Jennifer Sadowski & Kaati Schreier

May 30, 2012

Read lots of journal articleso Multiple readingso Read the entire articleo Never cite an article just from an abstract

Before starting, create an outline of what to include in each section

Order to write your papero Proposal or entire paper?

• Methods, Objectives (Introduction), Relevance(Introduction)• Introduction (Literature review)• Results• Discussion• Abstract

Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Titleo Includes overview of topic, refers to objectives of study,

species name Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Title Abstract

o Write lasto Length depends on discipline and contexto 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).

Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Title Abstract Introduction

o Thorough review of literature (including recent work)o Make general statements, then back up with referenceso Funnel structureo Include relevance of study

Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Funnel structure: Starts broad and goes narrow, ends with the exact purpose of the papero 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

Title Abstract Introduction Methods

o Enough detail to be replicated by otherso May include references to other protocols o Include: Animal care, IRB, locations and dates, statistical

analyses used, etc. Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results

o Start with an overview of results (2-3 sentences)o Simply state results – do not discuss relevance or implicationso Refer to figures, tables in reporting of resultso Consider most concise way to report results (figure, table, or

text)o Follow discipline or journal directions for reporting statistics

and creating figureso Figures: label axes, figure captions (no title needed),

appropriate colors Discussion Acknowledgements References

Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion

o Inverted funnel structure, revisit your main objectives o Interpret your results, do not re-state statisticso Compare your findings to other published studies (very

important)o Explain experimental error and possible future studieso End with summary of overall relevance of project to field

Acknowledgements References

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

References

Title Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References

o Follow discipline or journal guidelineso Be consistent throughout papero Check that all are included in paper and in reference list

Identify possible appropriate journalso Discuss with research mentoro Discuss authorship before starting (order and who to

include) Write paper to follow specific journal guidelines

o Need to have complete and current literature reviewo Have others review and comment on your manuscript

drafto All authors must confirm draft before submittingo You may be asked to suggest reviewers

Submit to journal for considerationo 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 feedbacko Get feedback from reviewers (this may take months)o Can only submit one place at a time

Possible feedback:o Accept with minor revisionso Accept with major revisionso Reject, but may consider significantly revised editiono Reject o 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

Advice: Develop a thick skin and keep trying!

Progress reports due to Kirsten Gabriel by 5pm Friday June 8 (via email)o Two pages long, double spaced, 12pt font, 1 inch marginso Use lay terminology so those outside discipline can understand

report. 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 summero Any problems or unexpected issueso How the project is going in general

Suggestions:o Revisit your research proposalo Refine your proposed objectives and/or methodso 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.