How Do You Meet These Goals?<\/h2>\n\n- Introduction<\/li>\n
- Methods and Materials<\/li>\n
- Results<\/li>\n
- Discussion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This format may slightly differ depending on the journal, e.g., some ask you to include an abstract or separate section for the hypothesis.\u00a0Overall, however, this represents a textual version of the scientific method.<\/p>\n
Title<\/h3>\n
Choose terms that are as specific as the text permits<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid: <\/strong>A\u00a0magnetic alloy<\/em><\/p>\nUse:<\/strong>\u00a0A vanandium\u2013iron alloy<\/em><\/p>\n\n- Refrain from using phrases such as \u201con the,\u201d \u201ca study of,\u201d \u201cresearch on,\u201d and \u201cregarding.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Refrain from using non-quantitative, meaningless words such as \u201crapid\u201d and \u201cnew.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Abstract<\/h3>\n
A good abstract<\/a> clearly identifies the purpose of the experiment and the important\u00a0results.<\/p>\nExamples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid<\/strong> pedagogical comments such as,<\/p>\nThis experiment helped us learn about the nature of chemical reactions.<\/em><\/p>\nor<\/p>\n
The goal of this experiment was to learn about dyes.<\/em><\/p>\nAvoid<\/strong> starting with \u201cThe purpose of this experiment was…<\/em>\u201d\u00a0Such background information belongs in\u00a0the Introduction section.<\/p>\nAvoid<\/strong> referencing.\u00a0Be specific about what was done.<\/p>\nExamples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid<\/strong> vague statements\u00a0such as\u00a0“\u2026a metal complex was prepared and the percent yield was calculated.”<\/em><\/p>\nInstead use<\/strong>, “\u2026hexaammine cobalt (III) chloride was prepared from cobalt (II), chloride, and hydrogen peroxide. The yield was 8.45 g.”<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/h3>\nTip 1!<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen writing a full report, write the Abstract last.<\/strong><\/p>\nIntroduction<\/h3>\n
Go step-wise!<\/p>\n
\n- Start by explaining the larger area of the research<\/li>\n
- Provide examples of progress in the field<\/li>\n
- A clear statement of the research problem<\/li>\n
- Approach being addressed in the current report<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid:<\/strong> This experiment intends to investigate upon any measurable amounts of Nickel in the surrounding mud area and within barnacles living on the pilings.<\/em><\/p>\nUse: <\/strong>The purpose of this study is to determine the nickel content in the surrounding mud area and in the barnacles living on the pilings.<\/em><\/p>\nMethods and Materials<\/h3>\n
Include a description of your experimental procedure and names of instruments used.\u00a0Don\u2019t rewrite the lab manual or protocol.<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid: <\/strong>Next, prepare copper solution. Weigh 0.1821 g of copper nitrate and dilute it in 10 mL of tap water.<\/em><\/p>\nUse: <\/strong>A solution was prepared by dissolving copper nitrate (0.1821 g) in tap water (10 mL).<\/em><\/p>\nFurther subdivide into:<\/p>\n
\n- Materials\u2014sources and purity of reagents used<\/li>\n
- Preparation of compounds\u2014with procedure and summary of characterization by NMR, IR, etc.<\/li>\n
- Instrumentation\u2014manufacturer, description of any adaptation, or sample preparation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tip 2! <\/strong><\/h3>\nA good materials and methods section should allow the reader to completely reproduce what you did in the lab using what you have written.<\/strong><\/p>\nResults<\/h3>\n
Include a summary of your raw data, preferably supported by tables and figures, and important observations.<\/p>\n
Tip 3!<\/strong><\/h3>\nDon\u2019t include long tables of raw data, instead simply present the results of your calculations.<\/strong><\/p>\nAvoid: <\/strong>The following standard concentrations were used to follow X law for the absorbances at the corresponding wavelength (Table).<\/em><\/p>\nUse:<\/strong> The standard concentrations were measured at the corresponding wavelengths and the data provided in Table 1.<\/em><\/p>\nFigures, Tables, Equations<\/h3>\n
Explain the purpose of every figure, schemes, equation, and table in the Results section.\u00a0When referring to a figure, table, or equation, use its number in the text.<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nA plateau was observed at reduced pressures >0.1, as indicated in Table 1.<\/em><\/p>\nIndicate every figure, table, and equation with a number.\u00a0Figures and tables require a number and a descriptive title and equations normally have a number placed in parentheses at the right margin.<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nFigure 1. Mass Uptake vs. Reduced Pressure for A<\/p>\n
Table 1. Powder Diffraction Data Obtained for A<\/p>\n
A = B2<\/sup>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (1)<\/p>\nTip 4! <\/strong><\/h3>\n“Figure” is much preferred presently compared to the labels “chart” and “graph.” <\/strong><\/p>\nDiscussion<\/h3>\n\n- Analyze your results<\/li>\n
- Comment on the purpose of the experiment<\/li>\n
- Explain what the results indicate<\/li>\n
- What are sources of error (experimental uncertainty\/precision) and limitations?<\/li>\n
- What additional experiments could help address any dangling ends?<\/li>\n
- Do the results agree with what others have found?<\/li>\n
- Do the results support a model or hypothesis?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid: <\/strong>If, for example, we could have used a red and green apple to determine the components, we could have averaged the data and obtained more accurate results.<\/em><\/p>\nUse:<\/strong> For example, if data were obtained from both a red and a green apple, the averaged results could provide more representative values.<\/em><\/p>\nConclusion<\/h3>\n
