1 Writing for the Sciences

1.1 Learning to Write Scientifically

Part of conducting effective research is learning to communicate scientific findings in a clear and concise manner. In this activity, you will be asked to critically read examples of undergraduate biology writing, and apply the principles learned to your own writing. You will also complete exercises to sharpen your understanding of the required conventions in scientific writing. 

 

Figure 1 

Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences between writing for the Sciences and writing for the Humanities 

1.2 What is a Lab Report Introduction?

To address this question, we need to consider the following: 

  1. What is the purpose of an Introduction section in a formal lab report?
  2. How might scientists use an Introduction section to highlight the importance of their study?
The purpose of the Introduction section of a formal lab report is to describe the purpose, objective or scientific question being explored by the experiment. In the Introduction section you, the scientist, will provide background information to frame the study and summarize what is known about the topic and what remains to be investigated (including the specific purpose of your study). Relevant background information may include an introduction to the study organism and/or system, summarized results from previous studies on the same topic, and any other information that would help your reader understand your study. The scientist’s aim is to provide background to show what research has been conducted on the subject and how their research will expand current knowledge.

 

If applicable, an Introduction section also includes a statement of the null (H0) and alternative hypotheses (HA) using the proper scientific conventions. The null hypothesis states that the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable. This is the hypothesis you are testing in your experiment. The alternative hypothesis is a tentative answer to your research question (e.g., the independent variable has an effect on the dependent variable).

 

You should also include a prediction (i.e., a statement of the specific trend you expect to observe). The prediction describes the expected relationship between your independent and dependent variable. You should be able to provide sound justification for the reasoning behind your prediction by referencing background information or the findings of other researchers (usually peer reviewed literature) to add credibility to the prediction. Remember, to avoid using terms like “prove”, “verify” or “demonstrate the truth” in a lab report. Instead use terms like “set out to investigate/test”, “document” or “describe”. It is important to be open minded during a study/experiment.

 

A good Introduction section should progress from more general statements/information to more specific information about the chemical(s), organism selection, tests, etc. then finish with the specific objective(s) of the experiment (See Figure 2).

 

Figure 2 

An inverted pyramid style of showing how to write an Introduction section of a lab report

 

1.3 Activity on understanding the components of an Introduction section

Complete the quiz below to test your comprehension of this chapter’s content:

 

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