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How To Write a Scientific or Lab Report

A scientific report consists of an account of a test or experiment, of its findings, and of its conclusions.

What points should I bear in mind when writing a scientific report?

Before you can write the report, you must carry out the test or experiment accurately and you must record your results as you proceed. Here are some points to bear in mind:

• Make sure you understand the purpose of the test or experiment.
  
• If you are not familiar with the relevant theory, look it up before you start.
  
• Make sure you select appropriate equipment with reference to its accuracy, sensitivity and safety. Ensure you know how the equipment works, and then set it up in the most sensible way for you to make all the required measurements and observations.
  
• Carry out the test or experiment, recording every observation as you proceed. Ensure you observe and record accurately.
  
• Always record the units of measurement. All readings must be consistent, for example to two decimal places.
  
• There is no point in giving a reading of, say, 0.2317mm unless you have a good reason to believe that it lies somewhere between 0.231 and 0.232mm. If you do not have good reason to believe this, then record the result only to the degree of precision to which you have confidence – perhaps 0.23mm.
  
• Record the estimated limits of error. If a spring can measure with an accuracy of plus or minus 0.1mm, you should record this as, say, length of spring = 21.7 ± 0.1mm
• If you add a mass to the spring and re-measure, the error could be plus or minus 0.1mm on both figures; so record this as, say, change of length of spring = 14.9 ± 0.2mm
  
• Calculate the results and draw any necessary rough graphs in pencil. If the results are unreasonable or inconsistent (out of line), then make the tests again.
  
• Form a conclusion based on your accumulated evidence.
  
• Write the report.

What would be a suitable format for a scientific report?

This is the usual format for a scientific report:

1. 1. Name of class, group or department; experiment number; reference; date and time
   – The time is relevant only if it is likely to affect results (for example, was barometric pressure a factor?).
2. Title of experiment.
3. Summary (or Abstract or Synopsis) – A brief statement about the structure of the report; why the experiment was carried out; what you found, and the significance of what you found.
4. Contents page.
5. Introduction
   – Your purpose and scope.
   
6. Apparatus
   – A list of apparatus and details of its arrangements, with diagrams.
   
7. Circuit theory
   – Where applicable. A brief account of the theory underlying the experiment.
   
8. Method
   – A full and clear account of how the experiment was carried out.
   Write in the passive (A glass stopper was weighed).
   
9. Results (or Findings)
   – All your readings neatly tabulated with graphs neatly drawn. Give the estimated limits of error (see above). If necessary use appendixes.
   
10. Conclusion (or Discussion)
    – The inferences drawn from the results obtained (these results show . . .). Interpret results and explain their significance.
    – Could this experiment have been improved in some way? If so, explain why and how.
    
11. Appendixes
    – To support section 9, if necessary.