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Format for Lab Papers

 

q       Abstract

o       A 1-4 sentence BRIEF summary of your experiment and a summary of your findings.  This is the first part of your report, but should be written last.

 

q       Introduction:

o       A longer, in depth discussion regarding the purpose, hypothesis, experimental apparatus, or any other aspect of the exercise.  If a hypothesis is proposed, it must be addressed in the discussion section.

 

q       Procedure:

o       A concise description on how the experiment was done.  A materials list is unnecessary, unless a specific material or apparatus was used.  Assume that your reader has some competency and would know how to conduct common tests.

 

q       Results:

o       A simple listing of the data recorded.  Data tables and graphs should be located here.  Do not analyze your data here.

 

q       Discussion:

o       Here comes your analysis of your findings.  Report here what your findings showed you.  If you were trying to prove/disprove a hypothesis, report your conclusions here.  If you were simply trying to establish a value for some unknown report it here.  Also, address any concerns you have about the validity of your results here, and how they can be addressed

 

q       Bibliography:

o       A listing of all your sources should go here.