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Chapter 12 - Coggle Diagram
Chapter 12
Materials and methods
Components- be precise and include the control always. Methods and materials should include the materials, subjects, design, and procedure.
No results, instead describe how you received the results. Do not mix results in unless necessary to provide information.
Literature references are good to provide a brief overview of the original paper. If the methods are described in a standard journal, always provide a reference.
Include details so others can repeat work. This includes temperature, total volume, quantities, times, and full taxonomic names. Leave out unnecessary details. everything extra can be stated in the introduction. A description of the instruments is good enough, not needed the actual manufacture unless specifies.
Technical specifications such as lot numbers, machinery names, statistical information or additional explanations should be provided in parenthesis.
Place lengthy procedures in appendix, do not place length details in body paragraphs. This includes procedures, calculations, plots, lengthy tables, and large data sheets.
Format
When explaining methods it is good to be organised and comprise a logical order of events. Separate paragraphs with similar information on each. Use a list and chronological order it from the most important to least important. Use subheading for clarity of presentation.
Use topic sentences and transitions to signal and link different topics. Topic sentences signal new topics and transitions show a link between old and new topics.
Explain when the function is not clear. Explain why the procedure was preformed and the link between the procedure and the topic question. State a clear purpose and make sure any background information that is necessary is provided.
Writing guidelines.
For methods and materials, a passive voice is more appropriate because it emphasizes the methods and your topic. Write from only one point of view, it is okay to switch between passive and active to the reader is still interested but do not switch for no reason.
Distinguish between past and present. When reporting an action, use past tense. When statements are general and the information is still active, use present tense.
Chose careful words, be exact and specific when describing, no jargon and no redundancies. Use precise English.
Ethical conduct
Guidelines- check the requirements for your own country before reporting anything. When reporting human and animal research you are required to submit a manuscript or a written approval of the research. Make sure to indicate that the procedures were ethical for human experiments and if the patient data is exposed, it is required consent even if anonymous.
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Hofmann AH. 2020. Scientific writing and communication : papers, proposals, and presentations. New York: Oxford University Press.