Types of Scientific Paper

Questions and Answers

What best describes a Technical Note in scientific writing?

A description of a specific technique or modification applicable to medicine. (correct)

An exploration of an author's personal viewpoint on a subject.

A collection of images accompanied by limited text.

A detailed analysis of recent developments on a specific topic.

Which characteristic is unique to a Pictorial Essay?

It heavily relies on the quality of images to convey its message. (correct)

It presents a critique of original articles in the journal.

It provides new information on a medical topic.

It includes comprehensive discussions on various viewpoints.

What is the primary purpose of a Review paper in scientific writing?

To introduce new information on a specific topic.

To analyze and highlight recent developments in literature. (correct)

To provide a personal opinion on controversial medical issues.

To present images that illustrate a particular medical concept.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the standard structure for scientific papers?

Literature Review Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Commentary in scientific writing?

It offers an analysis of controversial subjects from a personal perspective. Signup and view all the answers

How long should the title of a scientific paper ideally be?

Not exceeding 20 words Signup and view all the answers

In what form can an Editorial be presented?

As a brief review or critique of articles accepted for publication. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is crucial for understanding the framework of a scientific study?

Title Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a literature review?

Work being done on the cutting edge of the topic. Signup and view all the answers

Which organizational method groups studies by their themes?

Thematic Signup and view all the answers

What is a useful tool for summarizing literature findings?

Summary table Signup and view all the answers

What tense should be primarily used when discussing current research findings?

Present tense Signup and view all the answers

Which voice is generally preferred in writing a review of literature?

Active voice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes methodological organization of a literature review?

It emphasizes the research methods used by authors. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase indicates agreement between authors in a literature review?

Likewise Signup and view all the answers

What should you include in a summary table of your literature review?

Type of study, author, sample size, design, and key findings Signup and view all the answers

What verb tense should be used to report the contents of past research findings?

Past Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of using the present perfect tense in citations?

Many studies have been conducted in this field. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common error when reviewing literature?

Relying too heavily upon secondary sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the methodology section in a research paper?

To provide a map for conducting the research. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a well-established protocol in research methodology?

It should only be referenced. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of hurrying through the literature review?

Missing important information that could enhance the research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the abstract in a research article?

To summarize the content of the article Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT typically included in a research article's introduction?

Results of the study Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of previous research should be focused on when using the present perfect tense?

The research area of several authors. Signup and view all the answers

What could inadequate bibliographic compilation lead to in a literature review?

Confusion regarding sources and references. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the maximum word limit for an abstract, as per common journal requirements?

250 to 500 words Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include keywords in the title of a research article?

To improve discoverability via search engines Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the research problem is typically addressed in the first paragraph of an introduction?

Description of the problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of including background information in a research introduction?

To provide context for understanding the research problem Signup and view all the answers

In the introduction, how should researchers address gaps in existing literature?

By presenting evidence that highlights the need for new research Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the '3 Paragraph Rule' in writing an introduction?

Introduce, provide background, and outline potential solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the R&D section in a research paper?

To present results and make them meaningful to the reader. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common problem found in conclusions?

The inclusion of all raw data collected. Signup and view all the answers

What should the conclusion of a research paper typically include?

A brief restatement of the purpose and principal findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of the Recommendation section in a research paper?

It should explicitly state the next steps and actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which tense should be used when writing the results section of a research paper?

Past tense Signup and view all the answers

Which element is crucial for justifying the results or claims in a research paper?

Using literature to confirm or contradict findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant implication of mentioning complexities in the conclusion?

It enhances the understanding of the study's findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary practice when citing information in a research paper?

To acknowledge all information with appropriate referencing styles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Technical Note: Describes a new technique, procedure, or equipment relevant to medicine.
Pictorial Essay: A teaching article emphasizing images; minimal text, relying on figure legends for explanation.
Review: An analysis of recent developments on a specific topic; summarizes previously reported literature without presenting new findings.
Commentary: A short article expressing the author's perspective on a topic, may cover controversial issues and does not introduce new information.
Editorial: Provides a critique or review of articles in the same journal issue, offering a brief overview of a subject that doesn’t require extensive discussion.

Basic Structure of a Scientific Paper

Standard Components: Include Title, Abstract, Keywords, Body (IMRAD format), Tables/Graphs/Figures, Conclusion, Recommendations, References, and Appendices.
Title, Abstract, and Keywords: The title should be descriptive, precise, under 20 words, and free from unnecessary terms. Abstracts typically range from 250 to 500 words summarizing the article's content, including relevant keywords for search optimization.

Title Improvement Examples

Original: "A qualitative and quantitative study of Typhoon Rosing’s damage to the mango trees..."
Improved: "Typhoon Rosing’s damage to two mango orchards in Laguna."

Introduction Components

Importance of the Study: Outline the research problem and why it is significant.
Background: Summarize existing research to provide context and establish a gap.
Purpose: Clearly state how the study relates to previous work and what makes it unique.

Review of Literature

Organization Strategies: Chronological order, thematic structure, or methodological focus to categorize past studies.
Writing Techniques:
- Agreements: Connects various authors’ viewpoints.
- Disagreements: Highlights contrasting opinions.
- Voice Usage: Favor active voice for clarity unless passive voice is warranted.

Verb Tenses in Literature Review

Present Tense: For ongoing relevance or present comments about previous studies.
Past Tense: For reporting findings from completed research.
Present Perfect: For discussing the body of research or general trends.

Common Errors in Reviewing Literature

Rushing through reviews, over-reliance on secondary sources, focusing on findings over methods, and failing to include diverse source types.

Methodology Section

Details the research process clearly enough for replication, including relevant protocols and justification of methods based on literature.

Results and Discussion Purpose

Present results effectively and address their significance, implications, and relation to previous research.

Conclusion Section

Summarizes purpose and principal findings, linking them to the study's implications. Avoids unnecessary details while addressing broader contexts.

Recommendation Section

Suggests areas for further research, providing explicit and detailed action steps.

References

Mandatory acknowledgment of all sources of information, methods, data, and diagrams using a recommended referencing style.

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Description

Explore the various types of scientific papers, including technical notes and pictorial essays, as outlined in the Singapore Medical Journal. This quiz will test your understanding of effective medical writing and the distinct characteristics of different paper types.

Types of Scientific Paper - Medical Writing