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Writing a Scientific Paper - Coggle Diagram
Writing a Scientific Paper
Sources
Primary: Original, peer-reviewed, shows new data/results for first time.
Databases: Google Scholar, HighWire, MEDLINE, PubMed,Web of Science, etc.
Secondary: Discusses information from primary sources.
Tertiary: Compiled information from secondary source information, sometimes from several.
Primary resources are going to be the strongest foundation for writing a scientific paper. They are reliable, reviewed, and provide information widely accepted by the scientific community.
Choosing a Source
When searching for a scientific source, use broad terms relating to your topics that provide a broad selection of sources which can then be filtered through. Using specific words may cause valuable sources to not be shown due to missing search words.
Although many sources will be provided, understand the significance of each one, and the points it is able to provide in your research paper, whether it is used alongside your results or critiqued. Several citations from that piece are a clear indication of its relevance.
If using a web page as a reference, be sure to evaluate the website thoroughly. Avoiding websites republishing secondary information. Also, beware of biased websites with ads, or ones that are marketing a specific product(s).
Term vs. Review Paper
Review papers are secondary sources that provide overview of current knowledge, principles, and theories.
simplified review paper tasked to a grad or undergrad student as a grade to locate information on a given topic to support, compare, or contrast a point.
Formatting
Title: Short and clear titles are much more memorable to the reader. 30-50 characters. At the same time, should give a basic overview of what the paper will be about.
Abstract: Not always required, but provide a good background overview, will provide the tested problem, and the topic of the research.
Introduction: Will contain the topic statement (similar to the hypothesis), which is the big picture of the research paper. Referring to existing research is done in this introduction. The length of the introduction should never be more than one-fifth of the article.
Analysis: Chronologically, thematically, or methodically assort your findings to explain similarities, differences, or gaps in your evidence. New data should not be provided here.
Conclusion: Closing summary of your findings. Restated topic sentence is followed by these findings and discussed to tie the two together.
References: CSE cited references which were cited in text. Limit to significant sources.
Select a topic which is of interest to the scientific community, and one that has the potential for growth in knowledge.