Writing scientific papers Jennifer Sadowski Kaati Schreier May

Writing scientific papers Jennifer Sadowski & Kaati Schreier May 30, 2012

Before you start to write…… Read lots of journal articles o Multiple readings o Read the entire article o Never cite an article just from an abstract Before starting, create an outline of what to include in each section Order to write your paper o Proposal or entire paper? • • • Methods, Objectives (Introduction), Relevance(Introduction) Introduction (Literature review) Results Discussion Abstract

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title o Includes overview of topic, refers to objectives of study, species name Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract o Write last o Length depends on discipline and context o Include brief introduction to topic (few or zero references), relevance of study, brief methods, brief results (no statistics included) and discussion and ending summary statement. (Approximately 2 -3 sentences for each). Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction o Thorough review of literature (including recent work) o Make general statements, then back up with references o Funnel structure o Include relevance of study Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Introduction Funnel structure: Starts broad and goes narrow, ends with the exact purpose of the paper o Paragraph 1: Animals compete for resources. . . (references) o Paragraph 2: Home ranges or territories can be aggressively fought over. . . (more references) o Paragraph 3: White faced capuchin monkeys will aggressively fight with invaders in their territory. . . (more references) o Paragraph 4: Objectives (Study how alpha male aggressive reactions influence the rest of the brood) and/or hypotheses

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods o Enough detail to be replicated by others o May include references to other protocols o Include: Animal care, IRB, locations and dates, statistical analyses used, etc. Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Start with an overview of results (2 -3 sentences) Simply state results – do not discuss relevance or implications Refer to figures, tables in reporting of results Consider most concise way to report results (figure, table, or text) Follow discipline or journal directions for reporting statistics and creating figures o Figures: label axes, figure captions (no title needed), appropriate colors o o o Discussion Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion o Inverted funnel structure, revisit your main objectives o Interpret your results, do not re-state statistics o Compare your findings to other published studies (very important) o Explain experimental error and possible future studies o End with summary of overall relevance of project to field Acknowledgements References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements o Include funding sources (summer fellowships, grants, etc) o Include research mentors, individuals who helped with study or reviewed paper References

General structure of a scientific paper Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References o Follow discipline or journal guidelines o Be consistent throughout paper o Check that all are included in paper and in reference list

The publishing process Identify possible appropriate journals o Discuss with research mentor o Discuss authorship before starting (order and who to include) Write paper to follow specific journal guidelines o Need to have complete and current literature review o Have others review and comment on your manuscript draft o All authors must confirm draft before submitting o You may be asked to suggest reviewers

The publishing process Submit to journal for consideration o Editor will determine first whether draft will be reviewed or not (this may take days-months) o If yes, then sent out to reviewers for their feedback o Get feedback from reviewers (this may take months) o Can only submit one place at a time Possible feedback: Accept with minor revisions Accept with major revisions Reject, but may consider significantly revised edition Reject Make changes, explain changes (if they can’t be made), send back to editor (only a few weeks allowed) o May go back out to reviewers again o o o Advice: Develop a thick skin and keep trying!

Mid-term progress reports Progress reports due to Kirsten Gabriel by 5 pm Friday June 8 (via email) o Two pages long, double spaced, 12 pt font, 1 inch margins o Use lay terminology so those outside discipline can understand report. Work with your faculty mentor to create report including: o Research methods, results and discussion of work completed so far. o Remaining work and outline of plan for remainder of summer o Any problems or unexpected issues o How the project is going in general Suggestions: o Revisit your research proposal o Refine your proposed objectives and/or methods o Write your methods out in detail, in proper format, so you don’t forget what you did this summer! o Have a clear, detailed outline, with specific goals, for each week remaining in the summer.