SCIENTIFIC PAPERS ARE WRITTEN TO :
·report results, usually experimental
·relate these results to previous knowledge in the field
·facilitate communications among scientists
SCIENTIFIC PAPERS ARE READ TO :
·keep readers current with the latest research in field
(Articles are published more quickly so are more up-to-date than books)
·model how a similar study might be done
·improve readers’ scientific writing skills
(Lab papers are usually organized the same way as scientific journal articles.
The more scientific writing is read, the better the reader’s own scientific writing skills become.)
·enable critical thinking
(Raw data accompanies conclusions, so readers can decide for themselves.)
·find more useful resources for further research
(The reference list can be used to find related books and articles.)
·develop a skill expected by employers in scientific & technical careers
This six-page PDF steps the reader through the common parts of any scientific study with follow-up questions to guide understanding.