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Writing Research Reports in the Biological Sciences
By Michael G. Smircich
Biology and Marine Biology Peer Tutor
This handout is provided by the CLR.
7 Main Sections
1. Abstract2. Introduction3. Materials and Methods4. Results (Data)5. Discussion6. Conclusion7. References (works cited)
Abstract
• Why the experiment was done• What questions/problem was addressed• How the research was done• What major results were obtained • What major conclusions were drawn
• Don’t be fooled, this paragraph could make or break your entire paper!!!
Introduction
• Background information from previous studies that directly relates to your research
• Should anticipate any questions that are discussed later
• Should end with a clear statement of the specific issues that will be addressed in the report
Introduction
• Should NOT:– analyze results– List data– Go into detail about methods– Make any conclusions
Materials and Methods
• Must be descriptive– Anyone should be able to read this section and
replicate your experiment• Include all details that may have influenced
your results• Should NOT include details that are irrelevant – i.e. we used #2 pencils to write in our notebooks
Results
• Summarize your findings – Use tables, graphs, illustrations, and words
• Draw readers attention to major observations, trends, and important points
• Be selective about including tables and graphs– Present data only once
• DO NOT INTERPRET DATA HERE!!!
Discussion
• Interpret your results• Why were your results different than
expected?• How do your results compare to other similar
studies?• Ideas for future research• Ways to improve your experiment for future
recreations
Conclusion
• Reiterate your original hypothesis or question statement– Did you answer/solve your question?
• Sum up your findings• Suggest ways this study can be built upon in
the future
Works Cited
• Should include all data you referenced • Typically done in APA format– In text citations should include (Author, date of
publication) after the statement you quoted– i.e. Starfish have radial symmetry (Smircich,1999)
• Reference list should be in alphabetical order according to author’s last name
Works Cited
• Example reference– Calabrese, A., Davis, H.C. (1966). The pH tolerance
of embryos and larvae of Mercenaria mercenaria and Crassostrea virginica.
Biological Bulletin. Vol. 131. No. 3. pp. 427-436
• For more help with APA format:– http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/
01/
Acknowledgment (optional)
• Some people may choose to add this section to thank anyone who has helped make their paper possible
• Try to be short and concise• This can often be a tricky section
• You never want to insult anyone by not including them
Should I write each section in order?
• Easiest method1. Materials and Methods2. Results 3. Discussion4. Introduction5. Abstract
• Most importantly, do whatever works best for you!
Thank you!
If you have an questions, please email me at [email protected]
You may request an electronic copy of this presentation