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The “Art” of Writing a Scientific Paper Sverre Holm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_pyramid

The Inverted Pyramid

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Different perspectives on writing

Writer’s perspective

• Abstract • Introduction • Theory • Methods and Materials • Results • Discussion • Conclusion

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Different perspectives on writing

Writer’s perspective

• Abstract • Introduction • Theory • Methods and Materials • Results • Discussion • Conclusion

Reader’s perspective 1 2 4 3

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Abstract 1

A partial biography of the writer is given. The inadequate abstract is discussed. What should be covered by an abstract is considered. The importance of the abstract is described. Dictionary definitions of "abstract" are quoted. At the conclusion a revised abstract is presented.

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The inadequate abstract

• The passive voice is screaming at the reader! • It is an outline, with each item in the outline

expanded into a sentence. • The reader is told what the paper is about, but not

what it contributes. • They are produced by writers who are either (1)

beginners, (2) lazy, or (3) have not written the paper yet.

• Looks like an abstract prepared as an unwanted chore required at the last minute

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Landes, The scrutiny of the abstract, 1966

Abstract 2

The abstract is of utmost importance, for it is read by 10 to 500 times more people than hear or read the entire article. It should not be a mere recital of the subjects covered. Expressions such as 'is discussed" and "is described" should never be included! The abstract should be a condensation and concentration of the essential information in the paper.

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Scrutiny of the introduction 1995 Jon Claerbout • The introduction should be an invitation to

readers to invest their time reading it. • Typically this invitation has three parts

1. The review 2. The claim 3. The agenda

• In the claim the author should say why the paper's agenda is a worthwhile extension of its historical review. 04.12.2015 10

Claerbout, The scrutiny of the Introduction, 1995

2) The claim

• The most important part of the introduction • If you are writing a doctoral dissertation or an

article for a refereed journal, then you should be making a new contribution to existing knowledge.

• Your paper is not acceptable without an identifiable claim.

04.12.2015 11 Claerbout, The scrutiny of the Introduction, 1995

1) The review

• 3-10 papers providing a background to your research and where you say something about each of them.

• Where intelligence and skill are required is in organizing the review so that it leads up to something, namely, to your claim.

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3) The agenda

• It summarizes what you will show the reader as your paper progresses. Your agenda will be dull if it is merely a recital of the topics you will cover.

• Your agenda should tell how your paper works to fulfill your claim. In this way your agenda should clarify your claim.

• Keep it short. • Many more people will begin reading your paper

than will finish reading it. Motivate them to finish! 04.12.2015 13

Claerbout, The scrutiny of the Introduction, 1995

• Be careful of demeaning words like "obviously", "clearly", or "undoubtedly.“

• There is nothing more frustrating than reading a paper that alludes to something "obvious" that you are completely confused about.

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Physical Review Letters

• 2014 impact factor: 7.512

• Started writing 2011/2012

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“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Jesus Christ

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• Write with a reader’s perspective in mind • A scrutiny of the abstract, Landes, 1966:

– The abstract is of utmost importance, for it is read by 10 to 500 times more people than hear or read the entire article.

• A scrutiny of the introduction, Claerbout, 1995: – In the claim the author should say why the

paper's agenda is a worthwhile extension of its historical review.

• http://blogg.uio.no/mn/ifi/innovasjonsteknologi/content/t

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