SCIENTIFIC WRITINGSChoosing a topic and finding sources

PEER REVIEW = QUALITY CONTROL All articles published in scientific articles go

through a peer review process. Other scientists check the work that is to be

published for errors in data, and incorrect conclusions.

This ensures that the information presented in these journals can be trusted

This is not the case for internet sources, magazine articles, or books.

TYPES OF LITERATURE Primary Literature- original publication

describing a particular finding/event Generally, more technical writing Presents original data

Secondary Literature- Overview of primary sources Can be easier to understand Summarizes current knowledge

GROUND RULES FOR SOURCES Must be from a peer reviewed journal. You must read and understand the entire

article.

TIPS FOR PICKING A TOPIC Choose something that interests you Start your searches general, then work on

finding a more specific topic Look for a literature review to start

Reading a summary of current knowledge will improve your understanding of the topic.