17
1. The scientific method
www
5.4.
Introduction
The introduction gives a description of the subject of the research and explains why
the author decided to study it. The introduction also needs to include:
❚
The purpose of the research: the
question
or questions we want to answer.
❚
The
objectives
of the research.
❚
The
hypothesis
we want to test and why we think it is correct.
5.5.
Methodology
The methodology is a detailed description of the experiments carried out and the
work done, so that they can be repeated. First, we describe the materials used.
In our project, for example: the number of beans, the number of glasses and if
they were transparent or not. Next, we give a step-by-step description of how the
experiments were carried out: how many beans in each glass and the amount of
water added.
5.6.
Results
The results are presented in data tables, graphs, charts or images. Then the results
are analysed and commented on. In our project, we will include the graph on page
14 and an analysis of the differences and similarities observed in the germination
and growth of the three beans.
5.7.
Conclusion
Based on the results, we write the conclusions of the work and evaluate the
hypothesis.
❚
If we conclude that the
hypothesis is true
, we can extract general conclusions
that apply to similar projects and new ideas for new investigations.
❚
If the
hypothesis isn’t true
, we need to find what didn’t work and formulate a
new hypothesis or a new methodology.
5.8.
Bibliography
The bibliography lists all the materials consulted for the research. We include full
Internet addresses of the web pages. If the information is from textbooks or scientific
journal, we include the authors, title of publication, date and publishing house.
ANDERSON, Donald T.
Invertebrate zoology.
Oxford University Press, 1991.
GOLDSMITH, Timothy H. What do birds see?
Research and science
, 360: 60-67, september
2006.
Two examples of bibliographic citations
Understand
15.
Compare a research project paper and a scientific article. Make a list
of the similarities and differences.
Key concept
❚
A research project paper is
a scientific report explaining
the work and conclusions of
the project. It allows other
investigators to know about
the research.
