WRITING OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

Question 1

formal written report that allows scientists either to share their original research or to review the published research of others

Answer 1

scientific paper

Question 2

has been an integral part of the evolution of science.

It has given scientists the opportunity to learn about the work of others and build upon such work

Answer 2

scientific paper

Question 3

why are scientific papers published in scientific journals after a peer review process

Answer 3

avoid duplication of published results and ensure that only high quality

Question 4

a process in which papers are evaluated then either approved or rejected by reviewers to avoid duplication and ensure high quality papers

Answer 4

peer review process

Question 5

main goal of the scientific paper

Answer 5

to inform

Question 6

scientific paper has the following elements

Answer 6

Title, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Literature Cited

Question 7

The actual words “Introduction”, “Methods,” etc. are used to head each section of the scientific paper.

(true or false)

Answer 7

true

Question 8

should reflect the goal of the experiment performed, and the elements manipulated

Answer 8

TITLE

Question 9

one or two paragraph condensation (150-200 words) of the entire work described completely in the paper

Answer 9

ABSTRACT

Question 10

ABSTRACT should contain the following

Answer 10

(1) the purpose of the study (the central question); (2) a brief statement of what was done (Methods); (3) a brief statement of what was found (Results); and (4) a brief statement of what was concluded

Question 11

to present the question being asked and place it in the context of what is already known about the topic

has background information that suggests why the topic is of interest and related findings by other scientists are usually mentioned here

Answer 11

INTRODUCTION

Question 12

INTRODUCTION should contai

Answer 12

(1) a description of the nature of the problem and current state of knowledge or understanding at the beginning of the investigation (background);

(2) a statement of the purpose, scope, and general method of investigation in your study;

(3) hypothesis/hypotheses and predictions

Question 13

explanation you are proposing for certain observations. It is a tentative answer to the question you have posed above. It should be accompanied by a prediction of results expected under certain conditions if the hypothesis is correct

Answer 13

hypothesis

Question 14

function of this section is to describe all experimental procedures, including controls

description should be complete enough to enable someone else to repeat your work

Answer 14

METHODS

Question 15

considered mathematical methods and should be described in this section along with the actual experimental work

Answer 15

Mathematical equations and statistical tests

Question 16

terms of voice usage throughout the paper

Answer 16

active voice

Question 17

function of this section is to summarize general trends in the data without comment, bias, or interpretation.

Answer 17

RESULTS

Question 18

Statistical tests applied to your data are reported in this section

Answer 18

RESULTS

Question 19

should be used when they are a more efficient way to convey information than verbal description

Answer 19

TABLES AND FIGURES

Question 20

independent units, accompanied by explanatory captions that allow them to be understood by someone who has not read the text.

Answer 20

TABLES AND FIGURES

Question 21

comprise graphs, histograms, and illustrations, both drawings and photographs. Provide each figure with a number (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc.) and a caption that explains what the figure shows

Answer 21

Figures

Question 22

figures that can both be used to compare two variables

Answer 22

Graphs and histograms

Question 23

figures that show continuous change

Answer 23

graphs

Question 24

figures that show discrete variables only

Answer 24

histograms

Question 25

plot the independent variable on the ___________ axis

Answer 25

horizontal (x) axis

Question 26

plot the dependent variable on the ___________ axis

Answer 26

vertical (y) axis

Question 27

function of this section is to analyze the data and relate them to other studies. To “analyze” means to evaluate the meaning of your results in terms of the original question or hypothesis and point out their biological significance

Answer 27

DISCUSSION

Question 28

Discussion should at least contain the following: (3)

Answer 28

relationship between the results and the original hypothesis,

integration of your results with those of previous studies

explanations for unexpected results and observations

Question 29

appropriate section to propose specific further study if that will serve some purpose

Answer 29

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Question 30

last section of a scientific paper

listed by author using the CSE format

Answer 30

REFERENCES

Question 31

writer needs to identify the key features and ideas of a published work then write a shortened and simplified version that is different enough from the original

Answer 31

summarizing

Question 32

restating information using one’s own words. It involves expressing not just the key ideas, but also the details

Answer 32

Paraphrasing

Question 33

most commonly used citation guide for papers published in the realm of natural sciences

Answer 33

Council of Science Editors (CSE) Style Manual