Scientific Report 2

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Results of a Scientific Report

The results of the study are either qualitative or quantitative. They should be discussed in an appropriate manner.

Qualitative or quantitative

If the results are quantitative, then statistical tests should be conducted.
Qualitative data should be thematically analysed (summarising data) or content analysed (categorising data).

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis is completed on the results to describe any patterns to support or negate the hypothesis.
There are two main types of statistical analysis: descriptive or inferential.

Descriptive statistics

Descriptive statistics refers to the measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation).
- Data such as this is going to be represented as tables, graphs or charts which concisely summarise the data and are easier to read.

Inferential statistics

Inferential statistical tests are completed to show how significant the results are.
Tests include Spearman’s rho, Pearson’s r, Wilcoxon test, sign test, t-tests and the Mann-Whitney test.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

Illustrative background for Why? ?? "content

Why?

The observed value, critical value and level of significance should all be stated in the results section.
Finally, the reason why the certain statistical tests were chosen should be discussed.
- For example, if the study was a repeated measures or matched pairs design, a t-test would be used.

Discussion in a Scientific Report

The discussion section should include several key things: an explanation of the data, the implications, the limitations, how the study relates to previous research and suggestions about further research.

Data

The results section quantifies the data.
Once the data is presented, the numbers should be analysed.
This is done in the results section.
The data needs to be explained in the context of previous research, the current study and the impacts on future studies.

Impact of results

Psychological studies often reflect real-life situations.
The discussion section should argue the extent to which the results impact real life.
- For example, if caffeine levels affect short-term memory recall, then schools/exam boards/student should be informed of such implications.

Limitations

There is no such thing as a perfect study.
All studies done will have certain limitations - either due to logistics, finances or the nature of the study.
These problems should be discussed.
For the benefit of future scientists who may want to replicate the study, modifications for improvement can be provided.

Comparison

A scientific report starts off with the introduction which describes the background research previously done.
In the discussion section, the researchers should connect their study to the previous work.
Data should be compared - do the results support or negate previous studies?

Forward-looking

Lastly, the discussion is sort of like the reverse of the introduction.
Rather than discussing the background of the study (introduction), the discussion looks forward.
The discussion should include suggestions of what further research should be done.

References and Appendices

The references and appendices come at the end of a scientific report.

References

All books, studies, articles, websites, etc. that have been used to conduct the study must be referenced.
It is crucial in science to properly reference previous works and ideas of other scientists.

Formatting

The references follow a strict format (usually depending on the scientific journal’s guidelines).
But most follow a general rule of thumb of alphabetical order by the lead scientist’s surname.

Appendices

At last, the final section of any report is the appendices.
The appendices can include the questionnaires, survey questions, interview transcripts, apparatus diagrams, etc.
As well, raw (unanalysed) data and the statistical test calculations are here.

Importance

These can be important for peer review so other scientists can verify the validity of the findings.
The purpose is to not clutter the initial report but to provide other scientists' materials for repeat studies.

