WHAT IS A SCIENTIFIC RESEACH PAPER?

A scientific paper is a written and published report describing original research results. The paper must be written in a certain way

Paper will have the following labeled sections: Title (Descriptive) Abstract (What I did in a nutshell) Introduction (What is the problem) Materials and Methods(How did I study) Results (What did I find out) Discussion (What does it mean) Bibliography (Whose work did I refer)

TITLE The most read part of the paper The title of a paper is a label not a sentence All words in the title need to be chosen with great care. Use specific terms to your research- avoid generalities Titles never contain abbreviations, chemical formulas, jargon etc.

ABSTRACT THE PAPER IN MICRO State the principal purpose of the investigation (Intro) Describe the methodology employed (Methods) Summarize the major findings (Results) State the principal conclusions (Discussion)

ABSTRACT THE PAPER IN MICRO Never put information in the abstract that is not in the paper Do not cite references in the abstract The abstract should not be over 175 words The abstract is only one paragraph The abstract is listed first in the report but written after the report is completed

INTRODUCTION THE FIRST REAL PART OF THE PAPER Purpose of the introduction is to introduce the paper Discuss purpose of the research project Pertinent literature should be reviewed and cited Proceeds from more general to more specifc

Introduction cont. The questions to be addressed include: What is the purpose of this experiment? How is this experiment important? (e.g. to the health of marine life, the residents of Tacoma?) What information is known about the science involved in the experiment?

Introduction cont. The questions to be addressed include: What new information will be learned from this experiment? What is the hypothesis (or the problem statement)? E.g. Is the health of the water at Titlow an appropriate Marine Preserve?

MATERIALS AND METHODS You must provide enough detail that another person can repeat the experiment If methods is published then just list the name of the method Blend the materials and methods together as much as possible

MATERIALS AND METHODS Write in paragraph form, past tense, 3rd person (passive voice - ) e.g. “Four water samples were taking from Titlow Beach” Write the methods in chronological order as you progressed through the research First part of paper to use sub-headings

RESULTS Objectively present key results Do not interpret If very few numbers then include in text If large amount of numbers then include in data table Results is what you found out Results should be short and sweet without verbage

Discussion This is where you analyze the results & tell the readers the meaning of the data What generalizations can be drawn from your data? Include the important results from the experimentation to back up your statements but doesn’t repeat

Discussion Continued….. Do your findings agree with others? Summarize your evidence for each conclusion If appropriate, what would you do next? Ideas for future research

BIBLIOGRAPHY At least 5 references MLA format List alphabetically

General Format Title page – Title, Name, Institution Double spaced 12 font Each section has major heading Sections may have subheadings – like materials Pictures and tables should have captions

Appendix Information non-essential to understanding the paper May help to clarify a point May include: Raw data Maps Extra photos

Due Date Turn paper in to Turnitin.com You will need to create an account. Class ID: 15280924 Enrollment Key: MCAPP2017 Must be received June 21, 2017 by noon!