Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words

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Second Edition By: David Lindsay

eBook - May 2020 - eRetailers

Helps researchers to clarify the objectives of their work and present their results with impact.

Telling people about research is just as important as doing it. But many competent researchers are wary of scientific writing, despite its importance for sharpening scientific thinking, advancing their career, obtaining funding for their work and growing the prestige of their institution. + Full description

This second edition of David Lindsay’s popular book Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words presents a way of thinking about writing that builds on the way good scientists think about research. The simple principles in this book will help you to clarify the objectives of your work and present your results with impact. Fully updated throughout, with practical examples of good and bad writing, an expanded chapter on writing for non-scientists and a new chapter on writing grant applications, this book makes communicating research easier and encourages researchers to write confidently.

It is an ideal reference for researchers preparing journal articles, posters, conference presentations, reviews and popular articles; for students preparing theses; and for researchers whose first language is not English.

- Short description

Reviews

"The strength of this book is in its simple, clear and concise use of the English language, which sets the example for those learning from reading it to follow."
Graham R. Fulton, Pacific Conservation Biology, 27(1), 2020

"As an early-career researcher, I have often felt daunted with the task of writing up a scientific paper, reading this book has given me more confidence in my writing. I will certainly be using this book as a guide to follow for future articles I write. I wish I had read it sooner."
Laetitia Guntoni, AMSA Bulletin #207, December 2020

Details

Features

Makes it easy to understand what goes where in scientific publications and, equally importantly, why
Reinforces principles with examples of good and bad writing
Addresses new issues for publishing, including open access and predatory journals
Emphasises writing effectively in other media that scientists must use, including conference papers, posters, theses, reviews, popular articles and grant applications
Explains the principles behind writing and how it affects readers rather than proposing recipes for good writing

Preface to first edition
Preface to second edition

SECTION 1: Thinking about your writing
Chapter 1: A matter of attitude
Chapter 2: The fundamentals of building the scientific article

SECTION 2: Writing about your thinking
Chapter 3: The Title
Chapter 4: The Introduction
Chapter 5: The Materials and Methods
Chapter 6: The Results
Chapter 7: The Discussion
Chapter 8: The Summary or Abstract
Chapter 9: The other bits

SECTION 3: Editing for readability and style
Chapter 10: Eliminating verbal stumbling blocks
Chapter 11: Improving readability
Chapter 12: Submitting and revising

SECTION 4: Thinking and writing beyond the scientific article
Chapter 13: Oral presentations
Chapter 14: Posters
Chapter 15: Literature reviews
Chapter 16: Theses
Chapter 17: Articles for non-scientists
Chapter 18: Grant proposals

Index

Authors

David Lindsay was a researcher and teacher in animal biology and behaviour at The University of Western Australia for 33 years. He initiated formal studies in writing for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Now retired from active research, he teaches scientific writing to scientists all over the world.