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Jennifer Sadowski & Kaati Schreier
May 30, 2012
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Read lots of journal articles
o Multiple readings
o Read the entire article
o Never cite an article just from an abstract
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Before starting, create an outline of what to include in each
section
Order to write your paper
o Proposal or entire paper?
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Methods, Objectives (Introduction), Relevance(Introduction)
Introduction (Literature review)
Results
Discussion
Abstract
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Title
o Includes overview of topic, refers to objectives of study, species
name
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Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Title
Abstract
o Write last
o Length depends on discipline and context
o Include brief introduction to topic (few or zero references), relevance of
study, brief methods, brief results (no statistics included) and
discussion and ending summary statement. (Approximately 2-3
sentences for each).
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Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
o Thorough review of literature (including recent work)
o Make general statements, then back up with references
o Funnel structure
o Include relevance of study
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Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Funnel structure: Starts broad and goes narrow, ends with the exact
purpose of the paper
o Paragraph 1: Animals compete for resources . . .(references)
o Paragraph 2: Home ranges or territories can be aggressively fought
over . . .(more references)
o Paragraph 3: White faced capuchin monkeys will aggressively fight
with invaders in their territory . . .(more references)
o Paragraph 4: Objectives (Study how alpha male aggressive
reactions influence the rest of the brood) and/or hypotheses
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
o Enough detail to be replicated by others
o May include references to other protocols
o Include: Animal care, IRB, locations and dates, statistical analyses
used, etc.
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Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Start with an overview of results (2-3 sentences)
Simply state results – do not discuss relevance or implications
Refer to figures, tables in reporting of results
Consider most concise way to report results (figure, table, or text)
Follow discipline or journal directions for reporting statistics and
creating figures
o Figures: label axes, figure captions (no title needed), appropriate colors
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Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
o Inverted funnel structure, revisit your main objectives
o Interpret your results, do not re-state statistics
o Compare your findings to other published studies (very important)
o Explain experimental error and possible future studies
o End with summary of overall relevance of project to field
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Acknowledgements
References
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
o Include funding sources (summer fellowships, grants, etc)
o Include research mentors, individuals who helped with study or
reviewed paper
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References
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Title
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Acknowledgements
References
o Follow discipline or journal guidelines
o Be consistent throughout paper
o Check that all are included in paper and in reference list
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Identify possible appropriate journals
o Discuss with research mentor
o Discuss authorship before starting (order and who to include)
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Write paper to follow specific journal guidelines
o Need to have complete and current literature review
o Have others review and comment on your manuscript draft
o All authors must confirm draft before submitting
o You may be asked to suggest reviewers
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Submit to journal for consideration
o Editor will determine first whether draft will be reviewed or not (this may
take days-months)
o If yes, then sent out to reviewers for their feedback
o Get feedback from reviewers (this may take months)
o Can only submit one place at a time
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Possible feedback:
Accept with minor revisions
Accept with major revisions
Reject, but may consider significantly revised edition
Reject
Make changes, explain changes (if they can’t be made), send back to
editor (only a few weeks allowed)
o May go back out to reviewers again
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Advice: Develop a thick skin and keep trying!
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Progress reports due to Kirsten Gabriel by 5pm Friday June 8 (via
email)
o Two pages long, double spaced, 12pt font, 1 inch margins
o Use lay terminology so those outside discipline can understand report.
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Work with your faculty mentor to create report including:
o Research methods, results and discussion of work completed so far.
o Remaining work and outline of plan for remainder of summer
o Any problems or unexpected issues
o How the project is going in general
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Suggestions:
o Revisit your research proposal
o Refine your proposed objectives and/or methods
o Write your methods out in detail, in proper format, so you don’t forget what you
did this summer!
o Have a clear, detailed outline, with specific goals, for each week remaining in
the summer.