how to write lab report results

Bhandari, P. (2022, July 15). How To Write A Lab Report | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/lab-report/

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Writing a Scientific Paper: RESULTS

Writing a "good" results section

This is the core of the paper. Don't start the results sections with methods you left out of the Materials and Methods section. You need to give an overall description of the experiments and present the data you found.

Goals: • Factual statements supported by evidence. Short and sweet without excess words • Present representative data rather than endlessly repetitive data • Discuss variables only if they had an effect (positive or negative) • Use meaningful statistics • Avoid redundancy. If it is in the tables or captions you may not need to repeat it

Figures and Captions in Lab Reports

A short article by Dr. Brett Couch and Dr. Deena Wassenberg, Biology Program, University of Minnesota

"Results Checklist" from: How to Write a Good Scientific Paper. Chris A. Mack. SPIE. 2018.

Present the results of the paper, in logical order, using tables and graphs as necessary.

Explain the results and show how they help to answer the research questions posed in the Introduction. Evidence does not explain itself; the results must be presented and then explained.

Avoid: presenting results that are never discussed; presenting results in chronological order rather than logical order; ignoring results that do not support the conclusions;

Additional Tips for Results Sections

From: https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/imrad-results-discussion

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How to Write a Lab Report

Lab reports describe your experiment.

Lab reports are an essential part of all laboratory courses and usually a significant part of your grade. If your instructor gives you an outline for how to write a lab report, use that. Some instructors require a lab report to be included in a lab notebook , while others will request a separate report. Here's a format for a lab report you can use if you aren't sure what to write or need an explanation of what to include in the different parts of the report.

A lab report is how you explain what you did in your experiment, what you learned, and what the results meant.

Lab Report Essentials

Not all lab reports have title pages, but if your instructor wants one, it would be a single page that states:

The title says what you did. It should be brief (aim for ten words or less) and describe the main point of the experiment or investigation. An example of a title would be: "Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Borax Crystal Growth Rate". If you can, begin your title using a keyword rather than an article like "The" or "A".

Introduction or Purpose

Usually, the introduction is one paragraph that explains the objectives or purpose of the lab. In one sentence, state the hypothesis. Sometimes an introduction may contain background information, briefly summarize how the experiment was performed, state the findings of the experiment, and list the conclusions of the investigation. Even if you don't write a whole introduction, you need to state the purpose of the experiment, or why you did it. This would be where you state your hypothesis .

List everything needed to complete your experiment.

Describe the steps you completed during your investigation. This is your procedure. Be sufficiently detailed that anyone could read this section and duplicate your experiment. Write it as if you were giving direction for someone else to do the lab. It may be helpful to provide a figure to diagram your experimental setup.

Numerical data obtained from your procedure usually presented as a table. Data encompasses what you recorded when you conducted the experiment. It's just the facts, not any interpretation of what they mean.

Describe in words what the data means. Sometimes the Results section is combined with the Discussion.

Discussion or Analysis

The Data section contains numbers; the Analysis section contains any calculations you made based on those numbers. This is where you interpret the data and determine whether or not a hypothesis was accepted. This is also where you would discuss any mistakes you might have made while conducting the investigation. You may wish to describe ways the study might have been improved.

Conclusions

Most of the time the conclusion is a single paragraph that sums up what happened in the experiment, whether your hypothesis was accepted or rejected, and what this means.

Figures and Graphs

Graphs and figures must both be labeled with a descriptive title. Label the axes on a graph, being sure to include units of measurement. The independent variable is on the X-axis, the dependent variable (the one you are measuring) is on the Y-axis. Be sure to refer to figures and graphs in the text of your report: the first figure is Figure 1, the second figure is Figure 2, etc.

If your research was based on someone else's work or if you cited facts that require documentation, then you should list these references.

Watch Now: Future Chemistry Classes Could Be In a Virtual Lab

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Lab Report Writing

Results Section

Figures and tables, test yourself (figure title).

Discussion/Conclusion

You've given an introduction to the topic you studied and you've told the reader how you did your study, so you can finally start talking about the results of all your hard work! Use the Results section to summarize the findings of your study. The text of this section should focus on the major trends in the data you collected. The details can be summarized in tables and/or graphs that will accompany the text. In this section, just tell the reader the facts. Don't try to interpret the data or talk about why they are important. Save your interpretations for the Discussion/Conclusion section.

One of the best ways to represent the results of your study is by using graphs and tables (in lab reports, graphs and other images are usually known as "figures"). This is because they are easy to read and convey a lot of information to the reader in an efficient way. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when including tables and figures in your lab report:

Any time you include a figure or table, you must mention it in the text, usually in the Results section. There are two ways to cite your figure or table in the text:

The following figure is from the bone fracture paper, showing how many men sustained bone fractures during the course of the study. Note how both axes are labeled, and there is a proper title underneath.

Figure 1. Cumulative Number of Hip Fractures and Fractures of any Type after Study Entry at Age 50 y and during Follow-up

Now compare the graph above to the table below. Notice how the table is arranged into rows and columns and is only composed of text.

