how to write a scientific original article
DESCRIPTION
How to Write a Scientific Original ArticleTRANSCRIPT
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HOW TO WRITE A SCIENTIFIC
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Adopted By
Prof. Dr. MOSTAFA ELSHEEKH
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GOAL
How to write a scientific paper or
thesis and to avoid the common
errors that many researchers do
in writing papers and publication
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Objectives
By the end of this part the participants should
able to know
1- Different kinds of Articles
2- Contents of original Article
3- Skills of writing different parts of Article
4- Common errors in writing Article
Publication of Article in good Journal-5
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Types of Articles
Original article.
Review article.
Case report.
Letter to the editor.
Editorial Comment.
Short communication
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Original Article
Three Essential Requirements
Basic Triad
Subject
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There should be an addition to the already
existing literature.
Read the relevant literature carefully.
Make sure that you are not repeating what
had been done successfully before.
Original ArticleThree Essential Requirements
I- Subject
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It is better to spend 2 weeks
reading in the library than 2
years working in the lab.
Original ArticleThree Essential Requirements
I- Subject
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Title page Abstract Introduction Material & Methods Results Discussion Conclusion References Tables Legends to Figures Figures
Contents of The Original Article
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Title Page
Title
Authors
Institutions
Running title
Key words
Corresponding author
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends toFigures
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Title Page
The Title
Informative, specific, comprehensive,
and accurate stating exactly what you
mean.
Convey the maximum information with
the minimum of words.
Express the main issue of the study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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An author must have contributed
something worthwhile:
Creative thinking.
Performing diagnostic or therapeutic
techniques very essential in the study.
Collecting data.
Writing.
Title Page
The Authors
Who should be an Author?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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For multiple authors with various contributions:
Who has done the most work.
Title Page
The Authors
Who should be the first Author?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
For multiple authors with equalcontribution:
Give the advantage to the junior.
The junior the first, the senior the last.
For 2 authors:
First publication: give the advantage tothe junior.
Second publication: re-address thebalance.
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Papers from Thesis
A thesis is essentially a personalproject.
The name of the candidate should bethe first.
The most senior person is the last.
J Appl Phycol-Lipid fatty acids .pdf
Title Page
The Authors
Who should be the first Author?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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To be written in the title page only.
Do not write institutions inside the
article.
Do not write information inside the
article that can identify the names of
the authors.
Title Page
InstitutionsTitle page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Title PageSecond title page
Should include only the title.
No authors names, no institutions.
This page will be used in the
review process.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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ABSTRACT
The first part that appears.
The last part to be written.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Introduction
Definition:
It introduces the subject but does not
develop it.
Objectives:
1- To hold the readers attention.
2- To give sufficient information to
stimulate the appetite.
3-To rationalize conducting this study.
4- It sets the tone and quality of the entire
paper.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1. Short review of the main subject of the
study.
2. Problems, limitations and shortcomings of
the existing literature.
3. Aim of the study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures Legends to
Figures
IntroductionFundamental Parts
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Should touch the core of the subject.
Should be concise and interesting, not
boring.
Long historical reviews are dull.
Should be provided by some updated
references.
It varies in length from one sentence to
several paragraphs.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
References
Tables
Figures Legends to
Figures
Introduction
Fundamental Parts
1- Short Review
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Convince the reader of the
importance of your study.
Give reasons for investigating this
particular subject.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Introduction
Fundamental Parts
2- Limitations of existing literature
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The study should answer an
important question.
The rationale of the study must be
strong and very clear.
There should be an addition to the
existing literature.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures Legends to
Figures
Introduction
Fundamental Parts
3- Aim of the study
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Evaluation of the Introduction
The reviewer asks the following questions :
1- Are the objectives clear ?
2- Is the importance of the study adequately
emphasized ?
3- Is the subject of the study new ?
4- Is previous work on the subject adequately cited ?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1- Full description of the materials/subjects.
2- Full description of the methods.
3- Full description of the type of study.
4- Statistical methods.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Materials and Methods
Fundamental Parts
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Only new methods are described in details.
Previously published methods:
- Common: Enumeration + reference.
- Uncommon: Short summary + reference.
Do not lose your objective. All methods used
should be devoted to satisfying the objectives.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Materials and Methods
General Advice
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Ethical permission must be
acknowledged in the methods
section.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Materials and Methods
General Advice
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Evaluation of the
Materials and Methods
The reviewer asks the following questions :
1- Is the study population detailed
adequately ?
2- Are the methods described well enough
to reproduce the experiment ?
3- Is the study design clear ?
4- Are statistical methods included ?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1- Presentation of the results.
2- Interpretation of the results.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures Legends to
Figures
Results
Fundamental Parts
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1- Presentation of the results
Results of all methods used must be
provided in a respective systematic
manner.
Present the results as text, tables or
graphs, but do not repeat the same data
in more than one.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
Fundamental Parts
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2- Interpretation of data
Correlate your data with each
others to obtain an objective
proof of your hypothesis.
In science the object is a precise
measurement
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
Fundamental Parts
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2- Interpretation of data
In biological sciences, all
measurements are inexact. The only
way to describe this variability is to
use statistics intelligently.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
Fundamental Parts
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2- Interpretation of data
Statistical significance is different from
clinical/practical importance.
Small differences between large groups can
be statistically significant but
clinically/practically not important.
Large differences between small groups can
be clinically/practically important but not
statistically significant.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
Fundamental Parts
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Do not write any result for a method not
mentioned in the section of materials and
methods.
Results must be written in a very clear
non- equivocal non-confusing manner.
Avoid redundancy (each information must
be mentioned only once).
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
General Advice
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Only relevant results (related to the
aim of the study) should be
mentioned.