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.1.1Atomic Model

1.1.2Electron Shells, Sub-Shells & Orbitals

1.1.3Ionic Bonding

1.1.4Representing Ionic Bonds

1.1.5Covalent Bonding

1.1.6Representing Covalent Bonds

1.1.7Metallic Bonding

1.1.8Intermolecular Forces

1.1.9Intermolecular Forces 2

1.1.10End of Topic Test - Bonding

1.1.11Relative Masses

1.1.12The Mole

1.1.13Molar Calculations

1.1.14Molar Calculations 2

1.1.15Empirical & Molecular Formulae

1.1.16Balanced Equations

1.1.17Percentage Yield

1.1.18End of Topic Test - Amount of Substance

1.2Properties of Substances

1.2.1The Periodic Table

1.2.2Ionisation Energy

1.2.3Factors Affecting Ionisation Energies

1.2.4Trends of Ionisation

1.2.5Trends in the Periodic Table

1.2.6Polarity

1.2.7Metals & Non-Metals

1.2.8Alkali Metals

1.2.9Alkaline Earth Metals

1.2.10Reactivity of Alkaline Earth Metals

1.2.11Redox

1.2.12Transition Metals

1.2.13Redox Reactions of Transition Metals

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.3.1Introduction to Cells

1.3.2Prokaryotes

1.3.3Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells

1.3.4Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells 2

1.3.5Organelles in Plant Cells

1.3.6Microscopy

1.3.7End of Topic Test - Cell Structure

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.4.1Cell Specialisation

1.4.2Blood Cells

1.4.3Plant Cells

1.4.4Gametes

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.5.1Human Gas Exchange

1.5.2Blood Vessels

1.5.3Atherosclerosis

1.5.4Skeletal Muscle

1.5.5Slow & Fast Twitch Fibres

1.5.6Neurones

1.5.7Speed of Transmission

1.5.8Action Potentials

1.5.9End of Topic Test - Neurones & Action Potentials

1.5.10Synapses

1.5.11Types of Synapse

1.5.12Medical Application

1.5.13End of Topic Test - Synapses

1.5.14Chemical Brain Imbalances

1.5.15Effect of Drugs on the Brain

1.6Working with Waves

1.6.1Progressive Waves

1.6.2Wave Speed & Phase Difference

1.6.3Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

1.6.4Stationary Waves

1.6.5Stationary Waves 2

1.6.6Applications of Stationary Waves

1.6.7Interference

1.6.8Diffraction

1.6.9Diffraction Gratings

1.6.10Application of Diffraction Gratings

1.7Waves in Communication

1.7.1Refraction at a Plane Surface

1.7.2Internal Reflection & Fibre Optics

1.7.3Applications of Total Internal Reflection

1.7.4Properties

1.7.5Gamma, X-Ray & UV Light

1.7.6Visible Light

1.7.7Infrared, Microwave & Radio Waves

1.7.8Intensity

1.7.9Digital & Analogue Signals

1.7.10Communication Channels

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

2.1Titration

2.1.1pH Curves & Titrations

2.1.2pH Curves & Titrations 2

2.1.3Buffer Solutions

2.2Colorimetry

2.2.1Measuring Rates

2.2.2Beer-Lambert Law

2.3Chromatography

2.3.1Overview of Chromatography

2.3.2Thin-Layer Chromatography

2.3.3Column Chromatography

2.3.4Gas Chromatography

3Science Investigation Skills

3.1Scientific Processes

3.1.1Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling

3.1.2Pilot Studies & Design

3.1.3Ethics

3.1.4Variables & Control

3.1.5Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects

3.1.6Features of Science

3.1.7Scientific Report

3.1.8Scientific Report 2

3.2Data Handling & Analysis

3.2.1Types of Data

3.2.2Descriptive Statistics

3.2.3Presentation & Display of Data

3.3Enzymes in Action

3.3.1Overview of Protein Structure

3.3.2Enzymes

3.3.3Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

3.3.4Enzyme-Controlled Reactions

3.4Diffusion

3.4.1Diffusion

3.5Plants & Their Environment

3.5.1Factors Affecting Plant Growth

3.5.2Measuring Number & Distribution of Species

3.6Energy Content in Fuels

3.6.1Fractions

3.6.2Burning Hydrocarbons

3.6.3Combustion

3.6.4Energy

3.6.5Energy at Home

3.6.6Calorimetry

3.7Electrical Circuits

3.7.1Circuit Diagrams & Components

3.7.2Diodes, LDRs & Thermistors

3.7.3Resistance

3.7.4Electrical Work

3.7.5Ohm's Law

3.7.6Domestic Uses of Electricity

3.7.7Fuses

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.1.1Atom Economy

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.2.1Group 2 Chemistry

4.2.2End of Topic Test - Group 2

4.2.3Electrolysis

4.2.4Electrolysis Examples

4.2.5Extracting Metals

4.2.6Transition Metals

4.2.7Variable Oxidation States

4.2.8Heterogeneous Catalysts

4.2.9Homogeneous Catalysts

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.3.1Naming Compounds

4.3.2Functional Groups

4.3.3Isomerism

4.3.4Hydrocarbons

4.3.5Structure of Alkanes

4.3.6Boiling Points of Alkanes

4.3.7Alkenes

4.3.8Curly Arrows & Mechanisms

4.3.9Cracking

4.3.10Combustion

4.3.11Free Radical Substitution of Alkanes

4.3.12Electrophilic Addition of Alkenes

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.4.1The Kelvin Scale

4.4.2Enthalpy Changes

4.4.3Calorimetry

4.4.4Bond Enthalpies

4.4.5Hess' Law

4.5The Circulatory System

4.5.1The Circulatory System

4.5.2Blood Vessels

4.5.3Blood Transfusion & the ABO Rhesus System

4.5.4The Heart

4.5.5The Cardiac Cycle

4.5.6Cardiac Output

4.5.7Coordination of Heart Action

4.5.8Heart Dissection

4.5.9Controlling Heart Rate

4.5.10Electrocardiograms

4.5.11Cardiovascular Disease

4.5.12Investigating Heart Rates

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.6.1Human Gas Exchange

4.6.2Ventilation

4.6.3Measuring Gas Exchange

4.6.4Controlling Ventilation Rate

4.6.5Lung Disease

4.6.6Lung Disease Data

4.7Urinary System

4.7.1Kidneys & Control of Water Balance

4.7.2Kidneys & Osmoregulation

4.7.3Kidneys & Blood Pressure

4.7.4Urine

4.7.5Kidney Failure & Urinalysis

4.7.6Dialysis

4.7.7Transplants

4.8Cell Transport

4.8.1Cell Membrane Structure

4.8.2Diffusion

4.8.3Osmosis

4.8.4Active Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.9.1Power & Efficiency

4.9.2Work & Energy

4.9.3Conservation of Energy

4.9.4Pressure

4.9.5First Law of Thermodynamics

4.9.6Second Law of Thermodynamics

4.9.7Heat Engines, Heat Pumps & Refrigerators

4.9.8Non-Flow Processes

4.9.9p-V Diagrams

4.9.10Ideal Gases

4.9.11Ideal Gases 2

4.9.12Thermal Energy Transfer

4.9.13Thermal Energy Transfer Experiments

4.10Materials

4.10.1Density

4.10.2Stress & Strain

4.10.3Properties of Materials

4.10.4Elasticity

4.10.5Plasticity

4.10.6Energy in Materials

4.10.7Young Modulus

4.11Fluids

4.11.1Fluid Flow

4.11.2Viscosity

4.11.3Density

4.11.4Continuity Equation

4.11.5Bernoulli's Equation

4.11.6Non-Newtonian Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

5.1Contemporary Issues in Science

5.1.1Sustainability

5.1.2Genetic Engineering

5.1.3Uses of Genetic Modification

5.1.4Stem Cell Therapy

5.1.5Cloning

5.1.6Cloning 2

5.1.7Nanotechnology

5.1.8Ecosystems

5.2Analysing Scientific Information

5.2.1Validity

5.2.2Peer Review

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