Understanding Information Sources

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Questions and Answers

What is recommended to include at the beginning of the Discussion section of a scientific paper?

  • A restatement of the most important points from the results (correct)
  • A summary of previous research studies
  • An overview of the future implications of the study
  • A detailed explanation of the research methods used

Why do many technical writers prefer to write their introductions last?

  • Crafting a balance of general context and specific focus is challenging (correct)
  • They find it easier to engage the reader at the end
  • They usually have more data to include in the introduction later
  • Introductions typically require less editing than other sections

What is emphasized about the writing style of scientific papers?

  • It should be filled with technical jargon for precision
  • It should be clear and concise (correct)
  • It should be vague to allow for varied interpretations
  • It should be colorful and elaborate to engage the audience

What should be avoided when beginning the Discussion section?

<p>Mentioning personal insecurities about the research methods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approach can enhance the structure of the Discussion section?

<p>Utilizing sub-headings to guide the reader (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a scientific paper can be particularly challenging to write according to many authors?

<p>The introduction and conclusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pitfall when writing the introduction of a scientific paper?

<p>Perfecting the introduction before completing the paper (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do editorial comments play in writing a scientific paper?

<p>They provide insights on improving writing quality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of scientific writing as described?

<p>To inform other scientists about an important issue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in an abstract for it to effectively inform the reader?

<p>Objective, methods, results, and significance of the study. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a scientist choose to write the abstract section last?

<p>To accurately reflect the study's completed findings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can indicate that a writer's scientific point has not been understood by an editor?

<p>Comments from the editor suggesting confusion about the writing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a section commonly found in a scientific manuscript structure?

<p>Personal Reflections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for non-native English speakers to improve their scientific writing?

<p>Have their work proofread by a native speaker. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is concise English particularly important in scientific writing?

<p>It respects the reader's time and improves clarity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should the introduction section primarily achieve?

<p>Summarize the research problem and its significance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common mistake in writing the introduction?

<p>Including too much background information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct structure for the introduction outlined in the content?

<p>Narrower background leading to specific objectives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is citation important in the introduction section?

<p>To support claims made without disrupting flow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element that should be avoided when writing the introduction?

<p>References to unrelated literature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The last sentences of the introduction should ideally include which of the following?

<p>The specific hypothesis and objectives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about citing sources is true?

<p>Articles by one or two authors are cited using their last names (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of a clear purpose in the introduction?

<p>A focused statement of the research question (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a full citation for journal articles?

<p>Date, title, journal name, volume number, and page numbers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered research misconduct?

<p>Properly citing all sources used (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should the Literature Cited section at the end of a paper be organized?

<p>In order of appearance in the text (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stance did research institutions take regarding misconduct in the early 1980s?

<p>They often ignored or covered up misconduct issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT required for book citations?

<p>Edition number (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the federal policy on research misconduct adopted in December 2000?

<p>To mandate the investigation of misconduct claims (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines research misconduct according to the Department of Health and Human Services?

<p>Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action when unsure about citation formats?

<p>Consult a recent issue of the respective journal for guidance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant first step in scientific paper writing?

<p>Selecting a research question (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a good research question essential for publication?

<p>It shows well-thought research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must scientific and technical writing avoid to maintain professionalism?

<p>Personal anecdotes and stories (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between knowing your audience and writing a scientific paper?

<p>It influences style and level of writing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least likely to be accepted by journal editors?

<p>A paper filled with anecdotes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a good research question contribute to data analysis?

<p>It provides clarity for developing the study protocol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics should be avoided in the language of scientific writing?

<p>Vague conclusions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might hinder a paper's chances of publication in a scientific journal?

<p>Lack of clear language and focus on a topic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for not submitting a first draft?

<p>First drafts often require significant editing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a paragraph begin with to be effective?

<p>A clear topic sentence that indicates the main idea. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the writer concerning language use?

<p>To master basic grammar and spelling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is using an outline beneficial before starting a writing project?

<p>It helps organize thoughts logically and outlines key ideas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does submitting a draft with basic English errors have on the writing process?

<p>It distracts the supervisor from more meaningful feedback. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested if a writer needs time to approach their draft with a fresh perspective?

<p>Put the draft away for a few days before reviewing it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of writing good paragraphs?

<p>Effective paragraphs should be organized around a clear main idea. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is NOT advisable when preparing a first draft?

<p>Trying to make it perfect before showing it to anyone. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Good Research Question

A question that provides a clear direction for a research study and contributes to existing knowledge.

Review Article

A text written by experts in a field, reviewing the current state of knowledge on a specific topic.

