How to Write a Scientific Paper in the Exercise Sciences

A well-written scientific paper achieves the following objectives:

• It establishes the foundation for the experiment and clearly states the experimental questions or hypotheses

• It explains the experimental design and the methodology that was used to conduct the experiment. 

• It explains the statistical procedures used to analyze the collected data.

• It presents the data or results in an organized and clear manner, often utilizing tables or figures to present the data.

• It explains the meaning of the results.  What have we learned from this experiment and what are the implications of these experimental findings.

In order to achieve these objectives, scientific papers MUST be written in a style that is exceedingly clear and concise. The purpose of a scientific manuscript is to inform other scientific readers about an important issue, to document the particular approach the used to investigate that issue, and to explain the significance of the experimental findings. If the paper is not written in a clear concise style, this purpose cannot be achieved.  Furthermore, correct grammar and spelling are fundamental to writing in a clear manner.  As such, scientists attempting to explain detailed, complex experiments in a concise fashion must have excellent English skills.  The most common style used in the exercise sciences is described in the Style Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA).   

In reading other scientific papers, you will have noticed that a standard format is frequently used. This format allows a researcher to present information clearly and concisely. For this class, you should prepare your paper in this accepted standard fashion.

The following sections should be included in your scientific manuscript.  Following the links for detailed discussion of the content of each section.

• Abstract

• Introduction

• Methodology

• Results

• Discussion

• References

In addition to reading the detailed information for each section, reading scientific papers will give you good ideas and guidance. All scientific manuscripts undergo a rigorous process of peer-review before publication and they can serve as useful models for your own writing.

Once, you understand the format, content and style of the scientific paper, great care must be used in the writing of the manuscript.  The following links provide useful material to aid you in the writing process.

Resources from the following web sites were used in the preparation of this document.

• http://classweb.gmu.edu/biologyresources/writingguide/ScientificPaper.htm

• http://www.humankinetics.com/JAB/journalSubmissions.cfm

• http://www.acsm-msse.org/

• http://www.apastyle.org/index.html