Writing a Scientific Paper
A General Guide
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Structure of a Paper
Scientific writing follows a rigid structure –
a format developed over hundreds of years
Consequently, a paper can be read at several levels:
Some people just will refer to the title
 Others may read only the title and abstract
 Others will read the paper for a deeper
understanding

Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Components of a Paper
Section
Purpose
Title
Clearly describes contents
Authors
Ensures recognition for the writer(s)
Abstract
Describes what was done
Key Words (some journals)
Ensures the article is correctly identified in abstracting and
indexing services
Introduction
Explains the problem
Methods
Explains how the data were collected
Results
Describes what was discovered
Discussion
Discusses the implications of the findings
Acknowledgements
References
Appendices (some journals)
Ensures those who helped in the research are recognised
Ensures previously published work is recognised
Provides supplemental data for the expert reader
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Authors Listing

ONLY include those who have made an
intellectual contribution to the research

OR those who will publicly defend the data and
conclusions, and who have approved the final version

Order of the names of the authors can vary from
discipline to discipline
 In some fields, the corresponding author’s name
appears first
 Other depend on the participation
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Title
Describes the paper’s content clearly and
precisely including keywords
 Is the advertisement for the article
 Do not use abbreviations and jargon
 Search engines/indexing databases depend on
the accuracy of the title - since they use the
keywords to identify relevant articles
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Words and expressions to avoid
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Jargon
A considerable amount of
On account of
A number of
referred to as
In a number of cases
Has the capacity to
It is clear that
It is apparent that
Employ
Fabricate
Preferred use
Much
Because
Several
Called
Some
Can
Clearly
Apparently
Use
Make
MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Day, RA. “How to write and publishResearch
a scientific
paper,”
5th edition, Oryx Press, 1998.
Dajah
Abstract
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Briefly summarize (often 150-250 words) - the
purpose (problem ), the method, the results, and
the conclusions so that
 The reader can decide whether or not to read the
whole article
Together, the title and the abstract should stand on
their own
Many authors write the abstract last so that it
accurately reflects the content of the paper
See: The Structured Abstract: An Essential Tool for Research
http://research.mlanet.org/structured_abstract.html
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Introduction

1.
Clearly state the:
Problem being investigated
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2.
Background that explains the problem
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3.
Summarize relevant research to provide context
State how your work differs from published work
Reasons for conducting the research

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Identify the questions you are answering
Explain what other findings, if any, you are challenging or extending
Briefly describe the experiment, hypothesis(es), research
question(s); general experimental design or method
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Methods
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Provide the reader enough details so they can
understand and replicate your research
Explain how you studied the problem, identify the
procedures you followed, and order these
chronologically where possible
Explain new methodology in detail; otherwise name the
method and cite the previously published work
Include the frequency of observations, what types of data
were recorded, etc.
Be precise in describing measurements and include
errors of measurement or research design limits
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Results

Objectively present your findings, and explain what
was found
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Show that your new results are contributing to the
body of scientific knowledge
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Follow a logical sequence based on the tables and
figures presenting the findings to answer the
question or hypothesis
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Discussion/Conclusion
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Describe what your results mean in context of what
was already known about the subject
Indicate how the results relate to expectations and
to the literature previously cited
Explain how your research has moved the body of
scientific knowledge forward
Do not extend your conclusions beyond what is
directly supported by your results - avoid undue
speculation
Outline the next steps for further study
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
References
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Whenever you draw upon previously published work,
you must acknowledge the source
Any information not from your experiment should be
recognized by a citation
How references are presented varies considerably for
the specific journal
Avoid references that are difficult to find
Avoid listing related references that were not
important to the study
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Harvard Reference Style
Uses the author's name and date of
publication in the body of the text, and the
bibliography is given alphabetically by author
Adams, A.B. (1983a) Article title: subtitle. Journal
Title 46 (Suppl. 2), 617-619
 Adams, A.B. (1983b) Book Title. Publisher, New
York.
 Bennett, W.P., Hoskins, M.A., Brady, F.P. et al. (1993)
Article title. Journal Title 334 , 31-35.

Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Vancouver Reference Style
Uses a number series to indicate references;
bibliographies list these in numerical order as
they appear in the text
1. Adams, A.B. (1983) Article title: subtitle. Journal Title
46 (Suppl. 2), 617-619.
2. Lessells, D.E. (1989) Chapter title. In: Arnold, J.R. &
Davies, G.H.B. (eds.) Book Title , 3rd edn. Blackwell
Scientific Publications, Oxford, pp. 32-68.
3. Bennett, W.P., Hoskins, M.A., Brady, F.P. et al. (1993)
Article title. Journal Title 334 , 31-35.
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Figures and Tables
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Every figure must have a caption
All tables must have a title
Figure/tables are placed after they are mentioned
in the text (all must be mentioned/discussed)
Make figures/tables first, and then insert into the
text
Put the figure/table number beside its title, and
put this in a standard location
Don’t start a sentence with an abbreviation:
Figure vs. Fig.
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Tables
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When do you do table
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If  3 numbers, use a sentence.
If 4-20 numbers, use a table.
If >20 numbers, use a figure.
Table number and title at the top.
Should be self expletory.
Value should be rounded (1 or 2 decimal digit)
Tables present data from specific types of
analyses.
Refer to tables (and figures) in texts by number
and tell the reader what to look for (e.g., “as
shown in Table 8, the reaction times…”).
Columns and rows must be labeled.
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Enable you to represent data in small space.
Make comparison easier.
Table 1: Skin blood flow (SBF) of the ipsilateral thigh in pre, during, and post electrical stimulation by phases and subphases of the menstrual cycle in neutral and warm temperatures.
Thermoneutral Environment
Warm Environment
Pre-E.S
During-E.S
Post-E.S
Pre-E.S
During-E.S
Mean SD
Mean SD
Mean SD
Mean SD
Early Follicular Phase
118.0 23.4
118.9 21.4
115.3 21.5
211.7 57.5
245.1* 66.9
261.7*
70.1
Late Follicular Phase
123.2 19.7
130.6 17.6
124.7 17.6
201.5 37.5
238.6* 36.7
247.7*
55.4
Early Luteal Phase
122.3 27.2
125.7 27.6
119.5 29.2
176.4 27.6
215.7* 27.7
239.5*‡
23.1
Late Luteal Phase
125.5 25.6
126.7 25.4
123.9 29.2
180.3 46.1
219.4* 65.1
244.4*‡
74.7
Follicular Phase
119.4 20.3
122.9 19.5
118.6 18.9
206.6 38.4
241.8* 33.2
254.7*
40.6
Luteal Phase
123.9 24.0
126.2 23.8
121.7 25.5
178.3 31.5
217.6* 37.9
242.0*‡
42.7
Mean SD
Post-E.S
Mean
Means and standard deviations (SD) expressed in arbitrary unit (Flux). (*) significant P<0.05 Comparing to Pre electrical
stimulation(ES), (‡) significant P<0.05 comparing
to during MU
electrical
Research
1433stimulation.
Dr. Salameh Al
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SD
Make comparison easier.
Table 2. Skin temperatures of young and old groups at all locations. Only forehead temperature was significantly
different between the groups in the thermoneutral environment. In the warm environment, the skin temperatures
were significantly different between the two groups in all locations. Means and standard deviations (SD) are
expressed in degrees Centigrade.
Environment
Young Group
Old Group
Location
Mean SD
Neutral
Warm
Mean SD
P
Head
35.8 0.45
35.3 0.6
0.04*
Chest
34.5 1.88
34.8 1.9
0.72
Ipsilateral Thigh
33.7 0.98
33.4 1.0
0.40
Contralateral Thigh
33.7 0.87
33.5 0.8
0.61
Head
37.5 0.37
36.3 0.5
<0.01*
Chest
37.0 1.21
35.7 1.1
0.01*
Ipsilateral Thigh
36.8 0.60
35.5 0.9
<0.01*
Contralateral Thigh
36.5 0.93
35.5 1.1
0.03*
(*) significantly different using independent t-test.
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Figures
A picture is better that a hundred words.
 Make you data more understandable and
easier to read.
 Tables provides exact values while in figures
the reader needs to estimate values.
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Types of Figures
Choose the right kind of chart
HISTOGRAM & HISTOGRAPHS (frequency polygon)
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Histogram
is a graphical way of presenting a frequency distribution.
