In all scientific writing there are some basic rules to abide by with regards to the formal disposition of the material you want to present. Rules for the graphical appearance, what reference system should be used etc. can vary between different universities and also between institutions in the same organization. Below you will find some general rules.
Abstract
An abstract should give a compressed summary of the text. It should be short and informative to arouse interest. Key words can contribute to the possibility of retrieving the document, i.e. in a database. Key words also help to give a clear picture of the contents quickly. An abstract should summarize the work in such a way that it can be read separately and give a good picture of the work. The abstract is written in the same language as the work itself. If the work is in Swedish it is appropriate to add an English abstract as well. In an abstract the following features should be presented – aim, method, conclusion and key words.
Preface
A preface is not necessary, it can be omitted. If you do provide your work with a preface this should be used to tell in short why you have written the work in question. Here you can also thank the persons who in one way or another have contributed to making it possible for you to carry your work through.
Table of contents
A table of contents should be a guide for the reader to become oriented in the work. It is good to number main categories and sub categories in a clear manner. With this the reader has a clear picture of the disposition and also a possible relative hierarchical order between the categories. Do not forget to state page numbers in the table of contents! Also remember to include abstract, bibliography and appendices!
Introduction
In the introduction the aim of the work is presented in summary. The reader is informed about the problems you have tried to answer. By presenting background facts here, you give the reader the opportunity to quickly learn about the problem. Previous research on the topic is also presented here. Hypotheses are presented and delimitations are made. Here you can also give a brief account of the structure of the paper. In the introduction you have the chance to show that your research is interesting and to inspire the reader to continue reading the paper. This is also the place to account for your information searches and choice of literature.
The main part
The main part is the biggest part of your work and here you describe the method you have used and account for your results. The description of the method(s) should be so accurate and detailed that the course of the work process should be possible to repeat. You must describe experiments you have made in such detail that someone else could repeat them. You must be able to motivate the assumptions you have made and you should also discuss uncertainties. If you choose to present your results in tables, diagrams or figures they should be accompanied by explanatory texts. Also remember to divide the text with subheadings. This makes it easier for the reader to get a better grasp of the material.
Discussion
In the discussion the reader of your work should get the feeling that what was presented in the introduction has been achieved. Here you can also compare your work to previous research.
References and quotations
All documents mentioned in the paper should be included in the bibliography so that the reader can go back to the source. There should be complete references to all documents and quotations here. It is important that the reader can become acquainted with the subject quickly and to examine the objective content. Remember to always account for what are quotes from others as opposed to what are your own thoughts and conclusions. If there are no such references the reader assumes that they are the author’s own thoughts. There are many different systems for writing references. Check which system is used in your institution and what rules apply for that system.
Anne-Marie Pettersson
2005-06-20