Scientific Paper Writing

The process of writing a research paper that adheres to scientific principles of accuracy and clarity, focusing on reporting empirical findings.

Specific Audience in Scientific Writing

The audience for your scientific writing should be those who are knowledgeable in your field and likely to read publications specific to that field.

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Fact-Based Scientific Writing

Scientific writing should be factual, avoid personal stories or opinions, and solely focus on providing evidence-based findings.

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Grammatical Accuracy in Scientific Writing

Scientific writing needs to be accurate and follow proper grammar rules to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

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Figures and Tables in Scientific Writing

Visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs, are essential in scientific writing to effectively convey information and facilitate understanding.

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Literature Review in Scientific Writing

The section of a scientific paper that presents a thorough review of existing literature related to the research topic, providing context and rationale for the current study.

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First Draft

The initial version of a written piece, often messy and unpolished.

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Submitting a First Draft

Submitting a first draft to a supervisor is generally discouraged. Focus on editing and revising before sharing your work.

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Using an Outline

A well-structured outline helps organize ideas logically before writing, improving clarity and coherence.

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Topic Sentence in Paragraphs

A good paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence. It sets the stage for the ideas that will follow.

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Effective Paragraph Organization

Paragraphs should be well-organized, with a clear flow of ideas, allowing the reader to understand the connection between sentences.

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First Drafts are Terrible

The initial version of a written piece is often poorly written. It requires significant editing, rewriting, and fine-tuning before submission.

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Prioritize Content over Grammar

Prioritizing grammar and spelling before content can distract from more important issues like clarity and logic.

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Stepping Away from Writing

Writing is a process that requires reflection. Taking breaks and revisiting work with fresh eyes helps improve the quality of writing.

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Discussion Section

The section of a scientific paper where the author explains the significance of their findings and connects them to previous research.

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Begin the Discussion with Key Results

Starting a Discussion section with the most important findings from your results helps to set the stage for the rest of the discussion.

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Use Sub-headings in the Discussion

Dividing the Discussion section into smaller sections with clear headings helps readers follow your argument and understand your main points.

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Write the Introduction Last

Writing an introduction after completing the rest of the paper can help you craft a more focused and balanced introduction.

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Resist Perfection in the Introduction

Even if you need to write the introduction first, don't spend too much time perfecting it until the rest of the paper is complete.

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Importance of Introduction, Conclusion, Abstract, and Summary

The introduction, conclusion, abstract, and summary are crucial for readers who may not read the whole paper.

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Clarity and Conciseness in Scientific Papers

Scientific papers are written in a clear and concise manner so that everyone can understand the research.

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Purpose of a Scientific Paper

The aim of a scientific paper is to explain the scientist's motivation, experimental process, and the implications of the findings.

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What is an Abstract?

A concise summary of a scientific paper, including objective, methods, results, and significance. It's crucial for readers to quickly grasp the paper's essence.

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Introduction in a Scientific Paper

The part of a scientific paper that introduces the research problem, explains its significance, and states the paper's hypothesis.

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Methods and Materials Section

This section describes the materials used in a study and the specific methods employed to collect and analyze data.

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Results Section

This section presents the findings of the research, often using tables and figures to visually represent data.

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Discussion and Conclusions Section

This section discusses the significance of the results, interprets their implications, compares them to previous findings, and suggests future research directions.

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Acknowledgements Section

A section where the authors acknowledge the contributions of individuals or organizations that assisted in the research.

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References (Literature Cited) Section

A list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to a specific style guide.

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What is a Scientific Title?

A concise and informative title that accurately reflects the study's focus and key findings.

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Abstract

A brief summary of the research paper highlighting the problem, purpose, methods, results, and conclusion.

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Introduction

The section that establishes the background and significance of the research. It summarizes previous studies and explains the need for the current study.

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Methods

The section that details how the research was conducted, outlining the methods, materials, and procedures used.

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Results

The section that presents the findings of the research, often using tables, figures, and statistical analysis.

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Discussion

The section that interprets the results and explains what the findings mean in the context of the research question.

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Conclusion

A statement that summarizes the main findings of the research and their significance.

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Defining Acronyms

Making an acronym or abbreviation clear to the reader.

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In-text Citations

In-text citations that direct the reader to the full reference list for further information.

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Fabrication in Research

The act of intentionally presenting false information or making up research data.

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Falsification in Research

The act of manipulating research results to fit a desired outcome, often by altering data or selectively presenting findings.

