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Writing in the Biological Sciences - Chapter 12 - Coggle Diagram
Writing in the Biological Sciences - Chapter 12
12.1 Purpose of Reviews
I. Distinguish between review articles and term papers
II. Term Paper
a. Purpose - A students report on a specific topic that incorporates the individuals stand on the topic. Serves as assignment for a grade.
b. Audience - instructor.
c. Source Material - Mixed literature (primary, secondary, tertiary)
d. Author – Undergraduate/Graduate student
III. Review Article
a. Purpose - Peer-reviewed scholarly published article. Serves as secondary resource for others. Provides scientists with up-to-date information on a topic. Gives a critical evaluation of the original research findings of others.
b. Audience - Readers of academic journal
c. Source Material - Mainly primary literature; some secondary sources
d. Author - Professional scientist, sometimes in conjunction with postdoctoral fellow(s) and student(s).
12.2 Deciding on the Topic
I. Select a topic of appeal and importance
a. Choose a specific topic, and then read multiple source material for the given topic.
b. Look for “recent/hot” articles for new and interesting topics that might appeal to you.
c. Alternative is to research the topic starting at general sources and work your way to specific sources.
II. Look at tertiary sources first to get an idea, secondary to work on an outline, and primary to fill in the outline
12.3 Format
I. For review papers and term papers, follow the overall structure:
a. Title
b. Abstract—not always required
c. Introduction
d. Main Analysis section
e. Conclusion and/or recommendations
f. Acknowledgments (only for articles for publications)
g. References
II. Create an outline and subsections based on gathered information
III. Write iteratively:
a. As you are filling in your outline, reread the source articles to ensure that you have not missed anything. Identify additional papers if needed, and re-sort your material again if necessary.
12.4 Title
I. Make title short but informative
a. Ideally, keep your title to within 30 to 50 characters.
b. Should contain key-words, ideas about topic
12.5 Abstract
I. Should contain the following information: Background, Problem statement, Topic of review, Overview of content, Critique/Opinion on presented information, Suggestion for future implications.
12.6 Introduction
I. Should contain the following information: Background, Unknown or problem, Topic of review, Overview of content.
II. Phrase topic statement carefully
a. Should set tone for rest of paper, and give direction on where paper is headed.
12.7 Main Analysis Section
I. Logically organize information within the Main Analysis subsections (similarities, contrasts, gaps in knowledge, etc.)
II. Organize the Main Analysis section logically into subsections: Chronologically, Thematically, Methodologically
III. Consider including other subsections as needed.
12.8 Conclusion
I. Summarize Topic
a. Provide conclusive idea of topic to tie things together
II. Generalize Interpretations
a. Summarize and generalize main arguments and key findings in the article
III. Provide Significance
a. Provide explanation and example of significance of findings, and questions that still surround the topic.
12.9 References
I. Cite all information accessed to write the paper.
II. Use intext citations to cite primary and secondary sources as needed.