This document provides guidance on writing scientific papers and reports. It discusses the typical structure of papers, including sections for the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements and references. For each section, it offers tips on what to include. For example, the introduction should provide a funnel-shaped literature review to establish the context and relevance of the study. The methods section needs enough detail for others to replicate the study. Figures and tables should be used to report results concisely. The discussion should interpret results in relation to other work and discuss future research directions. Progress reports for summer research are also addressed.

1.  
Jennifer Sadowski & Kaati Schreier
May 30, 2012

2.  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

3.  Title
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Acknowledgements
 References

4.  Title
o Includes overview of topic, refers to objectives of study, species
name
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Acknowledgements
 References

5.  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

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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

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

10.  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

11.  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

12.  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

13.  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

14.  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:
o Accept with minor revisions
o Accept with major revisions
o Reject, but may consider significantly revised edition
o Reject
o 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
 Advice: Develop a thick skin and keep trying!

15.  Progress reports due to Kirsten Gabriel by 5pm Friday June 8 (via
email)
o Two pages long, double spaced, 12pt 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.