1

Choosing the Title Often the title reflects

the problem statement Avoid wasted words

Analysis of A study of

Titles should convey content

An analysis of training

The impact of whistle training on the performance of guide dogs undergoing a six week intensive training program on the lower eastern shore

The impact of whistle trainingon guide dog performance

Long

Short

2

Writing the Introduction

Pitfalls of Scientific Jargon

wrote the Bureau of Standards saying he found that hydrochloric acid was good for cleaning clogged drains.

The efficacy of hydrochloric acid is indisputable, but the corrosive residue is incompatible with metallic permanence.

replied that he was glad the Bureau agreed.

Clarified by saying: We cannot assume responsibility for the production of toxic and noxious residues and suggest that you use an alternative procedure.

The plumber

The Bureau of Standards

The plumber

The Bureau of Standards

replied that he was glad the Bureau agreed.

The plumber

The Bureau of Standards

Don’t use hydrochloric acid. It eats the hell out of pipes!

Day, R.D., (1988). How to write and publish a scientificpaper 3rd ed., Phoenix: Oryx Press.

3

Good Introductions

Introductory paragraphs create interest Introduce background of study

Explain the rationale

HOW TO GET STARTED

In recent years… The dietary habits of Americans…

There has been considerable…Several models have been…

This investigation is designed…One question that remains…

Introduction

Background

Lead-in

4

The Problem Statement

A succinct description of what the study will aim to

accomplish

Control Variable- feeding time Categorical Variable- gender

of dog Independent variable- bell Dependent variable- saliva

Good problem statements avoid syntax errors

Comparison of sprinters and distance runners on anaerobic power

To compare the anaerobic power of sprinters and distance runners while running up a flight of stairs

or

5

Presenting the Research Hypotheses

The expected results of the

study

Experimental hypothesis Participation in health curriculum

courses will positively influence

healthy practices

Participation in health curriculum

will negatively influence risky

behaviors

Null Hypothesis No differences are expected from

the treatment (curriculum)

6

Operational Definitions

An observable phenomenon

Terminology must be precisely defined

Fatigue Fitness level

Fit vs. unfit

Skill level High vs low skill

Strength

Fatigue – inability to maintaina peddling rate of 50 rpm for10 consecutive minutes

7

AssumptionsDelimitations and Limitations

Assumptions Certain conditions will

exist Physical conditions are

similar for all subjects Physical exercise was

strenuous for all Behavior can be observed

Strength gains should occur with training

Measures used to assess strength are valid and reliable

Assumptions Certain conditions will

exist Physical conditions are

similar for all subjects Physical exercise was

strenuous for all Behavior can be observed

Strength gains should occur with training

Measures used to assess strength are valid and reliable

Delimitations The scope of the study Particular tests you may

use Study restricted to

selected subjects

Limitations Short-comings of the

experiment Influences that you can

not control

Delimitations The scope of the study Particular tests you may

use Study restricted to

selected subjects

Limitations Short-comings of the

experiment Influences that you can

not control

8

Study Significance

From previous studies

include Contradictory findings

Gaps in previous

knowledge

Difficulties in

measurement

Importance of theory

verification