The subtleties of scientific writing

Evaluation of observational research reports published in Turkish nursing journals

“…In addition, authors are expected to express their opinions about their studies as a whole, to explain the meaning and importance of findings and underlying mechanisms, to compare study results with those from the literature by using a sufficient number of sources, to discuss sources of bias and limitations, strengths and weaknesses of their studies, and to report what should be done in the future (Davidson et al. ; Jenicek ; Polton & Grant ).…”

“…It is expected that findings should be interpreted in discussion sections in the light of the evidence available in the literature and that after incorporating the new knowledge obtained, the research problem presented at the beginning of the report should be understood and presented again by synthesizing it in the light of expert opinions and the literature (Akhgari et al 2010;Bates College 2013). In addition, authors are expected to express their opinions about their studies as a whole, to explain the meaning and importance of findings and underlying mechanisms, to compare study results with those from the literature by using a sufficient number of sources, to discuss sources of bias and limitations, strengths and weaknesses of their studies, and to report what should be done in the future (Davidson et al 2012;Jenicek 2006;Polton & Grant 2012).…”

Writing a Properly Structured and Well Developed Research Article

“…The function of the title is not only to inform but also to serve as a "hook" to catch the readers' attention (Polton and Grant, 2012). Scientists search the scientific literature by scanning many titles, screening several abstracts, and reading a few articles.…”

“…An editorial in Journal of Small Animal Practice (Polton and Grant, 2012) states that the introduction "requires a comprehensive review of the published literature pertinent to the current subject". As becomes clear from subsequent text in that editorial, this statement means that a comprehensive review should be undertaken before writing the introduction, something with which I agree fully.…”

Scientific writing – following guidelines

“…The BSAVA and its official journal, The Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), have an ongoing aim to encourage colleagues in general practice to remain actively involved in clinical research. Last year at the 2012 BSAVA Congress, there was a JSAP sponsored presentation about writing for publication that was accompanied by an editorial on scientific writing (Polton & Grant ). The lecture was well attended and the guidelines for scientific writing were so well received that a similar presentation will be made at this year's BSAVA Congress.…”