Written Report

On this page
  1. Writing a Research Paper for a Science Investigation
  2. Technical Points of a Research Paper
  3. The Physical Arrangement of the Written Report of the Experimental Investigation
  4. The Physical Arrangement of the Written Report of the Design Investigation

Writing a Research Paper for a Science Investigation

Scientists, regardless of their level of achievement, are only as effective as their ability to communicate to others, in spoken or written word, the results of their endeavors. A scientific paper is, very simply, a clearly written, concise report of an experimental research project. Three copies of the paper are required for Poster Session and two copies of the paper are required for Paper Session.

References and embedded citations follow APA format; however, charts, graphs, tables, etc. do not have to follow APA format.

Technical Points of a Research Paper

In preparing the paper, the author should be concerned with the following mechanics:

  • The paper must be typed, doubled spaced and have at least one-inch margins on standard 8 ½” X 11” paper.
  • Printed pages may be double-sided.
  • The font and type size must be appropriate for a scientific paper: for example, 12 pt. Times New Roman.
  • Correct grammar and spelling are evident.
  • The paper must be neat and legible.
  • The primary scientist’s last name is in the upper right-hand corner of each page after the Table of Contents.
  • Graphs should be suitably titled and have all axes correctly labeled. Do not forget to include the correct units of measurement for any numbers.
  • Photographs should be of good quality and contrast and should have captions typed with them.

The Physical Arrangement of the Written Report of the Experimental Investigation

The following section establishes the basic written report requirements. Familiarity with the basic techniques and requirements will help students read and understand scientific publications, give a view of how scientists think, and help students write their own scientific paper that describe and explain results of the research investigation. Keep in mind, students must think before writing, then rethink, revise, rewrite, and reread again and again. Make it clear and concise.

The paper must include (in this order):

  1. Abstract - Use the IJAS Abstract form, https://ijas.org/rules
    • The abstract is a concise summary of the work and the first sheet of the research paper, it will help the reader form an opinion of the work. Students will find writing and rewriting will help produce a good short summary of the project in the required form.
    • The physical form of the abstract is as follows: typed single-spaced, limited to 250 words or fewer, and limited to three paragraphs - purpose, procedure, conclusion.
  2. Title Page - The title should be concise and clear. A scientific title includes the independent and dependent variable.
  3. Table of Contents - Include subsection name and page numbers.
  4. Acknowledgements – Give credit to those who have given guidance, materials, and/or use of facilities.
  5. Purpose and Hypothesis – State precisely the question that is being investigated. Include the hypothesis or the expected outcome of the testable question. Use If/Then/Because format when feasible.
  6. Background Research – Report the background information and/or work done in the past that pertains to the investigation. These references should be properly documented and listed on the Reference List. Traditional footnotes are not to be used for citing references.
  7. Materials and Methods – A simple step-by-step account of what was done and must be clear and detailed enough so that the reader can duplicate the work. The apparatus and materials used should be listed. Explain the workings of any apparatus constructed or used. Drawings, diagrams that are clearly labeled, and photographs are appropriate if they enhance and clarify students’ explanations, but do not use them as filler.

  8. Results and Discussion –

    Data

    • Data are to be organized in tables and/or figures with graphic presentations that are easily read by someone not familiar with the work. All data should be listed, when possible. Summary data should follow the raw data.
    • Choosing the appropriate type of graph is important. Graphs should be presented so that someone not familiar with the work easily reads them. Axes should be labeled with titles and correct units of measurement in metric when appropriate.
    • If quantitative data are not involved, a day-by-day log may be used in place of tables and charts. In either case, care should be taken to ensure accuracy and clarity.

    Data Analysis and Discussion

    • The results section should also include a description and explanation of figures and tables.
    • Discussion should include an evaluation and interpretation of the data and/or results of investigation, and comparison of the experimental data to what others have found.

    Error Analysis

    • Finally, experimental and/or measurement errors potentially affecting the conclusion have been considered and are discussed. Ways in which error was/could have been avoided may also be addressed.
  9. Conclusion – This should be a concise evaluation and interpretation of the data and/or results. The conclusion should be limited to the results of the investigation and should refer back to the stated purpose and hypothesis. Internal citations from references used in the Background Research are encouraged.
  10. Reference List - This is a list of published articles, books, and other communications actually cited in the paper. Sources should be current. The reference list section is arranged alphabetically according to the author/editor’s last name when it is known or the first significant word in the title if the author/editor is not known. The correct style to use for citing references in the reference list section is discussed in detail in the APA, 7th Edition.

The Physical Arrangement of the Written Report of the Design Investigation

The following section establishes the basic written report requirements. Familiarity with the basic techniques and requirements will help students read and understand scientific publications, give an inside view of how scientists and engineers think, and help students write their own scientific paper that describes the results of their research investigation. The main point to keep in mind is to think before writing, then rethink, revise, rewrite, and reread again and again. The objective is to make the writing clear and concise.

The paper must include (in this order):

  1. Abstract - Use the IJAS Abstract form, https://ijas.org/rules
    • The abstract is a concise summary of students’ work and the first sheet of the research paper, it will help readers form an opinion of the work. Students will find writing and rewriting will help produce a good, short summary of the project in the required form.
    • The physical form of the abstract is as follows: typed single-spaced, limited to 250 words or fewer, and limited to three paragraphs - Purpose, Procedure, Conclusion.
  2. Title Page - The title should be concise and clear. A scientific title includes the independent and dependent variable if feasible..
  3. Table of Contents - Include subsection name and page numbers.
  4. Acknowledgements – Give credit to those who have given guidance, materials, and/or use of facilities.
  5. Problem or Need – Precisely state the question being investigated. Include a discussion of the problem or the need and the expected outcome of the testable question.
  6. Background Research – Report the background information and/or work done in the past that pertains to the investigation. These references should be properly documented and listed on the Reference List. Traditional footnotes are not to be used for citing references.
  7. Design Plan – This should be a simple step-by-step account of what was done. The design plan includes the criteria with a rubric by which the prototype and redesign will be evaluated. A flowchart is also included. The explanation of what was done must be clear and detailed enough so that the reader could duplicate the work. The apparatus and materials used are listed and described. Explain the workings of any apparatus that was constructed or used. Drawings and diagrams that are clearly labeled, and photographs are appropriate if they enhance and clarify the explanation.
  8. Results and Discussion
    • Constructing and Testing the Design Prototype – A description of the prototype/computer program/mathematical algorithm is included. The prototype has been tested and the results have been discussed. After the initial testing, design modifications are made and the redesigned product is tested and evaluated again. This may involve targeted users and/or analysis of data sets. (This may or may not include traditional data such as tables and graphs).
    • Results of Testing and Redesign - Testing results have considered the parts and subsystems that required redesign in order to meet the performance criteria. The redesign shows the changes in parts and subsystems.
    • Redesign and Retest - This portion of the design process gives evidence that changes in design were made to better meet the performance criteria established at the beginning of the project. Test results may be included in tables, if applicable. Data analysis/validation may be present.
  9. Conclusion – This should be a concise evaluation and interpretation of the data and/or results. The conclusion should be limited to the results of the investigation (including background research) and should refer to the stated problem or need.
  10. Reference List - This is a list of published articles, books, and other communications actually cited in the paper. Sources should be current. All sources cited in the report are to be included. Other sources studied but not used in the report should not be included. The reference list section is arranged alphabetically according to the author/editor’s last name when it is known or the first significant word in the title if the author/editor is not known. The correct style to use for citing references in the reference list section is discussed in detail in the APA, 7th Edition.