Table 2. Hazard Ratios (HRs) of Hip Fractures and any Type of Fracture Associated with Time-Dependent Physical Activity Level in Leisure Time

Imagine you did an experiment in which you taught tricks to a group of dogs. Which of the following is the best example of a title for a graph in your lab report based on this experiment?

a. Average number of tricks performed by dogs after 3 weeks of training b. Figure 1. Number of tricks c. Figure 1. Average number of tricks performed by dogs after 3 weeks of training d. Table 1. Average number of tricks performed by dogs after 3 weeks of training

C A graph should be labeled as a Figure, not a Table. The title of the figure should include enough detail that the image could "stand alone" without having to read too much of the paper.

Click on the question, to see the answer.

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Writing a Lab Report: Introduction and Discussion Section Guide

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Writing a Lab Report Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Part 1 (of 2): Introducing a Lab Report

The introduction of a lab report states the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background information. State the topic of your report clearly and concisely (in one or two sentences). Provide background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader should know. Usually, an instructor does not want you to repeat whatever the lab manual says, but to show your understanding of the problem.

Questions an Effective Lab Report Introduction Should Answer

What is the problem.

Describe the problem investigated. Summarize relevant research to provide context, key terms, and concepts so that your reader can understand the experiment.

Why is it important?

Review relevant research to provide a rationale for the investigation. What conflict, unanswered question, untested population, or untried method in existing research does your experiment address? How will you challenge or extend the findings of other researchers?

What solution (or step toward a solution) do you propose?

Briefly describe your experiment : hypothesis , research question , general experimental design or method , and a justification of your method (if alternatives exist).

Tips on Composing Your Lab Report’s Introduction

Part 2 (of 2): Writing the “Discussion” Section of a Lab Report

The discussion is the most important part of your lab report, because here you show that you have not merely completed the experiment, but that you also understand its wider implications. The discussion section is reserved for putting experimental results in the context of the larger theory. Ask yourself: “What is the significance or meaning of the results?”

Elements of an Effective Discussion Section

What do the results indicate clearly? Based on your results, explain what you know with certainty and draw conclusions.

Interpretation

What is the significance of your results? What ambiguities exist? What are logical explanations for problems in the data? What questions might you raise about the methods used or the validity of the experiment? What can be logically deduced from your analysis?

Tips on the Discussion Section

1. explain your results in terms of theoretical issues..

How well has the theory been illustrated? What are the theoretical implications and practical applications of your results?

For each major result:

2. Relate results to your experimental objective(s).

If you set out to identify an unknown metal by finding its lattice parameter and its atomic structure, be sure that you have identified the metal and its attributes.

3. Compare expected results with those obtained.

If there were differences, how can you account for them? Were the instruments able to measure precisely? Was the sample contaminated? Did calculated values take account of friction?

4. Analyze experimental error along with the strengths and limitations of the experiment’s design.

Were any errors avoidable? Were they the result of equipment? If the flaws resulted from the experiment design, explain how the design might be improved. Consider, as well, the precision of the instruments that were used.

5. Compare your results to similar investigations.

In some cases, it is legitimate to compare outcomes with classmates, not in order to change your answer, but in order to look for and to account for or analyze any anomalies between the groups. Also, consider comparing your results to published scientific literature on the topic.

The “Introducing a Lab Report” guide was adapted from the University of Toronto Engineering Communications Centre and University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.

The “Writing the Discussion Section of a Lab Report” resource was adapted from the University of Toronto Engineering Communications Centre and University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 02/2021

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

How to Write the Results Section of a Lab Report

The results section of a lab report is one of the sections in your paper that will be most scrutinized. If you are looking to separate yourself from other students in your class, take care in developing this portion. A common mistake among younger students is writing too much information at once. Keep in mind that you are not writing a dissertation. Rather, you are trying to explain to the reader what happened in the lab so that they may either reproduce your results or better understand your conclusions.

What is the Results Section in a Lab Report?

The results section of the lab report is the section in which you show the findings of the experiment. In this portion of your paper, you will be reporting the number of trials performed and the outcome of the trials.

The result section should not be confused with the discussion section. The results section shows the outcomes of the experiments carried out, while the discussion section focuses on your interpretation of the experiment.

Parts of the Results Section in a Lab Report

The results section in your lab report will typically consist of the following four parts:

1. The first thing you will want to do is to correctly identify which part of the experiment these results correspond to. If you are using data from more than one condition, make sure that you label each set of results.

2. Describe the methods used to carry out the experiment and summarize what you did in a few sentences. This is where your lab manual will come into play. It should be clear from the text of this section as well as your graphs and results in the table if you followed your lab manual correctly or not.

3. Summarize the results in a table or chart. Make sure to include important information such as what it is, how much of it there was, and when you expect this result to happen. This will help your reader reproduce your experiment.

4. Finally, give your conclusion. In this part, you will want to include any relevant information from the background section of your lab report and how it relates to these results.

Just follow the simple steps below!

