Question 1

The discussion section of a lab report is the appropriate section in which to interpret or explain your findings to readers.

Accepted Answer

The discussion section is where the results are discussed and interpreted in light of the research question and hypothesis. It's an important part of the lab report as it provides insight into the significance of the findings and how they relate to the bigger picture.

Question 2

Ideally, what will the title and abstract of a report help readers do?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, the title and abstract of a report help readers do the following:

1. **Understand the Main Topic**: The title provides a concise summary of the subject matter or the core topic of the report. It should be clear and specific enough to give readers an immediate understanding of what the report is about.

2. **Determine Relevance**: The abstract allows readers to quickly ascertain the report's relevance to their interests or research needs. By reading the abstract, they can decide whether the report contains information that is pertinent to their work or inquiry.

3. **Gauge the Scope**: The abstract should outline the scope of the report, including the research questions addressed, the methodology used, and the range of the study. This helps readers understand the depth and breadth of the content.

4. **Identify Key Findings**: A well-written abstract summarizes the key findings or conclusions of the report, allowing readers to grasp the outcomes of the research or analysis without having to read the entire document.

5. **Assess the Purpose**: The abstract often includes the purpose or objectives of the report, which helps readers understand the intent behind the research and the goals the authors aimed to achieve.

6. **Preview the Structure**: Sometimes, the abstract may hint at the structure of the report by mentioning the main sections or themes covered. This can prepare readers for how the information is organized and presented.

7. **Save Time**: By providing a succinct summary of the report's content, the title and abstract allow readers to quickly filter through large volumes of information, saving time and effort in finding the right resources.

8. **Set Expectations**: The title and abstract set the stage for the report, creating expectations for the kind of information and level of detail that will be provided. This helps readers mentally prepare for the content they are about to engage with.

In summary, the title and abstract serve as a snapshot of the report, offering a quick, yet comprehensive overview that enables readers to make informed decisions about whether to invest further time in reading the full document. They are essential tools for effective communication in the academic and professional world, where the efficient dissemination and retrieval of information are crucial.

Question 3

The discussion portion of a lab report is also called an analysis.

Accepted Answer

The discussion portion of a lab report is typically referred to as the analysis section, where the results are interpreted and conclusions are drawn based on the data collected.

Question 4

A written lab report is the primary evidence on which your audience will judge your credibility and skills as a researcher.

Accepted Answer

A written lab report is a crucial component of scientific research, as it provides a detailed description of the methods, data, and conclusions of an experiment. The report serves as a record of the researcher's work, and allows others to verify and build upon the findings. Therefore, the quality of the report directly reflects the researcher's credibility and skills as a researcher.

Question 5

In the context of a lab report, what does replicability mean?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of a lab report,...

Question 6

Science and engineering journals usually instruct authors to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide.

Accepted Answer

Science and engineering journals typically use the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide instead of MLA.

Question 7

Chapter 19 provides four guidelines for including equations in a lab report. One is to use an equation editor or write the equations by hand. What are the other three guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chapter 19 provides four guidelines for including...

Question 8

How familiar should you assume your audience will be with the particulars of your experiment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How familiar should you assume your audience...

Question 9

A descriptive abstract states the topics covered in the lab report but doesn't present important results or conclusions.

Accepted Answer

A descriptive abstract only provides an overview of the topics covered in the lab report, while an informative abstract provides important results and conclusions.

Question 10

Although a lab report is organized as a single cohesive argument, most readers probably will not read it in a linear fashion, from start to finish.

Accepted Answer

Most readers of a lab report will skim through it or jump to specific sections of interest, rather than reading it in a linear fashion from start to finish.

Question 11

If you consulted a source during your research but you did not cite it, you should leave the source out of your references list.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you consulted a source during your...

Question 12

What does prepublication permit an author to do and what is it designed to take advantage of?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does prepublication permit an author to...

Question 13

Which of the procedures you performed should you mention in the "Materials and Methods" section of your report?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the procedures you performed should...

Question 14

Why do scientists have a strong tradition of using the passive voice in lab reports?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do scientists have a strong tradition...

Question 15

According to Chapter 19, most lab reports consist of eight basic elements. One is the introduction. What are two other elements found in most lab reports?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Chapter 19, most lab reports...

Question 16

Scientific research does not entail persuasive writing; providing the facts established in an experiment is sufficient.

Accepted Answer

While providing factual information is crucial in scientific research, scientists often aim to persuade their peers that their findings are valid and important. This often entails using persuasive language and providing a convincing argument emphasizing the relevance and implications of the research.

Question 17

The acknowledgments section of a lab report is typically used to identify and thank people who have assisted the author during a study or in preparing the report. What is another typical use of the acknowledgments section?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The acknowledgments section of a lab report...

Question 18

You should write the sections of a lab report in the order in which they will appear in the report.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You should write the sections of a...

Question 19

In describing your methods, you might include a picture of the equipment in your lab as you used it.

Accepted Answer

Including a picture of the equipment in your lab as you used it can help readers better understand your methods and replicate your experiments.

Question 20

What are author guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are author guidelines?...

Quiz 19: Writing Lab Reports