Writing Scientific Research Articles

Preface to the second edition ix
 
Preface to the first edition xi
 
Section 1: A framework for success 1
 
1 How the book is organized, and why 3
 
1.1 Getting started with writing for international publication 3
 
1.2 Publishing in the international literature 4
 
1.3 What do you need to know to select your target journal? 6
 
1.4 Aims of this book 7
 
1.5 How the book is structured 8
 
2 Research article structures 11
 
2.1 Conventional article structures: AIMRaD (Abstract, Introduction, Materials and methods, Results, and Discussion) and its variations 11
 
3 Reviewers' criteria for evaluating manuscripts 17
 
3.1 Titles as content signposts 18
 
Section 2: When and how to write each article section 21
 
4 Results as a "story": the key driver of an article 23
 
5 Results: turning data into knowledge 25
 
5.1 Figure, table, or text? 26
 
5.2 Designing figures 26
 
5.3 Designing tables 29
 
5.4 Figure legends and table titles 31
 
6 Writing about results 33
 
6.1 Structure of Results sections 33
 
6.2 Functions of Results sentences 34
 
6.3 Verb tense in Results sections 34
 
7 The Methods section 37
 

7.1 Purpose of the Methods section 37
 
7.2 Organizing Methods sections 38
 
7.3 Use of passive and active verbs 39
 
8 The Introduction 43
 
8.1 Argument stages towards a compelling Introduction 43
 
8.2 Stage 1: Locating your project within an existing field of scientific research 43
 
8.3 Using references in Stages 2 and 3 47
 
8.4 Avoiding plagiarism when using others' work 50
 
8.5 Indicating the gap or research niche 51
 
8.6 Stage 4: The statement of purpose or main activity 52
 
8.7 Stages 5 and 6: Highlighting benefit and mapping the article 52
 
8.8 Suggested process for drafting an Introduction

Margaret Cargill is an applied linguist with over 20 years experience as a research communication educator. Her current research centres on innovative collaborative methods for helping scientists develop high-level skills for communicating their research findings effectively in the international arena. She has worked extensively in Australia, Europe and Asia with scientists of many language and cultural backgrounds.
 
Patrick O'Connor is a research ecologist, environmental consultant and science educator. His work over the last 15 years has focussed on the use of scientific principles in designing and evaluating environmental programs for governments and statutory authorities in Australia. His research interests and scientific publications span fields of terrestrial ecology and detection of change in plant and animal communities.

"As was the case with its predecessor, the second edition of Writing Scientific Research Articles will be of most value to early-career scientists with little writing experience. It should also be read by research scientists who do not have English as their first language. The book could also serve as a refresher in scientific writing for experienced scientists, and it contains a lot of sound advice that should be heeded by English-speaking researchers." ("Aquaculture International", 1 August 2013)

"This volume will be useful for upper-level undergraduates, ESL students, and graduate students who need assistance in writing for publication. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students." (Choice, 1 November 2013)
 
"As was the case with its predecessor, the second edition of Writing Scientific Research Articles will be of most value to early-career scientists with little writing experience. It should also be read by research scientists who do not have English as their first language. The book could also serve as a refresher in scientific writing for experienced scientists, and it contains a lot of sound advice that should be heeded by English-speaking researchers." (Aquaculture International, 1 August 2013)