Do not distract the attention of the
reader by irrelevant results.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Results
General Advice
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Evaluation of the Results
The reviewer asks the followingquestions:
1- Can the reader assess the results based
on the data provided ?
2- Is the information straightforward and
not confusing ?
3- Are there adequate controls ?
4- Are statistical methods appropriate ?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1. Introduction.
2. Discussion of the results.
3. New additions provided by your study.
4. Limitations of your study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
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1- Introduction to the discussion.
It is preferable to start discussion by
a small paragraph emphasizing the
importance of the subject of the
study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
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2- Discussion of the results
Each result obtained must be
adequately discussed in comparison
with similar previous studies.
If results of your study is different
from previous ones, an explanation
must be given.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
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3- New additions
A separate paragraph must be
written describing the advantages
and the new additions provided by
your study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
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4- Limitations
Another paragraph must
contain the disadvantages,
limitations and how these could
be avoided in future studies.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
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Evaluation of the Discussion
The reviewer asks the following questions :
1- Do the authors comment adequately on all their
results ?
2- Have the authors explained why and how their
study differs from others already published ?
3- Do the authors discuss the potential problems
and limitations with their study ?
4- Are the authors conclusions supported by the
results ?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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CONCLUSION
Could be written as a separate
section or as the last paragraph of
the discussion.
It should stress on the most
relevant findings of the study.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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It is the take-home message of the
study.
It is a digest of the whole study.
It is not a repetition of the abstract.
It justifies and explains the
conclusion of the study.
CONCLUSIONTitle pageAbstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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In the text:
- Authors name, year (Ghoneim, 2000).
In the reference section:
- Should be arranged alphabetically
without numbers.
REFERENCES
1- Alphabetical StyleTitle page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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References are arranged in the
reference section according to
their first appearance in the text
and expressed in the text as
numbers.
REFERENCES
2- Vancouver StyleTitle page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Each journal has its own style of
references (house-style) explained in
instructions to authors. Read the
instructions AND examine a recent copy
of the Journal.
All references should be written in the
same style with the same arrangement.
REFERENCES
General AdviceTitle page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1- Pick-up the content without
reading the text.
2- Reveal the results at a glance.
3- Supply the maximum of
information with the minimum
of words.
TABLES
Objectives
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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General trend Figure.
Exact values Table.
TABLES
Table or figure?
What is more important to the
reader?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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TABLES
General Advices
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Tables should provide additional
information not present in the text to
avoid redundancy.
Tables should be carefully designed to
avoid repetition of the headings and to be
simple, clear, not confusing and easy to
follow.
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If abbreviations are used,
they should be explained at
the bottom of the table, even
if they were mentioned in the
text.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
TABLES
General Advices
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Tables are usually written after the
references, each table in a
separate page, having its own
number and title.
Be sure that the correct number of
the table appears in the correct
place in the text.
TABLES
General Advice
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Not to beautify the paper but to
convey information:
- introduce.
- explain.
- summarize.
Illustrations and Figures
Objectives
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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1- Simplicity is the keynote of all arts.
2- Avoid sophistication and secondary
details.
3- No repetition, no contradiction.
3- Consider good reproduction on
photocopy.
Illustrations And Figures
How to achieve a good illustration?
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Each figure should be identified by:
- Its number.
- Its title.
Be sure that the correct number of
the figure appears in the correct
place in the text.
Illustrations And Figures
General Advice
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Legends should be complementary to
the text, not repetitive.
Do not distract the reader too long
away from the text by writing too long
legend.
Legends to Figures
General Advice
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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ABSTRACT
The first to appear.
The last to be written.Must contain 4 paragraphs carryingthe following titles:
1-Objective: aim of the study.
2-Materials and methods: the mostimportant data.
3-Results: the most important data.
4-Conclusions.
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
Word count: 200-300.
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All conclusions should be supported by
the results of the study.
A common mistake is to write a
conclusion based on previous studies
and not supported by your own results.
Your conclusions should perfectly satisfy
the objectives of the study.
ABSTRACTConclusions
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to Figures
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Difference between conclusion,
summary and abstract
Conclusion: Very few sentences
expressing the message of the
study.
Summary : It is an extended conclusion. It
justifies and explains the
conclusion.
Abstract : It contains the most important
ideas. It is structured as
objectives, methods, results
and conclusion.
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Verb Tenses
Introduction Present
Methods Past
Results Past
Discussion Present
Conclusion Present
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Who will Write?
When there are multiple authors, one
only must write the paper.
Too many writers produce a
patchwork of different styles.
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Who will Write?
Authorship, like so many acquired
skills, must start early in life.
Junior should write.
Senior should revise.
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Sequence of Writing
First version
Write the paper in the following sequence:
1- Materials and methods.
2- Results (provisional tables, illustrations
and figures).
3- Discussion.
4- Introduction
Write the maximum information you have.
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Sequence of Writing
Fourth version
1- Finalize the references.
2- Write the abstract and summary.
3- Choose a final title.
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Sequence of Writing
Final version
1- Revise and test the style.
- Every statement must be tested
(expressive, simple, concise).
- Be sure of the meaning of every
word.
2- Revise spelling, grammar and
syntax.
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Sequence of Writing
Final version
3- Ask co-authors to check.
4- Ask a consultant with reviewer
experience to read it independently.
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Common Reasons For Rejection
1- The article is not relevant to the journal.
2- The paper is not styled for the journal.
3- Poorly designed trial.
4- Badly written manuscript.
5- The conclusions are unjustified.
6- Reviewer/editor bias.
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HARVEST
The brain: Aim of the study.
The heart: Study design.
The body: Materials and Methods.
The arms and legs: Results.
The dress: References, Tables and Figures.
The I.D. (photograph): Abstract.
The soul: Conclusion.
(Prof. I. Kabbash)
The original article is like a human body: