Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences, 7th Edition
- Length: 288 pages
- Edition: 7
- Language: English
- Publisher: Bedford/st Martins
- Publication Date: 2020-09-30
- ISBN-10: 1319268463
- ISBN-13: 9781319268466
- Sales Rank: #680069 (See Top 100 Books)
Writing in the Biological Sciences is a handy reference that new to advanced students can readily use on their own. A variety of student models prepare you for the most common writing assignments in undergraduate biology courses.
About this Book Cover Page Inside Front Cover Half Title Page Title Page Copyright Page Preface Acknowledgments Contents About the Author Introduction: How and Why Biologists Write: An Introduction to Biological Literature Research Papers Review Papers Conference Presentations Research Proposals Other Types of Scientific Writing Chapter 1: Locating and Using Biological Literature Searching the Literature Understand the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Sources. Start by Consulting General References. Learn to Use Scientific Databases. Plan Your Search Vocabulary Carefully. Sample Database Search Use the References Section of Relevant Papers to Find Additional Primary Sources. Using the Internet Investigate Information Resources on the Internet. Evaluate Web Sources Carefully. Keep Careful Records. Reading Scientific Papers Acquire Some Background Knowledge. Read the Abstract First. Understand the Basic Aims of the Study. Don’t Get Bogged Down in the Materials and Methods. Read the Results Carefully, Focusing on the Main Points. Understand the Author’s Argument. Plan on Rereading Important Papers, Possibly Several Times. Avoiding Plagiarism and Taking Notes Understand the Hazards of Sloppy Note Taking. Avoid Plagiarism: Take Notes in Your Own Words. Use an Orderly System. Be Selective. Record Full and Accurate Information About Your Sources. Working Efficiently and Collaboratively Create a Zotero.org Online Account. Create a New Group and Invite Members. Download the Zotero Desktop Software and Browser Connector. Tech Talk: When Using Zotero, Avoid Adding References by Hand. Keeping Up With the Literature Additional Sources Chapter 2: Handling Data and Using Statistics Getting Started Start Your Research with Questions Leading to a Specific Prediction or Hypothesis. Understand How Your Specific Study Fits Into a Broader Context. Identify the Key Variables So that you Can Plan Your Method of Data Analysis. Decide Which Variables you Will Hold Constant or Control for, Either Experimentally or Statistically. Where Appropriate, Randomize Your Method of Data Collection. Recording and Organizing Your Findings Devise Effective Data Sheets. Tech Talk: Follow the “Rule of 3” When Backing up Your Digital Files. Using Statistics to Analyze Your Data Make Appropriate Use of Descriptive Statistics. When Using Statistical Tests, Understand the Role of a Null Hypothesis. Make Sure Your Data Meet the Assumptions of the Statistical Tests You Use. Checklist for Identifying Variables Additional Sources Chapter 3: Using Tables and Figures Tables Use a Table to Present Numeric Values or (Occasionally) to Summarize Verbal Material. Number Tables Consecutively, and Make Them Understandable on Their Own. Use a Logical Format. Make the Contents Concise. Check Tables for Internal Consistency and Agreement With the Rest of the Paper. Figures Use a Drawing or Photograph as Necessary to Supplement the Text of Your Paper. Use a Graph to Illustrate an Important Pattern, Trend, or Relationship. Number Graphs Consecutively, Separately from Tables, and Make Them Understandable on Their Own. Plot Data Accurately, Clearly, and Economically. Tech Talk: Customize Excel Graphs for Best Results. Depict Data Logically, in a Manner Consistent With Your Overall Hypothesis. Checklist for Tables and Figures Additional Sources Chapter 4: Writing Lab Reports and Research Paper Title Make the Title Informative and Specific. Be Concise. Include Appropriate Taxonomic Information. Avoid Specialized Terminology, Coined Words, and Most Abbreviations. Abstract Summarize the major points of the paper. Be specific and concise. Make sure the Abstract can stand on its own and still make sense to the reader. Introduction Orient the Reader by Summarizing Pertinent Literature in Your Field. Explain the Rationale for the Study and Your Purpose. Materials and Methods Include Enough Information So That Your Study Can be Repeated. Organize Your Material Logically. Tech Talk: Illustrating Your Study Site or Lab Equipment Setup. Use Specific, Informative Language. Understand the Difference Between Active and Passive Voice. Omit Unnecessary Information. Results Summarize and Illustrate Your Findings. Do Not Interpret the Data or Draw Major Conclusions. Integrate Quantitative Data With the Text. Omit Peripheral Information and Unnecessary Details. Discussion Interpret Your Results, Supporting Your Conclusions with Evidence. Use a Coherent, Logical Organization. Recognize the Importance of “Negative” Results. Make Your Prose Convey Confidence and Authority. Acknowledgments References Checklist for Lab Reports and Research Papers Additional Sources Sample Laboratory Report (Botany) Sample Laboratory Report (Microbiology) Sample Student Research Paper (Plant Physiology) Sample Student Research Paper (Animal Ecology) Chapter 5: Writing a Review Paper Choosing a Topic Deciding on a Title Working with the Literature Presenting Your Material Sketch Out a Rough Plan, or Make an Outline. Include an Abstract, if appropriate. Introduce the Subject; Explain Your Rationale; and State Your Central Question, Objectives, or Thesis. Build a Focused Discussion. Document Your Paper Thoroughly. Tech