Tuesday, July 22, 2008

How to write the Introduction by R. A. Day

"The purpose of the Introduction should be to supply sufficient background information to allow the reader to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without needing to refer to previous publications on the topic. The Introduction should also provide the rationale for the present study. Choose references carefully to provide the most salient background rather than an exhaustive review of the topic."

Rules:
1. It should present first, with all possible clarity, the nature and scope of the problem investigated
2. To orient the reader, the pertinent literature should be reviewed
3. The method of investigation should be stated
4. The principal results of the investigation should be stated

"If the problem is not stated in a reasonable, understandable way, readers will have no interest in your solution. Even if the reader labours through your paper, which is unlikely if you haven't presented the problem in a meaningful way, he will be unimpressed by the brillance of your solution."

"The lit review and choice of method should be presented in such a way that the reader will understand what the problem was and how you attempted to resolve it."

Monday, July 21, 2008

What to write in a discussion?

Again, taken from R. A. Day's book.

Components of the Discussion:
1. Try to present the principles, relationships, and generalizations showed by the Results. And bear in mind, in a good Discussion, you discuss; do not recapitulate the Results.
2. Point out any exceptions or any lack of correlation, and define unsettled points.
3. Show how your results and interpretations agree (or contrast) with previously published work.
4. Don't be shy; discuss the theoretical implications of your work, as well as any possible practical applications.
5. State your conclusion, as clearly as possible.
6. Summarize your evidence for each conclusion.

Show the relationship between observed facts.

Significance of the work must be stated.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Mad rush to clear algal bloom before Olympics in Beijing



Looks like it'll be quite awhile before the ecologists/biologists get out of job! Haha. :) Ops! So what do we have here? A problem with the food chain/web? Or a problem with pollution? But surely a problem of national pride as the water sports cannot go on with this mesh of protista not get cleared!

I don't know. I find this hilarious! Ops once again.