Writing and Citing Scientific Articles

These flashcards are designed to help understand key components of writing and citing scientific articles, capturing essential elements of manuscript structure, citation practices, and ethical considerations in research.

Abstract

A paragraph-length summary of the article, typically around 250 words, that provides an overview of the study's purpose, methods, key results, and major conclusions. It serves as an advertisement for the manuscript.

Introduction

The section that provides crucial background information, describes the importance of the study, and outlines the overall goals and specific aims of the paper.

Methods

This section presents detailed information about the study design, including participant selection, procedures, measures, and the processes used for data collection and analysis.

Results

The section that contains the objective key findings of the study, presented through text, tables, and figures, without interpretation or discussion.

Discussion

A section that summarizes the key findings, compares them to prior literature, discusses the implications, and notes the limitations of the study.

Citations

References to previously published work that are essential in the introduction and discussion sections to establish context and relevance. They help prevent plagiarism and add credibility.

Peer-reviewed

A process where scholarly work is evaluated and critiqued by independent experts in the respective field before being published, ensuring quality and scientific rigor.

Plagiarism

The act of using someone else's ideas, words, images, or creative works without proper attribution. It is a serious academic and ethical offense.

Citable Sources

Formal and credible sources of information that have been critically reviewed and published, making them suitable for inclusion in academic writing.

Citation Styles

Standardized formats for presenting references in academic writing, including APA, AMA, MLA, or Chicago, which dictate how references and in-text citations are structured.