Transcript Title

Introduction to
Scientific Writing
Aya Goto
SLIDE 1
Ethics in writing
Duplicate publication
Do not submit the same work (journal article,
presentation, etc.) more than once!
However, secondary publication in another
language in other countries can be justifiable and
beneficial, provided that permission is obtained from
the first journal and it is clearly stated that the paper
has been published elsewhere.
SLIDE 2
Plagiarism
Do not COPY sentences from previous articles
or borrow ideas without citation!
However, you can learn writing style from previous
articles. Paraphrase when you want to use commonly
used phrases.
Authorship
All persons should have participated sufficiently
in the “work”.
“Work” = Study designing, data collection, data
analysis, data interpretation, manuscript writing,
providing critical comments, or supervision.
SLIDE 3
Order:
First author did the most of work.
Second author directly helped the work.
Last author supervised the work.
Note. “Corresponding author” is responsible for
communicating with the journal editorial office.
Acknowledgement:
List all persons who contributed to the study,
but do not meet the criteria for authorship.
Peh WC, Ng KH.
Publication ethics and scientific misconduct.
Singapore Med J. 2010;51(12):908-12.
SLIDE 4
Writing style
Concise and well structured.
DO NOT REPEAT!
Four sections:
Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion
Double space, do not align the right margin.
1500-3000 words
Times New Roman, Font 12
Check journal’s author instructions
SLIDE 5
Title and four sections
Title should reflect the major point(s) of the paper.
Introduction = Background + aim(s)
Background explains why the topic is important and what
is already known.
Methods = Subject selection + study methods
Subject selection: Inclusion and exclusion criteria, study
site, etc.
Study methods: Study design, survey items, statistical
analysis, ethical consideration, etc.
SLIDE 6
Results = Tables & graphs + explanations in text
List the main specific findings. No need to explain all
numbers in tables and graphs.
Discussion = Summary of main findings +
interpretation of each finding + clinical implications
+ study limitations + conclusion
Many people have difficulty
distinguishing results and discussion.
State only the specific findings in
numbers the results. Interpret the
findings in the discussion.
SLIDE 7
Be prepared for many revisions.
#4
#1
#3
#2
Abstract
Write when you are finished with other parts.
Structured abstract is a short summary of
your paper with four sections:
Purpose: One or two sentences
Methods: Study design, site, subjects,
main survey items, (and analysis)
Results: Main results
Conclusion: One or two sentences that are
coherent with the purpose.
About 250 words
Check the journal style.
SLIDE 9