It is good to be used to represent interval or ratio variables.
Most computer programs that construct histograms will allow you to
select the number of intervals, as well as their width.
Histographs
A histograph, or frequency polygon, is a graph formed by joining the
midpoints of histogram column tops. These graphs are used only when
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
depicting data from the continuous
variables shown on a histogram.
Dajah
BAR GRAPH
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Bar graphs usually present categorical and
numeric variables grouped in class
intervals. Arrange data from smaller to
larger or vise versa.
the greater their length or height, the
greater their value
consist of an axis and a series or labeled
horizontal or vertical bars
ideal for years, minutes, hours
or1433
months
Research MU
Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
SCATTER PLOT
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In science, the scatter
plot is widely used to
present measurements of
two or more related
variables.
It is particularly useful
when the variables of the
y-axis are thought to be
dependent upon the
values of the variable of
the x-axis.
Positive or Negative
correlation.
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
PIE CHART
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A pie chart is a way of
summarizing a set of categorical
data or displaying the different
values of a given variable (e.g.,
percentage distribution).
This type of chart is a circle
divided into a series of segments.
Each segment represents a
particular category.
The area of each segment is the
same proportion of a circle as the
category is of the total data set.
Pie charts usually
Relationship to whole – big
picture (%).
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
LINE GRAPHS
Line graphs are more popular than all other
graphs and one of the most common tools
used to present data.
 A line graph is a visual comparison of how two
variables—shown on the x- and y-axes—are
related or vary with each other & changes
over time.
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Skin Blood Flow and Electrical Stimulation during Follicular and
Luteal Phases in Warm Environment (35oC)
Follicular Phase
ES
300
Luteal Phase
Flux (unit)
250
200
150
45
42.5
40
37.5
35
32.5
30
27.5
25
22.5
20
17.5
15
12.5
10
7.5
5
2.5
100
Time (min.)
Figure 2. The skin blood flow and electrical stimulation during the
follicular and luteal phases during global heating. Each point in the figure
represents the mean ± the standard error of the mean.
Note:
The number and the title of the figure come at the bottom of the
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
figure.
Dajah
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Be smart and try to
combine more then
one figure, for
better comparison
and saving space.
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Most of Journal
allow certain
number of figures
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
ORAL PRESENTATION
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
The oral presentation
Congratulations?
Dear Dr. Jones:
Congratulations!!! We are pleased to inform you that your abstract
entitled “Physiological effects of beer drinking in University of
California undergraduates” has been accepted for oral presentation at
Experimental Biology, to be held in San Diego, California.
Your paper is scheduled in the session “Health predictors for student
life” to be held in Room 11 of the Convention Center from 8.30 –
10.00 am on Monday, April 14, 2003. Please take note of the enclosed
guidelines for preparation of your PowerPoint presentation. Speakers
must provide their own laptops, and should report to the session
room at…………
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Why should I present my study?
Communicate your findings to colleagues
 Establish scientific priority
 Public relations
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Know other people who are interested in your
subjects research group.
Presentation skills may get you the job, the grant, or
the invitation to participate in another research or
conferances…
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Defining the scope of the task

