Structurein Scientific Writing

AEE 804Spring 2003Reese & Woods

Structure: the Strategy of Style

If a man can group his ideas,

then he is a writer.- Robert Louis Stevenson

beginning(titles)

ending

middle(transitions)

The organization of a scientific document can be viewed as abeginning, middle, and ending

Beginning

Ending

Middle

TitleSummaryIntroduction

Middle Sections

ConclusionsBack Matter

Beginnings prepare readers for understanding the work

Introduction - prepares readersfor the middle

Title - orients readers todocument

Summary - tells readers whathappens in document

A strong title orients readers to your area of work

The Use ofLearning Styles in

Academic Performanceand Retention

The Use of Learning Stylesand Admission Criteria in

Predicting AcademicPerformance and

Retention ofCollege Freshmen

A strong title also separates your work from everyone else's work

Assessing AquacultureCurricula in the

Northeastern Region

AssessingAquacultureCurricula in

Michigan High Schools

A document's introduction prepares readers for the discussion

Topic?Importance?

Introduction

Arrangement?Background?

The introduction defines the scopeand limitations of the work

Undergraduate AgricultureStudent Learning Styles

and Critical Thinking Abilities:Is There A Relationship?

Population:•College of Agriculture•First year•2 year study•Men surveyed

Other effects,such as degree,not considered

Academic gradesnot consideredWomen may not

experience thesame effects

scope

limitations

A strong introduction tells readers why the research is important

importance

See examples – Matchett and Williams

In the middle of a report, you present your work

Choose a logicalstrategy

Make sectionsand subsections

HeadingSubheadingSubheading

HeadingSubheadingSubheadingSubheading

Heading

Flow

Common strategies exist for the middles of scientific reports

Chronological

Common strategies exist for the middles of scientific reports

Parallel Parts

Corel Corporation

Spatial

When you divide a section into subsections, all the pieces should be of the same pie

Assessment of Learning Styles

• Assessment of critical thinking

• Assessment of problem solving

• Assessment of engagement

In a strong ending, you analyze results and give a future perspective

Analyze results from overall perspective

Conclusions

Analysis of Results

Several options:Make recommendationsDiscuss future workRepeat limitations

Future Perspective