 Jennifer Sadowski & Kaati Schreier May 30, 2012

 Read lots of journal articles o Multiple readings o Read the entire article o Never cite an article just from an abstract  Before starting, create an outline of what to include in each section  Order to write your paper o Proposal or entire paper? Methods, Objectives (Introduction), Relevance(Introduction) Introduction (Literature review) Results Discussion Abstract

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Title o Includes overview of topic, refers to objectives of study, species name  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Title  Abstract o Write last o Length depends on discipline and context o Include brief introduction to topic (few or zero references), relevance of study, brief methods, brief results (no statistics included) and discussion and ending summary statement. (Approximately 2-3 sentences for each).  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Title  Abstract  Introduction o Thorough review of literature (including recent work) o Make general statements, then back up with references o Funnel structure o Include relevance of study  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Funnel structure: Starts broad and goes narrow, ends with the exact purpose of the paper o Paragraph 1: Animals compete for resources...(references) o Paragraph 2: Home ranges or territories can be aggressively fought over...(more references) o Paragraph 3: White faced capuchin monkeys will aggressively fight with invaders in their territory...(more references) o Paragraph 4: Objectives (Study how alpha male aggressive reactions influence the rest of the brood) and/or hypotheses

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods o Enough detail to be replicated by others o May include references to other protocols o Include: Animal care, IRB, locations and dates, statistical analyses used, etc.  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results o Start with an overview of results (2-3 sentences) o Simply state results – do not discuss relevance or implications o Refer to figures, tables in reporting of results o Consider most concise way to report results (figure, table, or text) o Follow discipline or journal directions for reporting statistics and creating figures o Figures: label axes, figure captions (no title needed), appropriate colors  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion o Inverted funnel structure, revisit your main objectives o Interpret your results, do not re-state statistics o Compare your findings to other published studies (very important) o Explain experimental error and possible future studies o End with summary of overall relevance of project to field  Acknowledgements  References

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements o Include funding sources (summer fellowships, grants, etc) o Include research mentors, individuals who helped with study or reviewed paper  References

 Title  Abstract  Introduction  Methods  Results  Discussion  Acknowledgements  References o Follow discipline or journal guidelines o Be consistent throughout paper o Check that all are included in paper and in reference list

 Identify possible appropriate journals o Discuss with research mentor o Discuss authorship before starting (order and who to include)  Write paper to follow specific journal guidelines o Need to have complete and current literature review o Have others review and comment on your manuscript draft o All authors must confirm draft before submitting o You may be asked to suggest reviewers

 Submit to journal for consideration o Editor will determine first whether draft will be reviewed or not (this may take days-months) o If yes, then sent out to reviewers for their feedback o Get feedback from reviewers (this may take months) o Can only submit one place at a time  Possible feedback: o Accept with minor revisions o Accept with major revisions o Reject, but may consider significantly revised edition o Reject o Make changes, explain changes (if they can’t be made), send back to editor (only a few weeks allowed) o May go back out to reviewers again  Advice: Develop a thick skin and keep trying!

 Progress reports due to Kirsten Gabriel by 5pm Friday June 8 (via ) o Two pages long, double spaced, 12pt font, 1 inch margins o Use lay terminology so those outside discipline can understand report.  Work with your faculty mentor to create report including: o Research methods, results and discussion of work completed so far. o Remaining work and outline of plan for remainder of summer o Any problems or unexpected issues o How the project is going in general  Suggestions: o Revisit your research proposal o Refine your proposed objectives and/or methods o Write your methods out in detail, in proper format, so you don’t forget what you did this summer! o Have a clear, detailed outline, with specific goals, for each week remaining in the summer.