HOW TO WRITE A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PAPER : HOW TO WRITE A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PAPER Science Fair
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper: : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper: Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Works Cited
Appendices
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper: : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper: There is a common organizational setup, but no real standard structure.
The goal of the paper is reader convinience
Sections of the paper reflect the organization of the experiment
Scientific research papers are not meant to be read chronologically
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Title : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Title Title
Informative: I.V. and D.V. are clearly recognized in the title.
Concise
Clear
Example:
“Measuring Nerve Response On A Frog”
“The Effects of Ethanol on the Compound
Action Potential of a Frog Sciatic Nerve”
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Title : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Title Requirements
The title is on a cover page
All nouns are capitalized on the title
The title is centered on the title page
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Abstract : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Abstract Abstract: a one-paragraph summary of your research paper that covers all the sections and key elements of your paper, from the research question, methods, results, discussion and conclusion.
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Abstract : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Abstract Requirements
Covers every section of the research paper.
Contains less than 100 words
Concise and easy-to-read
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Introduction : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Introduction Introduction
Informs the reader of the relevance of your research
Provide sufficient context and background for the reader to understand your research.
Defines terms that a reader might not know.
Justifies what your experimental design.
Funnel structure:
What you know What you do not know Question Asked
Requirements:
No more than 1 page long.
Direct language; Language not colloquial but not to “scientific”
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Methods : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Methods Methods
Describes the process followed to complete your experiment. Chronological order.
Explains how you measured and controlled variables and the reasons for your choices.
Explains the analytical techniques used
Requirements:
Written in paragraph form
Include the reasons for measuring techniques and formulas used
Does not tell what was “discovered”
Broken into subsections
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Results : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Results Results
Describes, not interprets the data gathered. Findings are matters of fact.
Describes trends that you found
Requirements:
Present data in chronological order, following the methods or in order of most to least importance
Explain data show in tables and graphs.
All figures labeled.
Negative results are results and need to be included.
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Discussion : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Discussion Discussion
Describes interpretations of findings and conclusions: how do results relate to experiment’s goals.
Relate results to background research.
Explain experiments limitations: questions unanswered, variables not controlled, other experimental constraints.
Discuss agreement or disagreement with previous knowledge
Offer alternative hypothesis; recommend areas of future study.
Requirements:
Do not include your theories, just well-supported opinions
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > References : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > References References
List all the sources of information used to complete the experiment.
Use MLA style
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Appendices : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Appendices Appendices
Raw data
Important pictures.
Complementary but non-essential information that would deepen understanding of your work.
Appendices are numbered A, B, C, D…
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice Exercise
INSTRUCTIONS: Read the following excerpts from real scientific papers. First, identify which part of the paper the excerpt belong to. Then evaluate if the the excerpt meets the expectations of the section of the research paper it belongs to.
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice EXAMPLE 1
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice EXAMPLE 2
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice EXAMPLE 3
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice EXAMPLE 4
Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice : Elements of a Scientific Research Paper > Practice EXAMPLE 5