Talk: Track Your Literature Review Process. Use Quoted Material Sparingly. End with General Conclusions. List all Cited Sources in a References Section. Checklist for Review Papers Sample Review Paper (Human Physiology) Chapter 6: Documenting the Paper Citing Sources in the Text Acknowledge the Source of All Material that is Not Your Own. Cite Sources Using a Conventional Format Accepted by Biologists. CSE Style. Put Citations Where They Make the Most Sense. Do Not Cite Sources for Information Regarded as Common Knowledge in a Particular Field. Use Citations Carefully. Avoid Unnecessary Repetition of Citations When the Context is Clear. Preparing the References Section Understand the Purpose of a References Section. Report Sources Completely and Accurately. Consult the Formatting Guidelines Used for Your Citations When Listing Your Sources. CSE Style. Arrange References Either Alphabetically or Numerically, Depending on Your Documentation System. APA Style. Proofread Your Reference List for Accuracy, Completeness, and Consistency. Tech Talk: Using Bibliographic Management Software Like Zotero, Endnote, or Refworks. Chapter 7: Drafting and Revising The First Draft Devise a Working Title. Make an Outline or a Rough Plan. Start the Easiest Writing First. Remember Your Audience. Talk to Others. Tech Talk: Consult the Writing Center at Your College or University. Practical Suggestions for Revising Break Down the Task Into Several Successive Steps. Find Specific Strategies that Work for You. Tech Talk: Know the limits of spell-checking software. Solicit Comments from Others. Checking Content and Structure Improve Logic, Continuity, and Balance. Omit Unnecessary Material. Check for Completeness and Consistency. Improving Paragraphs Present Coherent Units of Thought. Make Paragraphs Work as Integrated Parts of the Text. Vary Your Sentences. Writing Clear, Accurate Sentences Use Words that Say Precisely What You Mean. Avoid Slang. Revise Misplaced Modifiers. Avoid Vague Use of This, That, It, and Which. Make Comparisons Complete. Make Each Verb Agree with Its Subject. Put Related Elements in Parallel Form. Write in a Direct, Straightforward Manner; Avoid Jargon. Avoiding Wordiness Omit Unneeded Words; Shorten Wordy Phrases. Avoid Repetition. Use the Passive Voice Sparingly. Verb Tense Punctuation Chapter 8: Preparing the Final Draft Mechanics and Technicalities Use the Scientific Names of Organisms. Record Time According to a 24-hour System. Use Symbols and Abbreviations Commonly Used in Biology. Tech Talk: Place a Copy of Your Final Draft in an Institutional Repository. Manuscript Format Writing an Acknowledgments Section Proofreading Chapter 9: Using Writing to Prepare for Examinations Getting the Most Out of Textbooks Use Highlighting Sparingly. Annotate Your Textbooks. Read Chapter Summaries, and Respond to Review Questions. Taking Good Lecture Notes Be Selective. Revise Your Notes as soon as Possible. Tech Talk: Place a Copy of Your Final Draft in an Institutional Repository. Keep up with Assigned Readings. Preparing for Laboratory Exams Studying for Short-Answer Questions Create Your Own Expanded “Textbook.”. Compile a List of Key Terms. Devise Your Own Questions. Do not Become Lost in Details: Focus on Central Issues. Find a Study Partner or Create a Study Group. Answering Essay Questions Read Through the Entire Test Before you Start. Address the Question Asked. Stick to the Point. Observe Length Restrictions on Answers. Plan Before you Start to Write. Develop a Clear Thesis. Support General Statements With Specific Evidence or Examples. Include Illustrations, if Appropriate. Sample Answer to an Essay Question. Additional Sources Chapter 10: Other Forms of Biological Writing Oral Presentations Consider Your Audience. Use an Appropriate Method of Organization. Write Out the Entire Talk Beforehand. Never Deliver a Prepared Talk Word for Word. Observe Your Time Limit. Do not Speak Too Rapidly. Do not Overwhelm Listeners with Details; Avoid Jargon. Establish Eye Contact with the Audience. Use Visual Aids. Tech Talk: Prepare for Spotty Internet. Rehearse Your Presentation in Advance. Be Prepared for Questions. Check Out the Facilities and Equipment in Advance. Checklist for Oral Presentations Sample PowerPoint Presentation Poster Presentations Follow Guidelines Closely. Remember Your Audience. Use a Simple and Logical Organization. Choose an Effective Layout. Keep Text to a Minimum; Eliminate All Extraneous Material. Make Contents Readable from a Distance. Minimize Distracting Elements, and be Consistent in Your Presentation. Solicit Feedback on a Rough Draft. Prepare for Informal Discussion and Questions. Checklist for Poster Presentations Sample Poster Presentation Research Proposals Create a Specific and Informative Title. Start with an Overview of the General Scientific Issue. State the Aims of Your Study, and Provide a Clear Rationale. Summarize Your Methods. Provide a Budget, if Necessary. Follow Application Instructions Carefully, and Submit Your Proposal on Time. Sample Research Proposal Letters of Application Use a Standard Business Letter Format. Be Straightforward and Concise. Use Specific Language and Details. Sample Letter of Application Résumé Use a Professional-Looking and Inviting Format. Tech Talk: Create a Plain Text Résumé. Use Keywords and Action Verbs. Modify Your Résumé to Fit Each Application. Be Concise and Selective. Update Your Résumé Frequently. Edit and Proofread Meticulously. Supply References. Sample Résumé Sample Curriculum Vitae Additional Sources Works Cited in Text Examples Index Symbols and Abbreviations Used in Biology Inside Back Cover Back Cover
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