1. The Research Paper Due: November 1 st

2. This information can be obtained online at www.vjas.org

3. THE PAPER COMPONENTS

4. The Abstract

5. Abstract Consists of concise statements of the research objective, approach, key results, and conclusions.

6. Abstract It must not exceed one (1) standard page, double- spaced.

7. Abstract Do not use citations in the abstract or Do not refer to any other part of the paper.

8. Abstract The twelve (12) allowable text pages begin with this page.

9. The Introduction

10. Introduction Includes a brief review of current and related literature with an explanation of the writer’s interest in the subject.

11. Introduction the problem concise objectives identification of variables the hypothesis

12. Methods and Materials

13. This section explains the equipment SuppliesMethods employed in the research.

14. Methods and Materials The materials used should be incorporated in the description of the procedures RATHER than in list format.

15. Methods and Materials All procedures should be sufficiently detailed and clearly stated to allow duplication of the experiment.

16. Methods and Materials Standard techniques, appropriately referenced, may be included without providing details.

17. Methods and Materials Specialized techniques should be presented concisely.

18. Methods and Materials A description of equipment unique to the experiment or which was built specifically for use in this research should be included.

19. Methods and Materials The number of organisms (sample size), experimental replications, and/or type of statistical analysis should be included.

20. Methods and Materials Description of experimental design should be in text form. Description of experimental design should be in text form.

21. Methods and Materials Chart form is placed in the appendix.

22. Results

23. Results Contains only information obtained as a result of the investigation or experimentation.

24. Results Results of statistical analysis are included here.

25. Results Raw data should be summarized and presented verbally (paragraphs)

26. Results as well as pictorially (graphs) and numerically (charts or tables), as appropriate. as well as pictorially (graphs) and numerically (charts or tables), as appropriate.

27. Results Raw data, if vital to the paper, should be placed in an appendix.

28. Discussion and Conclusion

29. contains an interpretation of the results.

30. Discussion and Conclusion Comparisons to other research should be made with appropriate literature citations. Comparisons to other research should be made with appropriate literature citations.

31. Discussion and Conclusion An evaluation of the success possible procedural improvements possible procedural improvements

32. Discussion and Conclusion suggestions for future scientific studies

33. Discussion and Conclusion Logic and the application of laws, principles, and theories are used to draw conclusions.

34. Discussion and Conclusion The conclusions are clearly and concisely stated and the hypothesis is either accepted or rejected.

35. Literature Cited

36. This is NOT a bibliography. This section is a list of all Books Books

37. Literature Cited Publications, and Publications, and communications communications from which significant materials were cited in the paper.

38. Literature Cited There should be a minimum of three references. Each reference must be cited at least once in the paper.

39. Literature Cited The listing is alphabetical by the last name of the first author of a citation.

40. Literature Cited LITERATURE CITATIONS FROM WEB SOURCES ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. Literature Cited is the last component of the paper (Page 12).

41. Literature Cited Example McCaffrey, Cheryl A. and Raymond D. Dueser. 1990. Plant associations of the Virginia barrier islands. Va.J.Sci.41:282-299.

42. Literature Cited Example Spry, A. 1969. Metamorphic Textures. Pergamon Press, New York. 350pp.

43. Literature Cited For other examples see the “VJAS STYLE MANUAL” found on the web.

44. Acknowledgements

45. Acknowledgements The writer gives credit for special assistance received from scientists or other sources, stating specifically what assistance was provided

46. Acknowledgements For example: someone who ran statistical analysis, someone who injected animals, etc.). someone who ran statistical analysis, someone who injected animals, etc.).

47. Acknowledgements Do not include any identification of the student researcher.

48. Appendix

49. Appendix Contains raw data too lengthy to include in the results section of the text but important for an understanding of the entire paper.

50. Appendix The appendix could include data tables, graphs graphs charts charts Illustrations Illustrations pictures. pictures.

51. Appendix All materials in this section must meet the same requirements as the text of the paper.

52. Appendix Experimental design format, if used, is to be placed here

53. This information can be obtained online at www.vjas.org

54. Good Luck! Help from Ms. Banks will be by appointment only.