WRITING OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS Flashcards
formal written report that allows scientists either to share their original research or to review the published research of others
scientific paper
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
scientific paper
why are scientific papers published in scientific journals after a peer review process
avoid duplication of published results and ensure that only high quality
a process in which papers are evaluated then either approved or rejected by reviewers to avoid duplication and ensure high quality papers
peer review process
main goal of the scientific paper
to inform
scientific paper has the following elements
Title, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Literature Cited
The actual words “Introduction”, “Methods,” etc. are used to head each section of the scientific paper.
(true or false)
true
should reflect the goal of the experiment performed, and the elements manipulated
TITLE
one or two paragraph condensation (150-200 words) of the entire work described completely in the paper
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT should contain the following
(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
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
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION should contai
(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
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
hypothesis
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
METHODS
considered mathematical methods and should be described in this section along with the actual experimental work
Mathematical equations and statistical tests
terms of voice usage throughout the paper
active voice
function of this section is to summarize general trends in the data without comment, bias, or interpretation.
RESULTS
Statistical tests applied to your data are reported in this section
RESULTS
should be used when they are a more efficient way to convey information than verbal description
TABLES AND FIGURES
independent units, accompanied by explanatory captions that allow them to be understood by someone who has not read the text.
TABLES AND FIGURES
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
Figures
figures that can both be used to compare two variables
Graphs and histograms
figures that show continuous change
graphs
figures that show discrete variables only
histograms
plot the independent variable on the ___________ axis
horizontal (x) axis
plot the dependent variable on the ___________ axis
vertical (y) axis
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
DISCUSSION
Discussion should at least contain the following: (3)
relationship between the results and the original hypothesis,
integration of your results with those of previous studies
explanations for unexpected results and observations
appropriate section to propose specific further study if that will serve some purpose
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
last section of a scientific paper
listed by author using the CSE format
REFERENCES
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
summarizing
restating information using one’s own words. It involves expressing not just the key ideas, but also the details
Paraphrasing
most commonly used citation guide for papers published in the realm of natural sciences
Council of Science Editors (CSE) Style Manual