Understand the background of your audience
Scope of session
 Who’ll be there? What will they know?
 who are the chairs of sessions?
 who are the other speakers are?
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Should your talk be coordinated with those of others?
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Structure of a ten-minute talk
Generic 15 min Conference Presentation
1.
Title Slide (1 slide)
Title, author, affiliation, acknowledgements
Background (1-3 slides)
1 - 2 minutes
per slide
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Aim of the study (1 slide)
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Rationale (1-2) Why this is interesting
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2.
3.
Methods (1-2 slide)
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4.
Results (2-4slides)
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5.
What you did
No more than 15
slides in total!
What did you find and what does it mean
Conclusions (1 slide)

One thing you want them to remember
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Content Organization
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An Introduction – “The
Hook” -- State the
relationship of your
research question to the
case and motivate your
audience to listen
Your Research Findings
(body) – “The Line” -- Give
the “Who, what, when and
why” of your main research
points
A Conclusion – “The
Sinker” -- Summarize your
research findings and
whether they do or do not
support the hypothesis your
research question
addressed
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Plan the Introduction – “The Hook” (1015%)
What are my question and my the hypothesis?
1.
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Why is the research question important to the hypothesis?
2.
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3.
Present your research question and the hypothesis it addressed
Motivate the audience– why is this important for you and for the
others to listen?
Sequence your research findings under the headings as
subheadings
Relate what you have found to what has already been
presented by other studies
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
“Hook”
your group
into
listening
Plan the Research Findings – Body -- “The
Line” (50-85%)
1.
Arrange material logically.
2.
Present the main points from your research
topic that relate to your research question.
3.
Illustrate your main points with visuals
support (charts such as growth curves,
pictures such as anatomical features, X-rays)
4.
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Plan A Conclusion & recommendation
“The Sinker” (10-25%)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Summarize the 3-5 points that relate your
research findings to the case
State if the 3-5 points do or do not support the
hypothesis
Specify the significance of your research findings
Do not introduce new material
State further hypotheses and questions arising
from your work
Ask for questions
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Creating the Presentation
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Make it BIG
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Keep it SIMPLE
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Present the main idea of each concept
Make it CLEAR
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If it looks too big on the computer, it’s
the perfect size
Choose an appropriate font, font size, and
color
Be CONSISTENT
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Use a logical sequence and one format
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Preparing Effective PowerPoint Slides
Rule 7 X 7
 Use no more than 7 lines of text per slide
 Use no more than 7 words per line of text
 Restrict the contents of tables and graphs
 Maintain uniformity in font style, font size, and
bullets
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Constructing Effective Visual Aids
Transparencies Slides Handouts
Title
36 pt
48 pt
24 pt
Subtitles
28 pt
36 pt
20 pt
Body
24 pt
28 pt
16-18
pt
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Preparing Effective PowerPoint Slides
Never use confusing abbreviations
 The use of periods at the end of the bullets is
not necessary
 Artistry and sounds do not substitute for
content, and they can distract your audience
 Select complimentary colors; avoid color clashes
 Use fonts like “Sans Serif” or “Times New
Roman”
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Preparation for the Presentation
overcome ANXIETY
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Prepare your visuals in advance
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Project before the meeting
Don’t apologize for slides
Rehearse
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•
Take care with colors, font size, overcrowding
Practice and practice (avoid the use of papers or note cards)
Present to a variety of audiences if possible
Arrive at the session room at least 15 minutes prior to the start of
the session
Preview the room, and select the layout that is best for your
presentation
Know how to use the technical equipment
Make back-up copies
 CD/flash memory/laptop
 Give a labeled copy of your presentation to your mentor or a trustworthy
colleague
 Never check your presentation with your luggage!
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
THE ROLE OF REHEARSAL
“It takes three weeks to prepare a
good ad lib speech”
Mark Twain
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
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Tips
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Never read from a prepared text or recite a
memorized one or keep reading the slides
Make short words/sentences/paragraphs
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Establish and maintain eye contact
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Avoid jargon and abbreviations
Place a friend in a strategic location
Don’t hesitate to show
expression/enthusiasm/personality!
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
HOW TO CONDUCT YOURSELF
DURING YOUR PRESENTATION
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Start Your Presentation With
A SMILE
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
How to Conduct Yourself During Your
Presentation
Dress neatly and professionally
 Stand up, or sit straight
 Feet apart
 Keep hands in front of you/Hands on podium
 Pointer off between points!
 Maintain eye contact with the audience on all
sides of the room
 Use a conversational tone
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Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Use Your Voice Effectively
•
Speak loud enough to be heard, and be
confident
•
Don’t speak in a monotone
•
Alternate the rate of your voice
•
Slow down when emphasizing important points
•
Pauses can also be used to add emphasis
•
Drink water to prevent voice problems
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Top Mistakes Made by Presenters
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No preparation
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No eye contact
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No presentation
objectives
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Lack of facial expression
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Stays in one place
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Lack good visuals
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Ineffective closing
No audience
involvement
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Lack of enthusiasm
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Things to Avoid
1.
Corporal Movement
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2.
Swinging and moving
excessively
Playing with hair
Chewing gum
Clicking the top of a pen
Playing with jewelry
Leaning against
something for support
Arrogance
3.
Speaking
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4.
Too fast
Too slow
Too low
Fillers (repetitive
sounds and phrases)
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“ah”
“um”
“and”
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah
Handling questions

You are the expert
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Prepare among friends
Insist that they challenge you
Use the chair person
Do not interrupt question
Limit your answer
Rephrase the question if necessary to make sure that you
understand the question
Repeat the question so that every body can hear it
It’s OK to say you don’t know, or haven’t done the
experiment yet
Research MU 1433 Dr. Salameh Al
Dajah