It is great to make a new discovery or find evidence for a hypothesis, but how do you communicate your findings amongst other scientists? The answer, Scientific Papers!
A Few things To Consider While Writing…
1. Avoid Ambiguity but don't be too showy.
Phrasing and Word Choice is Important!
-The more complex terms should be defined or explained inside your paper. Make sure someone without an extensive background in the topic can understand the paper.
-Avoid over expressive terms and stick to clear and economical expressions. Convey your idea fully with few embellishments.
2. Keep a fluidity in your paper
- Use an outline to help make your paper flow in a logical format.
- Don’t just abruptly start and stop different topics
3. Think about your audience
- Don't use subtle sexist language.
Some examples of subtle sexism could be using “man” as a generic noun. Do your best to use ambiguity in your writing ( as noted above).
- Don't use phrases or words that separate an ethnic group and singles them out, such as “culturally deprived”
- Under no circumstance should a writer’s bias to a culture be indicated in a paper. Leave your personal bias out of any paper you write.
The Purpose of Each Type of Scientific Communication
Scientific Report and/or Lab report: Communicating the findings from a study that was conducted.
Review/ Critical Analysis: Generally published by experts in the field. Occasionally scientists will be invited to read an academic/scientific journal and then write a review.
Research proposal: Used to express a need for funding or to simply try and get a research project approved to be conducted.
General Layout
Scientific Report , Lab Report, Review, Critical Analysis
Title and Abstract- Draws your audience in and summarizes the paper.
Introduction – Introduce your topic and the key issues you will be talking about.
Methods and Materials- Describe in detail the tools and protocols used in the study. What steps did you take to find the results?
Results and Discussion- Explain the results, what do they mean. What significance do they hold.?
References/Literature Cited- List your references used in the study.
Research Proposal
Title and Abstract – A brief and concise summery of your paper.
Introduction – Include background information that is pertinent to the request being made.
Objectives- The goal that you want to achieve with the funding or simplify why do you want conduct this research study.
Variables – Explain your plan and the variables of the study.
Questions and/ or Hypothesis- If there some common questions that you know how to answer indicate that and explain the answer. Also include your hypothesis for the research you want to conduct.
Methodology – This is the actual plan you want to use. It informs the reader what is going to happen and what is needed in those steps to help the completion of the research.
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