Introduction and Experimental C344

Types of Scientific Papers Experimental – Ideal for IMRAD—Introduce the problem present current study, discuss implications Theoretical – Purpose is to present new hypothesis based on previous data, not to add data (re-interpretive) Historical – Not repeatable, falsifiable

Introduction Purposes common to the introduction – Explain objectives of study – Convince of importance of current work – Set current work in the context of previous work “Framing” allows for an understanding of place of current work in broader picture Gives credibility to the authors—they know what is going on in the field Generally present tense verbs Exercise: unscramble Figure 4.2

Common Format Funnel approach: from general to specific Three Moves – Establish topic and significance Review previous research, generalize, show why topic is interesting in the field – Establish need for present research Show gaps in knowledge, raise questions, propose extensions – Introduce present research Outline purpose and main features of research

CARS Create A Research Space model Three moves – Establish a territory – Establish a niche – Occupy the niche

Practical Questions How long is the introduction? – Long enough to accomplish purposes – In this class, one-three paragraphs – Will grow in length with greater knowledge of field Do I need citations? – Yes – We will learn that next time

Methods Called Materials, Methods, Experimental Purposes – Major component of argument – Framework for results – Give credibility to research – Provides view into research assumptions

Structure is Based on Field Organic chemistry as mature field Experimental at end (lower priority) Many details needed, but the basic techniques are established – Repeatability is a major goal – Occasional justification needed (The extraction was performed five times due to limited solubility.) – Citations required for previously reported chemicals

Writing an Experimental Classically, passive, past tense, third person – De-emphasis of experimentalist; objective – Active, first person can be acceptable IF the alternative is cumbersome Subheadings – General methods – In synthesis, listed by product name Data listed after procedure – In other studies, can use other subheadings

Example Paper Chemistry library: electronic journals d= d=5226 J. Org. Chem. 2013, 78,