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!!!

Results

• Good or bad?

Results

• Now this is good!

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 msmir1@unh.newhaven.edu

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