Post on 14-Apr-2018
7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
1/42
NAARM
1
Writing and Publishing a Scientific Paper:General Principles
NH Rao
National Academy of Ag r icul tu ral Research Management,
Rajend ranagar, Hyderabad
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
2/42
NAARMOutline
why write papers and publish ?
status of scientific writing in India
principles of good scientific writing
scientific paper structure, organization, style
guarding against plagiarism
authorship
review and revision
http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
3/42
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
4/42
NAARM
4
understand cause and effect (discover laws and causes)
understand relationships
develop theories (explain behaviour, make predictions, drive new research)
solve problems
Scientific research
.. by application of the scientific method
particular method for acquiring knowledge about the world to:
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
5/42
NAARM
5
Characteristics
generated by a question
requires planned programme ofwork
requires reasoned argument to
support conclusions
is open to rigorous objective
testing by others
is reiterative
The Scientific Method
Process
Problem identification
Hypothesis formulation (context/review)
Controlled experiments to get data to
test hypothesis : Systemat ic , r igorou s,
repl icable
Analysis interaction between data and
theory
Reporting/Publishing Interaction with peers peer review
Acceptance/Rejection of theory/
solution - publication
Next question
is within an accepted research paradigm
A paradigm is essent ial to scient i f ic inquiry fo rselection, evaluation, and criticism (Kuhn)
sets of assumptions, laws, theories, methods and applications that form a scientific
research tradition (framework for scientific thinking)
procedures, methods and techniques that have been tested for their validity and
reliability and accepted by the scientific community in the specific area
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
6/42
NAARM
6
Scientific research is not complete until the results are published. Therefore, a scientific
paper is an essentialpart of the research process. Therefore, the writing of an accurate,understandable paper is just as important as the research itself.
Day, 1989
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
7/42
NAARM
7
Writing papers is a central part of research. If your research does not
generate papers, it might just as well not have been done. interestingand unpublished is equivalent to non-existent.
Your objective in research is to formulate and test hypotheses, to draw
conclusions from the tests and to teach these conclusions to others.
Your objective is not to collect data
A paper is not just an archival device for storing a completed researchprogram. It is also a structure for your research in progress. If you
clearly understand the purpose and form of research it can be immensely
useful to you in organizing and conducting your research
(Whitesides, 2004; > 1100 papers; 124 patents, h index >100)
If I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants
(Isaac Newton in a letter to Robert Hooke dated February 5, 1676)
Writing papers integral to the Research Process
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
8/42
NAARM
8
India: MS submissions and acceptance rates
global
Indias share of submissions has increased by 2 % (next only to Chinas 5.5%)
but, < 20% of submissions were accepted in 2010 (among lowest 3 countries)
acceptance rates are coming downSource: Thomson-Reuters, April 2012, Feb 2013
Global Share of Research
Output by Field
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
9/42
NAARMIndia: Scientific paper quality
Agricultural Science (2006-2010):
Relative Impact factor: 0.55
Non-cited-ness: 61% (% papers
not cited even once)
Source:
Thomson-Reuters, Feb 2013
DST: July 2012
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
10/42
NAARM
10
Reasons for rejection
1. Unoriginal work no new or useful
knowledge; previously published;
duplication
2. Unsound work weak hypothesis,
logical/design/methodological/anal
ysis errors
3. Not suited to journal
4. Slicing squeezing too manypublications into a limited work
5. Incorrect format for journal
6. Plagiarism (= copying)
7. Unready work: more research
needed
8. Poor writing: language,
presentation (figs/tables), style
The most common reason for
rejection is a lack of new
knowledge.
Errors in research
methodology, data analysis,
and language are flaws that
can be salvaged to some
extent.
