Introduction and Experimental

1. Introduction and Experimental C344

2. Types of Scientific Papers • Experimental • Ideal for IMRAD—Introduce the problem present current study, discuss implications • Theoretical • Purpose is to present new hypothesis based on previous data, not to add data (re-interpretive) • Historical • Not repeatable, falsifiable

3. Introduction • Purposes common to the introduction • Explain objectives of study • Convince of importance of current work • Set current work in the context of previous work • “Framing” allows for an understanding of place of current work in broader picture • Gives credibility to the authors—they know what is going on in the field • Generally present tense verbs Exercise: unscramble Figure 4.2

4. Common Format • Funnel approach: from general to specific • Three Moves • Establish topic and significance • Review previous research, generalize, show why topic is interesting in the field • Establish need for present research • Show gaps in knowledge, raise questions, propose extensions • Introduce present research • Outline purpose and main features of research

5. CARS • Create A Research Space model • Three moves • Establish a territory • Establish a niche • Occupy the niche

6. Practical Questions • How long is the introduction? • Long enough to accomplish purposes • In this class, one-three paragraphs • Will grow in length with greater knowledge of field • Do I need citations? • Yes • We will learn that next time

7. Methods • Called Materials, Methods, Experimental • Purposes • Major component of argument • Framework for results • Give credibility to research • Provides view into research assumptions

8. Structure is Based on Field • Organic chemistry as mature field • Experimental at end (lower priority) • Many details needed, but the basic techniques are established • Repeatability is a major goal • Occasional justification needed (The extraction was performed five times due to limited solubility.) • Citations required for previously reported chemicals

9. Writing an Experimental • Classically, passive, past tense, third person • De-emphasis of experimentalist; objective • Active, first person can be acceptable IF the alternative is cumbersome • Subheadings • General methods • In synthesis, listed by product name • Data listed after procedure • In other studies, can use other subheadings

10. Example Paper • Chemistry library: electronic journals • http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=5226 • J. Org. Chem. 2013, 78, 4762-4778.