IMRAD Template

“IMRAD Template A plan to work through writing reports for Scientific Research Section Scientific Method Step As Well As… Introduction States your hypothesis Gives purpose of the experiment Methods Details how you tested your hypothesis Clarifies why you performed your study in that particular way Results Provides raw (uninterpreted) data collected Express data in text or table form, as an easy-to-read figure, or as percentages/ratios Discussion Considers whether the data you obtained support the hypothesis Explores the implications of your findings and judges the potential limitations of your design Before you begin any writing turn to your lab partner and review these questions… What did we do in the lab (what was the procedure)? Why did we do it that way? What did we hope to learn from the experiment? STEP 1 – INTRODUCTION: Purpose: What were you trying to learn/understand? Write your purpose: Hypothesis: Independent Variable: (X) Dependent Variable: (Y) Some ideas for your wording: “It was hypothesized that _______________ I.V. ___________________ the _____________D.V. ____________.” “If ______________I.V.________________, then _____________ D.V. ___________________will happen.” “If ______________, then ____________________, because ___________________.” Write your hypothesis: Identification of Control: STEP 2 – METHODS For the template write out all the steps/actions you took to conduct and complete the experiment in chronological order. Eventually you will take the list and write it out in paragraphs. Step/Action *Variables held constant Rationale * Some steps/actions warrant explanation because they are unique to this experiment, while others will need no explanation. (Use the back of this sheet if necessary) Reminder: When writing the methods section of your report, it will be a chronological narrative, which uses passive voice. Passive Voice Tips: To use passive voice, avoid pronouns such as “we” or “I,” and try beginning your sentences with the subject (noun) of the experiment. Active: “We filled the test tubes with the solution.” Passive: “Test tubes were filled with the solution”, or “The solution was poured into the test tubes.” Practice writing two of your steps using passive voice. Step 1: Step 2: STEP 3 – RESULTS While looking over your results collected, think about what trends emerged or what findings you made. Specifically look for data, which relates significantly to the hypothesis. Report the facts. 1. ** Circle what you are using** Describe the results obtained Line Graph Bar Graph Table Diagram Histogram Pie Graph Picture 2. ** Circle what you are using** Describe the results obtained Line Graph Bar Graph Table Diagram Histogram Pie Graph Picture 3. ** Circle what you are using** Describe the results obtained Line Graph Bar Graph Table Diagram Histogram Pie Graph Picture 4. ** Circle what you are using** Describe the results obtained Line Graph Bar Graph Table Diagram Histogram Pie Graph Picture ** In addition, for each table, visual, or figure used in the results section of the report, you will need to provide a short paragraph, generally just a few lines, that describes the results obtained in the experiment. STEP 4 – DISCUSSION In this section of the report explain if the data supports the hypothesis. Acknowledge any anomalies from what was expected. Make conclusions, based on findings in the experiment, about the process studied. Does the data collected support the hypothesis? ** Mention the independent and dependent variables again as you did in the hypothesis. ** Refer to lab journal notes (summary) “The hypothesis ___________________________________ was (or was not) supported/suggested by . . . “ “The results indicate/suggest that . . . “ Were there any anomalies from what was expected? Any exceptions that need to be taken into consideration? Were there weaknesses in the experiment? If yes, how would you change your procedures to eliminate or limit the effects of the weakness? What is your conclusion based on your findings? What can you rationally say about your findings and the experiment? Write your response below, using “qualifying words and phrases” (words that allow for some ambiguity) such as suggest, indicate, possibly, challenge. “