Errors in manuscript
organization, including
methods, results, figures,
tables, graphs, and
references, are correctable
Source: Reasons for Rejection of Manuscripts
Submitted toAJRby International Authors
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
11/42
NAARM
11
A scientific paper must be written in a certain way and it must be
published in a certain way, as defined by three centuries of developing
tradition, editorial practice, scientific ethics, and the interplay of printing
and publishing procedures
Day, 1988
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
12/42
NAARM
12
General principles - definition of research paper
The first publication describing original research results
In a form whereby peers of the author can:
assess observations
repeat the experiments and test the conclusions
evaluate the intellectual processes
In a journal or other source document readily available in the scientificcommunity
Source: How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper,
6th edition, by Robert A. Day and Barbara Gastel
(Greenwood Press/Cambridge University Press, 2006)
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
13/42
NAARM
13
General principles - Organization
Writing a scientific paper is largely a matter of organization structure - to meetthe needs of valid publication
Highly stylized with distinctive component parts
The front matter Title, Authors, Abstract, key words
Title: fewest possible words to adequately indicate contents; Important inliterature searching
Authors: those with important intellectual contributions to the work
Abstract/Summary: paper in miniature, complete within itself
Main body: Standard IMRAD Format for Scientific Papers:
1. Introduction: What was the question?
2. Methods: How did you try to answer it?
3. Results: What did you find?
4. Discussion: What does it mean?
People read sections in various orders; and tables and figures independently of text
Each section needs to be independent; and all sections must form an integrated unit
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
14/42
NAARM
14
key to scientific writing is clarity, particularly since it is a first
communication of original work contributing to new knowledge
the best English is that which gives the sense in the fewest short words
no room for ornamentation
most important requirement is reproducibility this is what makes scientific
writing unique
poor writing prevents or delays the publication of good science and affects
the growth of science
General principles - clarity
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
15/42
NAARM
15
Scientific paper structure - Title
A succinct, informative but also tempting title is essential, and is the first
of the key features in a manuscript to come under editorial scrutiny.
fewest possible words that accurately describe the content
Omit waste words such as "A study of ...", "Investigations of ...",
"Observations on ...", etc.
Indexing and abstracting services depend on the accuracy of the title to
extract keywords
useful in cross-referencing and computer searching
be specific: if the study is of a particular species or chemical, name it in
the title. If the study has been limited to a particular region or system, and
the inferences it contains are similarly limited, name the region or system
in the title
Adapted from : www.nature.com/naturephysics
An improperly titled paper may never reach the
audience for which it was intended
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
16/42
NAARM
16
snapshot of the complete paper
comprises four distinct components:
problem studied significance, hypothesis, objectives
(What problem did you study and why is it important ?)
methods/approach used
(What methods did you use?)
principal results obtained
(What were your principal results?)
summary of the conclusions reached
(What conclusions can you draw from your results about the problem you studied?)
Scientific paper structure - Abstract
Short abstract ?
one sentence answers
Longer abstract ?
several sentence answers
One page abstract ?
One paragraph answers
make sentences as specific and as quantitative as possible
Write the abstract afterfinishing the paper, as writing is an evolutionary
process, and the focus or emphasis of a paper may change during the writing
Source: Effective Abstracts, Celia M. Elliott, 2012
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
17/42
NAARM
17
Dryland Grain Sorghum Water Use, Light Interception, and Growth Responses to Planting Geometry
J.L. Steiner*
ABSTRACT
Problem/
Rationale
Crop yields are primarily water-limited under dryland production systems in semiarid
regions.
Object ives /
hypothes is
This study was conducted to determine whether the growing-season water balance could
be manipulated through planting geometry.
Method The effects of row spacing, row direction, and plant population on the water use, light
interception, and growth of grain sorghum [Sorghum bico lor(L.) Moench] wereinvestigated at Bushland, TX, on a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, superactive thermic
Torrertic Paleustoll).
Results In 1983, which had a dry growing season, narrow-row spacing and higher population
increased seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) by 7 and 9%, respectively, and shifted the
partitioning of ET to the vegetative period. Medium population crops yielded 6.2 and 2.3
Mg ha1 of dry matter and grain, respectively. High population resulted in high dry matter
(6.1 Mg ha1) and low grain yield (1.6 Mg ha1), whereas low population resulted in low drymatter (5.4 Mg ha1) and high grain yield (2.3 Mg ha1). Row direction did not affect water
use or yield. In 1984, dry matter production for a given amount of ET and light interception
was higher in the narrow-row crops. Evapotranspiration was less for a given amount of
light interception in the narrow-row crops and in the northsouth row crops.
conclus ion Narrow-row planting geometry appears to increase the partitioning of ET to the
transpiration component and may improve the efficiency of dryland cropping systems.
