How To Write A Lab Report (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

• No quotes: PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

• Use the word “significant” ONLY when referring to something that was statistically

significant (p<0.05). Otherwise, you can talk about “trends” in the data.

• Do not use the words “success” or “failure” to describe your hypothesis or experiment.

Introduction: Pechnik, Ch. 6, 9

• Think of the introduction as a “conceptual funnel” moving from large concepts

(background information and previous studies) to specific details (your question,

hypothesis, prediction).

• Begin with several sentences of background information (not a statement describing

your specific experiment).

o You should have at least one appropriate citation (lab manual, textbook, etc.) for

your background information.

o Some professors require more depending on your experiment

• Describe at least one scientific study that relates to your study. This study should be

found in a scientific journal. In a few sentences, describe the study conducted, results,

and conclusions. CITE THE STUDY.

• Provide a brief justification for your project. The previously published scientific study

that you just cited should be similar to your study and will help you refine the

significance of your project.

• State your specific research question.

• State your hypothesis (first) and prediction (second)

o Hypothesis format example:

 XXX will influence YYY

 We hypothesize that sugar content will influence choice of foods fed

upon.

o Predication format examples:

 IF, THEN statement: If sugar content influences food choice, then high

sugar foods will be fed upon more frequently than low sugar foods.

 We predict that foods with higher sugar contents will be fed upon more

frequently than foods with lower sugar contents.

o When you make a prediction that involves a comparison, remember to add the

second part of the comparison.

 We predict that foods with higher sugar contents will be fed upon more

frequently than foods with lower sugar contents.

Materials and Methods: Pechnik, Ch. 6, 9

• Do not list materials (they will appear as you write how you performed your experiment

or study)

• Write in PAST TENSE

• Include how you performed experiment, what you measured, length of study, sample

size, type of statistical test you used to analyze your date, etc.

How To Write A Lab Report Page 2