Course Contents

1. Introduction to scientific report writing 2. Types of scientific reports: • Synopsis 3. • Dissertation • Research Articles 4. Ethical and legal Standards in Publishing 5. • Ethical Reporting of Research Results • Ethics in right to authorship of research articles/ publications 6. • Data Retention and Sharing • Duplicate and Piecemeal Publication of Data • Plagiarism and Self-Plagiarism 7. • Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Research Participants 8. Manuscript Structure and Content • Manuscript Elements i. Title ii. Author’s Name (Byline) and Institutional Affiliation 9. iii. Author Note iv. Abstract v. Introduction vi. Method vii. Results 10. viii. Discussion ix. Multiple Experiments x. Reference xi. footnotes xii. Appendices and Supplemental Materials • Sample Papers 11. • Writing Clearly and Concisely • Reducing Bias in Language • Writing Style • Organization • Grammar and Usage 12. The Mechanics of Style 13. • Displaying results 14. Crediting source 15. • Reference examples • Examples by type • References to legal materials 16. • Publications process • Editorial process • Author responsibilities

Course Synopsis

Course Description: This course addresses students considering a scientific career in Psychology. The course provides a general overview rather than coaching students in writing a specific paper. The entire process of scientific writing and publishing will be covered. Although the course is of interest to various scientific fields, applications will be drawn from psychology. Objectives: • To teach students the logical thinking underlying the major genres of scientific writing (abstracts, proposals, and journal articles) and to introduce students to the general principles of writing scientific arguments • To introduce students to the rhetorical principles underlying the standard formats for the major genres of scientific writing • To teach students strategies for adapting standard formats to their own needs • To teach students the rhetorical principles underlying effective scientific style • To teach students the conventions of writing in the sciences, such as maintaining objectivity, using jargon, using the passive voice appropriately, handling equations, and integrating graphics into the text • To teach students to distinguish between good and bad scientific style • To strengthen students' ability to organize, draft, and revise their own work

Course Learning Outcomes

Students engage in original research or creative activity, closely guided by course instructor.