Structure of Abstract
(model abstract- ASA-CSSA-SSAA Style Guide)
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
18/42
NAARM
18
How to construct a Naturesummary paragraph
Annotated example taken from Nature435, 114-118 (5 May 2005).
One or two sentences providing a basicintroduct ionto the field,comprehensible to a scientist inany discipline.
Two to three sentences ofmore deta i led backgroun d, comprehensible toscientists in related disciplines.
One sentence clearly stating the generalproblembeing addressed by this
particular study.
One sentence summarising the mainresult (with the words here we show or theirequivalent).
Two or three sentences explaining whatthe main resul treveals in directcomparison to what was thought to be the case
previously, or how the main result adds toprevious knowledge.
One or two sentences to put the results
into a more general context.
Two or three sentences to provide a broaderperspect ive, readily comprehensible to ascientist in any discipline, may beincluded in the first paragraph if theeditor considers that the accessibility of the
paper is significantly enhanced by theirinclusion. Under these circumstances, thelength of the paragraph can be up to 300 words. (The above example is 190 words without the finalsection, and 250 words with it).
During cell division, mitotic spindles are assembled by
microtubule-based motor proteins1, 2
.The bipolar organization
of spindles is essential for proper segregation of chromosomes,
and requires plus-end-directed homotetrameric motor proteins
of the widely conserved kinesin-5 (BimC) family3. Hypotheses
for bipolar spindle formation include the 'pushpull mitotic
muscle' model, in which kinesin-5 and opposing motor proteins
act between overlapping microtubules2, 4, 5
. However, the
precise roles of kinesin-5 during this process are unknown.Here we show that the vertebrate kinesin-5 Eg5 drives the
sliding of microtubules depending on their relative orientation.
We found in controlled in vitroassays that Eg5 has theremarkable capability of simultaneously moving at 20 nm s
-1
towards the plus-ends of each of the two microtubules it
crosslinks. For anti-parallel microtubules, this results in
relative sliding at 40 nm s-1
, comparable to spindle pole
separation rates in vivo6. Furthermore, we found that Eg5 can
tether microtubule plus-ends, suggesting an additional
microtubule-binding mode for Eg5. Our results demonstrate
how members of the kinesin-5 family are likely to function in
mitosis, pushing apart interpolar microtubules as well as
recruiting microtubules into bundles that are subsequently
polarized by relative sliding. We anticipate our assay to be a
starting point for more sophisticated in vitromodels of mitoticspindles. For example, the individual and combined action of
multiple mitotic motors could be tested, including minus-end-
directed motors opposing Eg5 motility. Furthermore, Eg5
inhibition is a major target of anti-cancer drug development,
and a well-defined and quantitative assay for motor function
will be relevant for such developments.
ABSTRACT/
SUMMARY
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
19/42
NAARM
19
Scientific paper structure - Introduction
In effect, a roadmap from
problem to solution
should be very clear wherebackground ends and new work
begins
should be fairly short: typically 3
paragraphs; range: 2 to 5
Background
Knowledge gap
Hypothesis
Approach
proposedsolution
Provide background needed to understand the
paper and appreciate its importance
not an exhaustive review - should focus on
hypothesis/purpose of study
1. Backgroundknown information - nature
and scope of problem - (why the work was
done: importance),
2. knowledge gap - Review pertinent literature
3. identify Hypothesis, purpose, research
question
4. Approach: Method of investigation
including reasons
5. State the principal results and conclusion
6. present only information relevant to
experiment
Typically funnel-shaped -
general to specific
Ref: Suggested rules (Day, 1988); Elliott, 2012; Stanford on line- writing in the Sciences, 2012
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
20/42
NAARM
20
the most important paragraph of the whole paper. Even if it is a
work of expositional genius, few among a broad audience are likely to
read beyond it. So it is vital that this paragraph tells the central story of
the paper, and makes clear why this story deserves to be told. Dont
launch into technical details, or merely list what you did. Set the scene,explain the background that will give the non-specialist reader a
context in which to understand the significance of the work, but fellow
specialists will also appreciate your telling them what you consider to be
the relevant questions in the field.
