The Format of Scientific LiteratureBy: Allison, Leah, Hunter,

Jordan

The first information seen…

• A catchy title which explains what the author did or what they found.

• A list of the authors-1st Author listed: Writer of the first draft-The following authors have all contributed in some way-The final author is the senior author who oversees the process

Abstract

• Shows what the researcher is doing• May give a general view of the results

-In the Arabidopsis paper Kipp stated, “Thus, heat adversely affects growth and development as well as reproductive success in Arabidopsis”

Introduction

• Gives the general background on for the experiment, often explaining the reasoning behind research-For example, Kipp raised the issue about current Global Warming

Materials and Methods

• Lists needed materials to perform the experiment

• Gives the step by step process of the experiment-Kipp showed the different processes involved, such as selection process, germination, seed sowing, and growing conditions

Observations and Results

• Uses graphs and charts to visualize the results

Discussion and Conclusion

• Summarizes the results in paragraph form by explaining data and gives the reason for the research

Acknowledgements

• Gives thanks to all who attributed time and effort into the project-Such as: ones who give advice, notes, funding, and expertise

References

• Citing sources• Often this is seen throughout the paper by

the contributor’s name or through a number which gives reference to the actual citing

Questions

• What is the most useful method of presenting results in chart form? (clue: use of symbols)

• Where should background information be presented?

• What is a common way of presenting authors?

• When citing the authors, where would the senior author be in the list order?