Summarize your results and discussion<\/a> with a short conclusion<\/a>, phrasing it in terms of the broader questions addressed in the Introduction<\/a>.<\/p>\nTip 5!<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen testing a hypothesis, you may want to say that the hypothesis was “proved<\/em>” or “disproved<\/em>” or was “correct<\/em>” or “incorrect<\/em>.”<\/strong><\/p>\nRemember, you\u2019re testing a theory with a procedure that lasts only a few hours and relies on only a few trials, which severely compromises your ability to be sure about the “truth” you see.<\/strong><\/p>\nTherefore, words like “supported,” “indicated,” and “suggested” are more acceptable ways to evaluate your hypothesis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
This format may slightly differ depending on the journal, e.g., some ask you to include an abstract or separate section for the hypothesis.\u00a0Overall, however, this represents a textual version of the scientific method.<\/p>\n
Title<\/h3>\n
Choose terms that are as specific as the text permits<\/p>\n
Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid: <\/strong>A\u00a0magnetic alloy<\/em><\/p>\n Use:<\/strong>\u00a0A vanandium\u2013iron alloy<\/em><\/p>\n A good abstract<\/a> clearly identifies the purpose of the experiment and the important\u00a0results.<\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid<\/strong> pedagogical comments such as,<\/p>\n This experiment helped us learn about the nature of chemical reactions.<\/em><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n The goal of this experiment was to learn about dyes.<\/em><\/p>\n Avoid<\/strong> starting with \u201cThe purpose of this experiment was…<\/em>\u201d\u00a0Such background information belongs in\u00a0the Introduction section.<\/p>\n Avoid<\/strong> referencing.\u00a0Be specific about what was done.<\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid<\/strong> vague statements\u00a0such as\u00a0“\u2026a metal complex was prepared and the percent yield was calculated.”<\/em><\/p>\n Instead use<\/strong>, “\u2026hexaammine cobalt (III) chloride was prepared from cobalt (II), chloride, and hydrogen peroxide. The yield was 8.45 g.”<\/em><\/p>\n When writing a full report, write the Abstract last.<\/strong><\/p>\n Go step-wise!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid:<\/strong> This experiment intends to investigate upon any measurable amounts of Nickel in the surrounding mud area and within barnacles living on the pilings.<\/em><\/p>\n Use: <\/strong>The purpose of this study is to determine the nickel content in the surrounding mud area and in the barnacles living on the pilings.<\/em><\/p>\n Include a description of your experimental procedure and names of instruments used.\u00a0Don\u2019t rewrite the lab manual or protocol.<\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid: <\/strong>Next, prepare copper solution. Weigh 0.1821 g of copper nitrate and dilute it in 10 mL of tap water.<\/em><\/p>\n Use: <\/strong>A solution was prepared by dissolving copper nitrate (0.1821 g) in tap water (10 mL).<\/em><\/p>\n Further subdivide into:<\/p>\n A good materials and methods section should allow the reader to completely reproduce what you did in the lab using what you have written.<\/strong><\/p>\n Include a summary of your raw data, preferably supported by tables and figures, and important observations.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t include long tables of raw data, instead simply present the results of your calculations.<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid: <\/strong>The following standard concentrations were used to follow X law for the absorbances at the corresponding wavelength (Table).<\/em><\/p>\n Use:<\/strong> The standard concentrations were measured at the corresponding wavelengths and the data provided in Table 1.<\/em><\/p>\n Explain the purpose of every figure, schemes, equation, and table in the Results section.\u00a0When referring to a figure, table, or equation, use its number in the text.<\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n A plateau was observed at reduced pressures >0.1, as indicated in Table 1.<\/em><\/p>\n Indicate every figure, table, and equation with a number.\u00a0Figures and tables require a number and a descriptive title and equations normally have a number placed in parentheses at the right margin.<\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Figure 1. Mass Uptake vs. Reduced Pressure for A<\/p>\n Table 1. Powder Diffraction Data Obtained for A<\/p>\n A = B2<\/sup>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (1)<\/p>\n “Figure” is much preferred presently compared to the labels “chart” and “graph.” <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Examples<\/span><\/p>\n Avoid: <\/strong>If, for example, we could have used a red and green apple to determine the components, we could have averaged the data and obtained more accurate results.<\/em><\/p>\n Use:<\/strong> For example, if data were obtained from both a red and a green apple, the averaged results could provide more representative values.<\/em><\/p>\n Summarize your results and discussion<\/a> with a short conclusion<\/a>, phrasing it in terms of the broader questions addressed in the Introduction<\/a>.<\/p>\n When testing a hypothesis, you may want to say that the hypothesis was “proved<\/em>” or “disproved<\/em>” or was “correct<\/em>” or “incorrect<\/em>.”<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember, you\u2019re testing a theory with a procedure that lasts only a few hours and relies on only a few trials, which severely compromises your ability to be sure about the “truth” you see.<\/strong><\/p>\n Therefore, words like “supported,” “indicated,” and “suggested” are more acceptable ways to evaluate your hypothesis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
Abstract<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Pubtoons_13-1.png\")
<\/h3>\nTip 1!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Introduction<\/h3>\n
\n
Methods and Materials<\/h3>\n
\n
Tip 2! <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Results<\/h3>\n
Tip 3!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Figures, Tables, Equations<\/h3>\n
Tip 4! <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Discussion<\/h3>\n
\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n
Tip 5!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-content\/plugins\/pdf-generator-for-wp\/admin\/src\/images\/PDF_Tray.svg\" "\\"Generate")
<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"