www.nature.com/naturephysics
Introduction the first paragraph
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
21/42
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
22/42
NAARMScientific paper structure - Method
Purpose: provide a clear overview of work to allow others
to replicate and evaluate (validity of the results is judged)
Should describe the study design, materials, tests,measurements
Should identify (if applicable)
Equipment, organisms, reagents, etc used (sources)
Approval of human/animal research by an appropriate
committeeHow measurements were made and calculations were
done
Statistical methods/tests
May include tables and figures
An issue: level of detail in which to describe Well-known methods
Methods previously described but not well known
Methods that you yourself devised
Source: Writing a Scientific Paper: Basics of Content andOrganization Barbara Gastel, Elliott, 2012)
Break into smaller
sections with
subheadings
Report methods in
past tense (we
measured),
Use present tense to
describe how data are
presented in the paper
(data are summarized
as means SD)
Cite a reference for
commonly used
methods
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
23/42
NAARM
23
Scientific paper structure - Results
Purpose: Objectively present key results without any interpretation; (foundation for
Discussion) needs discrimination
Summarize what the data show - Point out simple relationships; big-picture trends
Present in an orderly, logical sequence with text, tables & figures
Figures: create visual impact; show trends and patterns; tell a quick story
Tables: Give precise values; display many values/variables
Design tables and figures to be understandable without the text
Use the same formats for all tables of a series
Avoid including too much information in one figure
Source: Writing a Scientific Paper: Basics of Content and Organization, Barbara Gastel: Elliott 2012)
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
24/42
NAARMResults (contd.)
Source: Stanford on line writing in the sciences , 2012
Organize in sections around tables/figures
Introduce a Table or Figure in the text beforeyou show it
Complement the information that is already in tables and figures
Report important negative results; gives the basis for a good discussion section
Give precise values that are not available in the figure
Repeat/highlight only the most important numbers, negative and control results
Reserve the term significant for statistically significant
Do not include rationale for statistical analyses within the Results section
Should present results but not comment on them
Use past tense for completed actions
Reserve comments on the meaning of your results for the discussion section
An issue: how much the information in text should overlap with that in tables and
figures minimize overlap
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
25/42
NAARM
Purpose: state interpretations of results and
opinions, compare with existing work, anddiscuss the implications of Results.
Gives the most freedom to display good
writing skills
Most challenging to write
Should begin with a brief summary of the mainfindings
Should answer the question stated in the
introduction
Support the conclusion (your data, others
data)
Defend the conclusion (anticipate criticisms)
Scientific paper structure - Discussion
Typically should move fromspecific to general (opposite of
introduction)
Invert the funnel !
big-picture
take- home
message
what the results mean
and why shouldanyone care
Source: Stanford on line writing in the sciences , 2012
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
26/42
NAARM
26
Discussion (contd..)
Some items/questions commonly addressed:
What are the major patterns that arose out of the results?
What are the relationship, trends, and generalizations among the results, and
what are the exceptions to these?
What are likely mechanisms, and why?
Is there agreement / disagreement with previous works?
How does the discussion relate to Results and Background?
What are the implications of the results? discuss theoretical and practical
implications
Give all possible (reasonable) interpretations, dont ignore any possibilities
What do we understand now that we did not understand before this work?
What is the significance of this work.
Limitations of the study exceptions, unsettled points; other research needed
Source: Writing a Scientific Paper: Basics of Content and Organization Barbara Gastel,
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
27/42
NAARM
Source: Stanford on line
writing in the sciences ,
2012
Discussion (contd..)
