The Format of Scientific Literature

1. The Format of Scientific Literature By: Allison, Leah, Hunter, Jordan

2. The first information seen… • A catchy title which explains what the author did or what they found. • A list of the authors -1st Author listed: Writer of the first draft -The following authors have all contributed in some way -The final author is the senior author who oversees the process

3. Abstract • Shows what the researcher is doing • May give a general view of the results -In the Arabidopsis paper Kipp stated, “Thus, heat adversely affects growth and development as well as reproductive success in Arabidopsis”

4. Introduction • Gives the general background on for the experiment, often explaining the reasoning behind research -For example, Kipp raised the issue about current Global Warming

5. Materials and Methods • Lists needed materials to perform the experiment • Gives the step by step process of the experiment -Kipp showed the different processes involved, such as selection process, germination, seed sowing, and growing conditions

6. Observations and Results • Uses graphs and charts to visualize the results

7. Discussion and Conclusion • Summarizes the results in paragraph form by explaining data and gives the reason for the research

8. Acknowledgements • Gives thanks to all who attributed time and effort into the project -Such as: ones who give advice, notes, funding, and expertise

9. References • Citing sources • Often this is seen throughout the paper by the contributor’s name or through a number which gives reference to the actual citing

10. Questions • What is the most useful method of presenting results in chart form? (clue: use of symbols) • Where should background information be presented? • What is a common way of presenting authors? • When citing the authors, where would the senior author be in the list order?