Inputs
Scientist Research Activities Writing Activities
Outputs
Others in the Same Field
1. In an area of science . . .
2. Scientists find a problem
3. Study the problem as researchers 4. And, as writers, report their results in articles
The 4-Part Introduction 3. Action statement: gives the research question, hypothesis, approach, or activities undertaken to investigate the problem
4. Forecasting statement: tells readers what they will find if they continue to read
How to Write Better Titles
• Titles help readers find and decide whether to read the full article • Titles help readers NOT read the article if it will NOT be of interest • Identify what was studied, not what was found
How to Write Better Results Sections
1. Summarize the study in a diagram
2. Put your results in tables and figures 3. Take the time to make good tables and figures
Tom Lang
American College of Physicians, 2009
Science cannot exist without writing!
• Speech and pictures are not enough! • Publishing is the final stage of research • Evidence-based medicine is literaturebased medicine
Editors want to publish research that is:
New True Important
Clearly Reported
Topics of this Lecture
How to write better: Titles Introductions Tables and Graphs Discussions
Part 3: Action Statement
“Thus, we wanted to determine whether aspirin increases the risk of bleeding after bronchoscopy.”
Part 4: Forecasting Statement
How to Write Better Introductions
Biomedical scientists are: • Researchers • Writers These roles require different skills
Scientific Communication System
Thomas A Lang & Michelle Secic
American College of Physicians, 2006
For More Information How to Write, Publish, and Present in the Health Sciences
A Guide for Physicians and Laboratory Researchers
Which part usually has the most errors?
Title Abstract
Results Discussion
Introduction
Methods
References
Figures & Tables
Which part usually has the most errors?
Problems with Introductions
• Weak background and problem statements • Many authors assume readers will know: 1) What problem was studied 2) Why the problem is important
Title Abstract
Results Discussion
Introduction
Methods
References
Figures & Tables
What is the most important part of a scientific article?
The Title
• The part most often read • Often the only part read • The key link between the research and the reader
The References
• References take time to format correctly • Errors in references indicate lack of attention to detail
Which part is usually the weakest?
Patients Approached n = 89 Patients Excluded n=5 Patients Assigned n = 84
Treatment n = 43
Control n = 41
Complete healers n = 21
Original A Randomized Trial of Low-Air-Loss Beds for Treatment of Pressure Ulcers [72 characters and spaces]
Revised Low-Air-Loss Beds vs. Foam Mattresses for Treating Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Home Patients: A Randomized Trial [111 characters and spaces]
The truth no one told you . . .
If you have chosen to become a researcher, you have chosen to become a writer!
What is the most important part of a scientific article?

Scientific Communication System Discovery or Assignment Scientist 1. Background 3. Technical Information Activities 2. Problem 4. Writing Statement Activities
Part 2: Problem Statement
“However, aspirin is also associated with bleeding. Patients are often asked to stop taking aspirin before bronchoscopy, to reduce the risk of bleeding. The effectiveness of this practice has never been tested.”’
Secrets to Writing Better Scientific Articles
Tom Lang Tom Lang Communications and Training
For More Information How To Report Statistics in Medicine
Annotated Guidelines for Authors, Editors, and Reviewers, 2nd Edition
Title Abstract
Results Discussion
Introduction
Methodsቤተ መጻሕፍቲ ባይዱ
References
Figures & Tables
Which part is usually the weakest?
The Discussion
• You have to decide what your results mean • You have to tell how your results support or differ from other results
Remember: “SPICED” Setting (location) Patients (what was studied) Intervention (treatment) Comparator (control group) Endpoint (outcome of interest) Design (study design)
“Here, we describe our study in which we compared the number and severity of bleeding events in patients taking aspirin with those who were not and determined that aspirin does not increase the risk of bleeding.”