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Plagiarism in Research

The act of using someone else's work without proper attribution, stealing ideas or language without giving credit.

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Literature Cited Section

A specific section in a scientific paper that lists all the sources cited within the text.

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Citing Sources in Literature Cited

This involves accurately formatting the reference information for each source in the Literature Cited section, ensuring consistency and following specific guidelines.

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Textual Citation

A standard format used to provide concise citations of sources within the text of a scientific paper.

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Literature Review in Research

The process of reviewing and critically evaluating previously published research to gain insights and context for current research.

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Research Integrity

The practice of acknowledging the contributions of others and avoiding misrepresenting research findings.

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Study Notes

Information Sources

  • Information comes from diverse sources, including newspapers, websites, magazines, journals, books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, technical reports, conference proceedings, posters, dissertations, and personal communication.
  • Sources vary in their utility, content, and intended audience.
  • Information sources can be categorized as scholarly or popular, and primary or secondary.

Scholarly Sources

  • Authors are typically academics with affiliations listed.
  • Articles are structured with sections like abstracts, introductions, materials and methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Writing style is usually neutral and factual.
  • The audience is researchers and students in the field, with specialized vocabulary.
  • Authors cite other scholarly sources within a bibliography.
  • Scholarly articles report on findings that advance their field, being primary sources.
  • Articles are typically peer-reviewed to ensure quality.
  • Scholarly books and journals are published by reputable publishers.
  • Information in scholarly sources is reliable and accurate.
  • Popular writing aims to inform general readers.
  • Writing style is typically informal and uses easily understood vocabulary.
  • Author credentials are often omitted.
  • Popular articles rarely reference other sources.
  • Popular writing may include fact-checking but may not undergo peer review.
  • Content could be one-sided to appeal to a specific audience.
  • Quality and accuracy of information in popular sources are often harder to assess.

Types of Information Resources

  • Primary Sources: Original research, new ideas, or opinions published in their original form. Examples include journal articles, conference papers, monographs.
  • Secondary Sources: Organize and provide easy retrieval of primary resources (e.g., indexes, bibliographies, abstracting systems). Also can include summarizing or interpreting primary sources. Examples include MEDLINE, PubMed, and specialized databases .
  • Tertiary Sources: Condense and summarize data from primary and secondary sources. Examples include textbooks, encyclopedias, and review articles like Micromedex and Lexicomp. Tertiary sources provide overviews, summaries, and background information.

Scientific Paper Writing

  • The first step in scientific writing is choosing a research question relevant to the field and adding new knowledge.
  • The content should be void of personal anecdotes or stories. Reports should present facts and avoid outlandish conclusions. Quality writing avoids misspellings and grammatical errors.
  • Use outlines for organizing ideas and arguments.
  • Separate the tasks of figuring out what to say, planning the order & logic, and crafting the exact language.
  • Do not submit initial drafts directly. Rewriting and editing are critical.

Suggestions for Writing Good Scientific Papers

  • Know the audience—write for that specific group (e.g., scientific journal readers).
  • Captions should inform how to read charts and tables clearly in an independent and understandable way.
  • Discuss results, not tables, figures, and statistics (create narratives around those).
  • Develop a discussion strategy. Summarize important results first, then relate them to the literature.
  • Understand that introductions and conclusions are challenging sections, and it is acceptable to draft these sections later.
  • Take editorial comments seriously and respond thoughtfully.
  • Ensure that the title is concise and descriptive, explaining the paper's topic.
  • An abstract is a short summary encompassing the paper's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

Manuscript Structure

  • A well-structured paper clarifies the author's purpose, methods, and results' meaning. Structure includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results, figures and tables, discussion, and acknowledgements, with literature cited at the end.

Research Misconduct

  • Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism is defined as scientific misconduct.
  • Fabricating means making up results, while falsifying involves manipulating materials/processes, or changing/omitting data.
  • Plagiarism is using another's ideas, processes, results, or words without credit.
  • Top ten behaviors include falsifying data, ignoring human subjects' rights, improperly disclosing financial ties, and using other's work without attribution.

Federal Laws on Research Misconduct

  • Public concern regarding research misconduct heightened in the 1980s, with institutions sometimes covering up problems.
  • In 2000, the Office of Science and Technology Policy established a federal policy on research misconduct.

Mentor Responsibilities

  • Mentors guide trainees (post-docs, grad students, and undergrads) to understand responsible research conduct.
  • This includes ensuring awareness of guidelines, defining relationships, outlining publication/authorship roles, serving as Principal Investigators (PI), obligations to report misconduct, and demonstrating ethical practices.

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