C ONVENTIONS : Style & Usage in the Sciences S PEAK W RITE

Test Each slide contains one or more sentences. Identify the grammatical or style error. Find the answer on the next slide.

Grammar Researchers have questioned the utility of this treatment since past work has yielded poor results.

Grammar Researchers have questioned the utility of this treatment because past work has yielded poor results. “Since” refers to time, while “because” refers to cause/reason. Researchers have questioned the utility of this treatment because past work has yielded poor results. Researchers have questioned the utility of this treatment given that past work has yielded poor results.

Grammar The data was analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

“Data” is a plural word, while “datum is singular”. Phrases such as “data is” and “data was” are incorrect. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Grammar

The significance of these findings are notable. Grammar

The number of the subject (e.g., significance) determines the number of the verb (e.g., is/are). Significance = is (ignore prepositional phrase) The significance of these findings is notable. Notable is the significance of these findings. Grammar

Therefore, study results confirm both hypothesis’s. Grammar

Hypothesis = singular Hypotheses = plural Therefore, study results confirm both hypotheses. ***same rule for analysis Grammar

The participants’ average heart rate was 64. Style

Always include the unit of measurement 64 bpm 27 years 5 inches 124 lbs The participants’ average heart rate was 64bpm. Style

Participants were administered either 0, 75, or 150 mg of caffeine. Grammar

“Either” is used to compare two items only. Participants were administered 0, 75, or 150 mg of caffeine. Participants were administered either 0 or 75 mg of caffeine. Grammar

The doses used in this study were larger then those previously reported. Grammar

Than = used when comparing items, stating preferences, or suggesting quantities beyond certain amount Then = used when referring to time, space, order, or a logical conclusion The doses used in this study were larger than those previously reported. Grammar

Participants stated that they would rather read a book _____ listen to music. Following this initial time period, participants were ____ allowed to answer the questions. Most participants stated that they ate more _____ the amount suggested. Fill in each sentence below with either “than” or “then” for practice:

Participants stated that they would rather read a book than listen to music. Following this initial time period, participants were then allowed to answer the questions. Most participants stated that they ate more than the amount suggested. Grammar

Study results provide evidence for the idea that chronic stress causes migraine headaches. Style

Avoid terms such as “cause” and “prove” when describing study results. No one study “proves” anything! Study results provide evidence for the idea that chronic stress influences - affects - increases the frequency of migraine headaches. Style

Once participants practiced deep breathing for five minutes, they take the working memory test. Style

Keep to one verb tense throughout the sentence. Once participants practiced deep breathing for five minutes, they completed the working memory test. Once participants practice deep breathing for five minutes, they complete the working memory test. Grammar

Results revealed an insignificant difference between the two treatment groups. Grammar

“Insignificant” means “unimportant”; however, non- significant findings are just as important as significant findings! When describing statistical analysis results, say “non-significant” or “not significant”. Results revealed an insignificant difference between the two treatment groups. Grammar

Results comparing the two treatment groups were almost significant. The t-test results were pretty significant. Study results were very significant with a p <.001. Additionally, avoid qualifying significant findings. Results are either significant or not significant, there is no “almost” or “very” Grammar

Its imperative that future work take these points into consideration. Grammar

It is = it’s (contraction) Its = possessive It is (It’s) imperative that future work take these points into consideration. The many logistical challenges imposed by this research method likely limit its usefulness. Grammar

When a person is in a manic state, they often have delusions of grandeur. Grammar

Pronoun vs. noun agreement Both singular or both plural When a person is in a manic state, they often have delusions of grandeur. When a person is in a manic state, he or she often has delusions of grandeur. When people are in a manic state, they often have delusions of grandeur. Grammar

The study chose subjects who were at least 18 years of age. Grammar

Anthropomorphizing = attributing human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects. Studies do not “choose”, researchers do. The study chose subjects who were at least 18 years of age. Grammar

Anthropomorphizing = attributing human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects The study chose subjects who were at least 18 years of age. The article researched the idea that yoga may reduce stress in pregnant women. The rats believed that the tone signaled food. Grammar

The 150 mg dose of caffeine increased heart rate significantly and produced feelings of nausea. It was observed in all participants. Grammar

What is ‘it’? HR? Nausea? Both? Pronouns such at ‘it’ must refer to a noun. The 150 mg dose of caffeine increased heart rate significantly and produced feelings of nausea. It was observed in all participants. These increases in heart rate were… These effects of nausea were…. Grammar

The ratings of happiness were expected to significantly increase following the exercise program. Grammar

Split infinitive = Adverb or adjective often used to split an infinitive (to + verb) The ratings of happiness were expected to significantly increase following the exercise program. To rapidly change To not pass the test To strongly support VERSUS To change rapidly Not to pass the test To support strongly Grammar

According to the researcher’s plan, the participants should be farther along in the program. Grammar

Farther = length, distance Further = time, degree According to the researcher’s plan, the participants should be farther along in the program. Grammar

These phenomenon have been widely studied by researchers. Grammar

Phenomenon = singular Phenomena = plural These phenomenon have been widely studied by researchers. Grammar

The monetary reinforcement effected the children’s performance significantly. Grammar

Effect = a result (noun) Affect = to influence (verb) The monetary reinforcement effected the children’s performance significantly. Grammar

Effect = a result (noun) Affect = to influence (verb) The session location ____ participants’ responses to the questions. The _____ of the meditation session included decreased heart rate and respiration. Grammar

Effect = a result (noun) Affect = to influence (verb) The session location affected participants’ responses to the questions. The effects of the meditation session included decreased heart rate and respiration. Grammar

The biggest limitation in this study was the small number of participants included in the program. Grammar

The primary/main limitation in this study was the small number of participants included in the program. Big = refers to size, quantity, magnitude Grammar

The depressed participants appeared to be mostly women. Style

Avoid labels The depressed participants appeared to be mostly women. The participants who scored high on the depression scale appeared to be mostly women. Style

The authors were really concerned about the sampling bias. It is so very important that future studies consider the age range of the sample. The children absolutely hated the program implemented at their school. Style

The authors were really concerned about the sampling bias. It is so very important that future studies consider the age range of the sample. The children absolutely hated the program implemented at their school. Style (Emotion)

No need to dramatize or place emphasis on emotion. …difference between creative and scientific writing. Emotion

The task administered was the ANT (Attention Network Task). This task has been used in previous studies examining the effects of caffeine on attention. Style

Abbreviations = spell out in sentence first use The task administered was the ANT (Attention Network Task). This task has been used in previous studies examining the effects of yoga on attention. Style