The Art of Scientific Writing
We have heard or read the word “Publish or perish” as they relate to promotion and tenure for individuals in academia. Unfortunately, scientific writing and “research” may not have been part of every faculty’s formal training. Consequently, we have to develop our
research knowledge and refine our writing skills. Sometimes we may collaborate with a more experienced faculty member or take a writing course.
It is in essence to plan for your scientific publication from inception of the project or study to manuscript preparation and, ultimately, acceptance by a journal.
Here are some guidelines you need to consider during writing a Paper
I. Choosing a title
short, concise, easy to understand and gives accurate idea as to methodology and content.
II. Abstract
The gateway to your paper - be sure that it is well written.
1. State your objectives clearly and concisely.
2. Demonstrate that your findings are important and study was carefully done.
3. Avoid having the same sentences in your abstract and in the body of the paper.
4. Keep it short but do not exclude key information – briefly state your findings.
III. Introduction
1. Go right to the essence of the problem or premise of the article in order to focus the reader’s attention.
2. Provide adequate background information; use the literature to enhance your introduction.
3. Define terms used in the title, as needed.
4. Describe the purpose of your paper clearly and concisely.
IV. Materials and Methods
1. Provide ample details and organize in a meaningful way.
2. Describe all aspects of the study design and how the data were collected.
3. Describe data collection in detail (who, what, when, where, how, why?).
4. Define all your variables.
5. Statistical analysis:
a. make this easy to understand and define what is statistically significant.
b. provide reproducible details of the statistical methods used in the data analysis.
V. Results
1. Present your results with confidence and provide your data in natural order.
2. Begin with the major positive findings; give negative findings at the end of the results section.
3. Present statistical information using statistical terms appropriately.
4. Be sure that this section is comprehensive and convincing.
5. Acknowledge any problems with data (e.g., small sample size, limited follow-up time, etc.)
6. Present data for similar variables consistently.
7. Use well-designed tables, graphs, flow charts, histograms, and figures; be sure to cite and summarize these in the text.
a. Simple and self-explanatory and not a repetition of the written text.
b. Use consistent formats; clearly define all terms.
c. Provide units for each variable.
d. Include clearly written legends for each figure.
8. Present adverse outcomes perceptively.
VI. Discussion
1. Begin with your most important point.
2. Confine the discussion to your results and comparison of your results with other data in the published literature.
3. Provide practical information and emphasize any new information that your results provide.
4. Keep the discussion focused; avoid lengthy rambling discussions.
5. Discuss the implications of your findings.
6. Consider other explanations for your results, if appropriate.
7. Discuss any limitations of your study.
VII. Conclusions
1. Conclusions should be clear and strong.
2. Be sure that your conclusions are fully supported by the results presented.
3. Limit conclusions to boundaries of the study presented.
4. Describe any further research that should be considered, if applicable.
VIII. References
1. Use full-length articles from peer-reviewed journals; you may also use those articles which have been accepted for publication but are not yet in print (“in press”).
2. Make sure that all required information is complete and accurate.
3. Limit list to key citations and appropriate, recent or review references - do not use a long bibliography.
4. Appropriately cite references throughout the paper.
5. Refer to reference guidelines for targeted journal.
Here are some paper that covers the planning for a scientific publication
1- The Art of Scientific Writing How to Get Your Research Published!
2- Scientific composition and review of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed dental journals
Useful links
Instructions to Authors in the Health Sciences
Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals
Journal Abbreviation Sources
Journal Browser