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
28/42
NAARM
J.L. Steiner* - Dryland Grain So rgh um Water Use, Ligh t Interception, and
Growth Respon ses to Plant ing Geometry, Agro nom y Jou rnal
Conclusion - example
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
29/42
NAARM
29
Scientific paper structure - References
Purpose:
To give credit
To add credibility
To help readers find further information
Important to be accurate
reference formats vary with journals
Source: Writing a Scientific Paper:
Basics of Content and Organization
Barbara Gastel; Elliott, 2012
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
30/42
NAARM
30
writing should be clear, concise, and complete
Clear writing: short, active sentences; simple tenses; active voice.
Concise writing: frugal use of words; shorter, simpler words.
Complete writing: difficult in technical work; fine line between writing
everything an article needs to be logically complete and writing more
than is necessary; definitions of symbols, notations and effective use of
citations help
Style (3 Cs)
The best writing in science, as elsewhere, is simple, clear,
precise, and vigorous. Decide what you want to say and say it assimply, informatively, and directly as possible.
Writ ing Successfu l ly in Science
by Maeve O'Connor
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
31/42
NAARM
31
Good writing starts with good structure (sections (IMRAD) ; subsections, paragraphs
List the main points that are relevant to the section/subsection - topic sentences
arrange topic sentences in a sequence so that each successive point is related to and
builds on the previous point
the topic sentences provide the framework for each section
construct the paragraph
Rule: one topic sentence - one paragraph
begin each paragraph with the topic sentence (note: readers pay the
most attention to the beginning sentences of paragraphs)
explain and expand on the idea in the topic sentence; give examples
summarize such that it leads logically to the next paragraph
write short paragraphs ( 8 - 10 sentences)
ensure balance in paragraph structure
Style constructing effective paragraphs
Source: CM Elliott, 2012; http://online.physics.uiuc.edu/courses/Phys496/Spring12/Lectures/
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
32/42
NAARM
32
Suggested reading:
Robert Barass: Scientists must write
There is a definite rhythm in sentences. Read what you have written, and
change the wording if it does not flow smoothly.
If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, then the proof of the writing is in the
reading. Follow this rule above all.
Style: Writing is a creative process
good quality scientific papers require:
good quality research, with good quality experimental design
good quality data to analyze and interpret!
patience to revise, revise, revise
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
33/42
NAARM
33
if somebody reads your conclusions before reading the rest
of your paper, will they fully understand them? If the answer is yes,
theres probably something wrong.
A good conclusion says things that become significant after the
paper has been read. A good conclusion gives perspective to sights
that havent yet been seen at the introduction. A conclusion is about
the implications of what the reader has learned.
And so to conclude... good writing not only serves your audience but
improves the chances of the research being noticed and read, and of
it stimulating further progress.
And neither will it hurt your citations ..
Heres a simple test:
www.nature.com/naturephysics
NAARMG d i t Pl i i
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
34/42
NAARM
34
Plagiarism is scientific dishonesty
What constitutes plagiarism:
Submitting anothers published or unpublished work, in whole, in part, or inparaphrase, as ones own without properly crediting the author by footnotes,
citations, or bibliographical reference
Submitting material that has been produced through unacknowledged
collaboration with others as ones own original work without written release from
collaborators
Submitting material obtained from an individual or agency as ones own originalwork without reference to the person or agency as the source of the material
Guard against Plagiarism
Tips for avoiding plagiarism:
Study the original text until you fu l lyunderstand its meaning
Set aside the original and write a summary of the text i n your own words
Check your version with the original to ensure that the meaning has been retained
Enclose any text or phrase that you have reproduced exactly in quotation marks
Cite the source!
Source: Cooper SL and Elliott CM, 2012; Avoiding plagiarism, University of Illinois:
http://online.physics.uiuc.edu/courses/Phys496/Spring12/Lectures/Plagiarism.pdf
NAARMA th hi (ICMJE)
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
35/42
NAARM
35
Authorship credit should be based on
1) substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or
analysis and interpretation of data
2) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and
3) final approval of the version to be published
Authors should meet conditions 1, 2, and 3.
