Writing Community: Scientific Writing

Definitions and General Philosophy of Scientific Writing

• What is Scientific Writing?

  • Scientific writing is characterized by having less jargon, slang, or "fluff." It is more clinical and heavily focused on numbers, data, discussions, and debate.

  • It is generally neutral in tone and prioritizes presenting facts rather than personal opinions, although some authors may break these rules for the betterment of the writing or in poor taste.

  • Verbatim Definition (by S. C. Pan, UCSD Psychology Department): "Writing is an art and expression of skill, creativity, in many cases imagination. Writing research paper is, in fact, no exception."

  • Primary Goal: To present data or information that readers would not be familiar with, specifically focusing on new materials.

  • Style Standards: Scientific papers must be clear, direct, and straightforward to avoid confusion. They often follow a rigid, common outline that functions similarly to step-by-step instructions.

The Scientific Method: The Backbone of Writing

Before writing can begin, a fundamental understanding of the scientific method is required to accurately document findings and relay them to the scientific community.

• Steps of the Scientific Method:

  • Be Skeptical: Question the surroundings (e.g., why the sky is blue, why it is raining, why squirrels chatter).

  • Conduct Background Research/Observations: Read books to understand why a concept is stated as it is.

  • Ask a Question: Formulate the "why" based on observations.

  • Formulate a Hypothesis: This must be a testable idea. For example, if the question is "Why are leaves green?", the hypothesis might be: "The leaf is green because it has chloroform in the leaves."

  • Make Predictions: Determine what will happen if a variable is changed naturally or experimentally (e.g., "If $x$ changes, then $y$ will happen").

  • Perform an Experiment: Test the stated hypothesis.

  • Analyze Data: Review the findings from the experiment.

  • Draw a Conclusion: This may lead to a new hypothesis and a repetition of the entire method.

Background Research and the Literature Review

• The Literature Review (Lit Review): This is the background research phase and is often considered the most daunting and time-consuming part of scientific writing.

• Process: After choosing a research topic, the author must go "down the rabbit hole" to read all preceding papers, books, and articles.

• Scientific Value of Negative Results: Finding something to be false or finding nothing at all is still considered good research and is valuable to the community.

• Fluidity of Science: Scientific understanding is constantly changing as new facts/data appear; therefore, it is acceptable to add information from new sources as work progresses.

Resources for Background Research

• Libraries: Use the Ames Library or any local library. Librarians are specially trained to find scholarly sources.

• Online Databases: Search for scientific societies relevant to the field, such as:

  • The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.

  • The Geological Society of America.

• Individual Experts: Reach out to people with advanced degrees and experience in the specific field for guidance.

• Internet Searches: These should be a last resort.

  • Do not use general Google searches unnecessarily.

  • AI is frowned upon as it may not provide the best answers.

  • Google Scholar is recommended, provided sources are checked for genuineness.

The Structural Outline of a Scientific Paper

1. Introduction:

   • Includes the Background Research and the Literature Review.

   • Cites important works the reader needs to understand before the new information is presented.

   • Ends with the Question/Problem and the Hypothesis, stating what is being addressed and why it is significant.

   • This is typically the longest portion of the paper (e.g., $3$ pages of a $5$-page paper).

2. Materials and Methods:

   • Translates to the Experiment portion of the scientific method.

   • This is clear, step-by-step content (comparable to writing instructions for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich).

   • Authors should cite other researchers who used the same or similar methods.

3. Results:

   • Translates to the Analysis of Data.

   • Provides observations, measurements, and statistics.

   • Key Rule: Results must be separate from interpretations. Only state the data found.

   • Verbatim Example (The Tooth Example):

     • Correct Result Statement: "The tooth was $2\,inches$ tall, cone-shaped, when under pressure pierced the rigid paper."

     • Incorrect Result Statement: "The tooth is from a carnivore because it was sharp and pierced the paper." (This makes an assumption that belongs in the discussion).

   • There should be no references cited within the results; it must be original work.

4. Discussion and Conclusion:

   • Discussion: Describes how the data is scientifically interpreted, what it means for science, and how it relates back to the hypothesis. It should not repeat the results. It addresses: What can be done with this new data? What gaps in knowledge are filled? What surprises were found? Citations should be used here.

   • Conclusion: Wraps up the paper by stating how the data and discussion support the hypothesis. It should mirror the introduction.

5. Abstract:

   • A shortened summary of the main points and themes written at the very end.

   • Acts as a "book blurb" for readers to determine if the paper is relevant to their studies.

   • Citations are rarely (or never) included in the abstract.

6. Additional Elements:

   • Figures and Tables: Pictures, graphs, or data tables used to relay findings visually. Often placed in an Appendix at the end.

   • References: An alphabetical and then chronological list of all cited sources. Styles include MLA, ASA, or Chicago. Apps like Zotero or ZoteroBib are recommended for organization.

Writing Style and Considerations

• Modern Preferences: Unlike older traditions, modern scientific writing prefers the Active Voice. It is acceptable to use pronouns like "I," "me," "we," and "us."

• Drafting Strategy: Do not feel obligated to write linearly. Start with the Materials, Methods, or Figures as they are often the easiest, then move to Results and Discussion. Save the Introduction and Abstract for last.

• Fun in Writing: Scientists sometimes use fun phrases.

  • Anecdote (The Han Solo Trilobite): A scientist found a trilobite in the Han Province of China. As it was the only species in its genus, it was named Han solo as a play on words based on the Star Wars character.

Understanding the Audience

The format, layout, and citation style change based on the intended reader:

• Professor/Class: Specific academic requirements.

• Scientific Blog/Museum Website: General public interest.

• Conference: Short papers or posters.

• University: Thesis or dissertation for a degree.

• Scientific Journal: Large papers intended for publication.