citations in scientific papers?
They reference previous related publications, providing context and support for the current research
Citations also allow readers to verify sources and further explore the topic.
What is the standard format of a scientific paper?
- Title
- Author(s)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- References/Literature cited
This standardized format helps organize the information for clarity and comprehension.
What is the primary purpose of article writing in scientific research?
To advance scientific knowledge by dealing with new knowledge
Article writing communicates discoveries and insights to the scientific community.
What role does imagination play in scientific discovery?
Imagination is important for fostering scientific discovery
It allows scientists to think creatively and explore new ideas.
What are the two types of thinking mentioned in the context of scientific discovery?
- Divergent thinking
- Convergent thinking
Divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions, while convergent thinking focuses on finding a single best answer.
True or False: Scientific papers are typically compiled in book form.
False
Scientific papers are usually published in journals, not commonly in book form.
What is an abstract?
A concise summary of a research paper or thesis (150-250 words)
It describes the entire paper without evaluating or defending it.
What is the primary function of an abstract?
To describe, not to evaluate or defend the paper.
What should an abstract begin with?
A brief but precise statement of the problem or issue.
What key components are included in an abstract?
Research method and design, major findings, and conclusions.
What type of key words should an abstract contain?
The most important key words referring to method and content.
What is the typical word count for an abstract in an IMRaD paper?
120–500 words.
In an IMRaD abstract, what percentage is typically allocated to the introduction?
25%.
In an IMRaD abstract, what percentage is typically allocated to the methods?
25%.
In an IMRaD abstract, what percentage is typically allocated to the results?
35%.
In an IMRaD abstract, what percentage is typically allocated to implications/discussion?
15%.
What is a common problem in IMRaD abstracts regarding the statement of findings?
The abstract provides a statement of what the paper will ask or explore rather than what it found
Example: Incorrect - “This report examines the causes of oversleeping”; Correct - “Individuals oversleep because they go to bed too late, forget to set their alarms, and keep their rooms dark.”
What is a common issue with the specificity of findings in IMRaD abstracts?
The abstract provides general categories rather than specific details in the findings
Example: Incorrect - “The study draws conclusions about which variables are most important in choosing a movie theatre”; Correct - “The most important variables in choosing a movie theater are comfortable seats and high-quality popcorn.”
What is an extended abstract?
An extended abstract is a research paper whose ideas and significance can be understood in less than an hour
It contains references, comparisons to related work, proofs of key theorems, and other details expected in a research paper but not in an abstract.
How does writing an extended abstract compare to writing a research paper?
Writing an extended abstract can be more demanding than writing a research paper
This is due to the need to condense complex information into a shorter format.
What is the typical length of an extended abstract?
> 3-5 pages, including the references, with a word limit of 1500-2000
Extended abstracts must contain all relevant aspects and information of a regular research paper in a shorter form.
List the elements of an extended abstract.
- Title
- Author(s)
- Affiliation
- Introduction
- Main Body Text
- References
The main body text should include a concise review of existing literature, methodology, findings, discussion, and summary sections.
What are Research Briefs?
Concise, peer-reviewed articles summarizing current research, novel hypotheses, and emerging findings.
What is the primary purpose of a Research Brief?
To provide a short, non-technical summary of a discussion paper for decisionmakers, focusing on policy-relevant findings.
What is the typical length of a Research Brief?
Generally between 2 and 8 sides of A4.
List the common structural components of a Research Brief.
- Title
- Summary
- Key points
- Introduction
- Body (main text)
What additional elements can be included in a Research Brief?
- Boxes and sidebars
- Cases
- Tables
- Graphics
- Photographs
- Quotations from credible sources
True or False: A Research Brief is intended for a technical audience.
False
Fill in the blank: A Research Brief focuses on the paper’s _______ findings.
[policy-relevant]