When a large, multicenter group has conducted the work, the group should identifythe individuals who accept direct responsibility for the manuscript. These individuals
should fully meet the criteria for authorship (journals may ask individuals to complete
journal-specific author and conflict-of-interest disclosure forms).
Acquisition of funding, collection of data, or general supervision of the research group
alone does not constitute authorship.
All persons designated as authors should qualify for authorship, and all those who
qualify should be listed.
Each author should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public
responsibility for appropriate portions of the content.
Authorship (ICMJE)
Source: http://www.icmje.org/ethical_1author.html
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
36/42
NAARM
36
NAARMChoosing a Journal
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
37/42
NAARM
37
Choosing a Journal
Depends on significance of the work must be evident from the Introduction:
Global/Interdisciplinary: big international multidisciplinary journal like: Nature,Science, PNAS
Global but Disciplinary: international discipline specialty journals like: LeadingProfessional Society journals; oth er leading jou rnals
Work is of regional significance : regional specialty journals like: Asian Journalof
Work is of local significance : national level journals
Confirmation or Repeat study (me too): high acceptance rate journals some on
line; and author-pays journals like PLoSONE, Nature Communications, .
Adopted from: IB Consulting; http://www.ianbeecroftconsulting.com
NAARMP R i
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
38/42
NAARM
38
Peer Review process
anonymous - double blind
editor chooses reviewers increasingly authors are being asked to suggest a few names
decision on publication is editors
vast majority of papers are advised to be revised major revision, minor revision (great
opportunity; needs to be handled correctly)
respond quickly but not immediately sleep over it; discuss with co-authors
prepare responses carefully (Reviewer can be wrong! Be tactful and enthusiasticthank the reviewers)
consult co-authors, statistician if necessary
provide a cover letter, point by point response and highlight (identify) responses
specifically (eg page no, para no.)
editor and reviewers are usually on your side trying to help you to publish goodscience they are not usually paid for this service; make their job easy
rejection rates of good journals are high (> 50%)
NAARMResponse to Review
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
39/42
NAARMResponse to Review
Initial responses
a judgment of Major Revisions (or worse, a rejection) can lead to a variety of emotions
- disappointment/resentment, question self-worth .
remember that comments are not personal and adopt a positive attitude for response
10 Principles of response
decide whether to resubmit to same journal or change journal depending on
comments
contact editor on unresolved issues before revising
prioritize reviewers comments
view the reviewer as consultant/collaborator in preparing responses
deal with comments you do not agree
disagree without being disagreeable
develop a strategy for addressing divergent comments
put in the work and show all that has been done
if suggested, shorten the MS
review literature before submission
Source: Provenzale (2010): Revising a Manuscript: Ten Principlesto Guide Success for Publication; AJR, 195, 382-387
NAARMDoing a Review
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
40/42
NAARMDoing a Review
Peer Review: Tone
Assume there is some poor student on the other end who did all the work, and
whose confidence and career depend on your critique.
Tone matters! eg. The authors should delete table 5; not only is it completely
irrelevant, but it also reveals their utter lack of statistical understanding.
vs. Table 5 contains unnecessary information (for example), and a Pearsons
correlation coefficient may not be appropriate here. The authors should consider
revising or omitting the table.
Avoid criticizing the authors! Criticize the work.
Avoid generalizations; point out specific errors.
Use positive instead of negative language where possible: The paper is poorly
written. vs. The writing and presentation could be improved. For example
Avoid lecturing to the authors.
Source: Stanford on line writing in the sciences , 2012
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
41/42
NAARM
41
Scientific research is not complete until the results are published.
Therefore, a scientific paper is an essentialpart of the research
process. Therefore, the writing of an accurate, understandable
paper is just as important as the research itself. Therefore, the
words in the paper should be weighed as carefully as the reagents
in the laboratory. Therefore, the scientist must know how to use
words. Therefore, the education of the scientist is not complete untilthe ability to publish has been established
Day, 1989
Easy reading is damn hard writing (Hawthorne)
NAARM
http://www.icar.org.in/http://www.icar.org.in/7/30/2019 Scientific Writing Aug2013
42/42
NAARM
Thank You
http://www.icar.org.in/