Steps for Writing Your Results Section

1. Identify the variables in your experiment. This is perhaps the most important part of your paper. You will want to list all of the variables and declare which of them you were manipulating and which ones were controlled throughout your experiment.

2. Identify what happened when these variables were manipulated by explaining how they affect your dependent variable (the thing that you measure in the experiment).

3. List the conditions that were tested under each experimental variable in your results section. If you are using data from more than one condition, make sure to label each set of results in addition to describing the methods used to carry out this experiment in brief sentences.

4. Compile all of your results in a table or chart. If you have trouble understanding what you did, feel free to step back and think of another way to display this information.

5. Describe your results in words, showing how they relate to the problem stated in the introduction of the paper.

Here is an example of a Results Section:

Results section.

The first part of the experiment tested what temperature was needed to allow the maximum amount of light to pass through a plant leaf.

The dependent variable in this experiment is transmittance, which was measured using an instrument called a spectrometer.

The independent variables were temperature and wavelength of light that were used, both controlled by placing them into one of three different heat lamps.

After various trials, it was found that the maximum transmittance of red light occurred at a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius, as shown in Figure 1 below.

This is because, at approximately 40 degrees Celsius, there is a visible change in pigment colors within the leaf visible to the naked eye. The peak visible wavelength for this change in pigment color is approximately 663 nanometers, corresponding to red light.

Fig 1: Transmittance of Red Light over Time at Various Temperatures (Just an Example)

The second part of the experiment tested what wavelength caused the maximum transmittance through a plant leaf and how this relates to photosynthesis.

The dependent variable for this part of the experiment was transmittance, as in the first part.

The independent variables were wavelength and temperature, controlled by placing them into three different heat lamps.

After each trial, transmittance measurements were taken using a spectrometer for various wavelengths of light and temperatures.

As expected from the first part of the experiment, transmittance peaked at a wavelength corresponding to red light for this particular set of conditions.

However, it was found that there was a secondary peak in transmittance at 600 nanometers for this temperature and wavelength combination, shown in Figure 2 below.

Fig 2: Transmittance of Various Wavelengths over Time at a Particular Temperature (Just an example)

The third part of the experiment tested what wavelength caused maximum transmittance and how this relates to cellular respiration.

The dependent variable in this experiment was transmittance, as it has been in the previous two parts.

The independent variables were wavelength and gas mixture, both controlled by placing them into one of three different gas containers.

After each trial, transmittance measurements were taken using a spectrometer for various wavelengths and gas mixtures.

As expected from the first two parts of the experiment, it was found that red light had the maximum transmittance at the tested temperature and wavelength combination.

However, red light no longer had the highest transmittance when oxygen was removed from the gas mixture and replaced with carbon dioxide.

In fact, when there was no oxygen in the environment, wavelengths between 575 and 630 showed a higher maximum in transmittance than red light. This is shown in Figure 3 below.

Fig 3: Transmittance of Various Wavelengths over Time in Different Gas Mixtures (just an example)

This experiment showed that the maximum transmittance through a plant leaf does not change significantly when tested at different gas compositions. Moreover, although photosynthesis is related to carbon dioxide intake and cellular respiration is related to oxygen intake, their effects on transmittance can be separated.

General Guidelines for Writing the Results Section of a Lab Report:

When writing the results section of lab reports, there are some general guidelines that should be followed.

Use formal language – writing a lab report is different from an essay because it should follow the same language, format, and structure as a scientific paper. This means that all results in the results section should be written in complete sentences.

Number each section – each part of the lab report should be numbered in the order presented. This makes it clear for readers and graders to follow.

Write out all measurements – unlike most other sections in a lab report where units can be dropped, all measurements in the results section need to include units. This helps to ensure that results are reliable and accurate.

Edit and proofread – A common mistake is writing measurements in the text without including units. This makes results seem imprecise and can damage reader confidence. Check for errors like this as well as any other mistakes, before handing in the final version to your instructor.

Tips for Writing a Solid Results Section in a Lab Report

1. Make sure you have tables and figures for every piece of data reported in the paper. The reader should not have to flip through the report and read each result individually.

2. Always include units in your data and do not abbreviate anything. You should not be writing “g” or “ml” when you would normally write “grams” or “millilitres.” Instead, use gram for grams and millilitre for millilitres.

3. When analyzing your data, make sure to include any relevant graphs from previous parts of the lab report as well as those that you created in this section. Draw a line under the graph and provide a caption for it. If you are using other pieces of information from your paper, be sure to reference them.

4. Make sure to reference all outside sources that you relied upon. While this is not a literature review , the reader should know where your information came from and how it applies to what you are discussing.

The results section of a lab report is about the data that you collected during your experiment. It should present this information in an organized fashion, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand what you have done.

It is important to remember that writing a lab report is different from writing essays because the language must be formal, scientific, and appropriate for a scientific paper.

Include your results in a table or chart, and be sure that each data point has a caption and units. Make sure to proofread your results section before handing in the final version of your lab report to ensure that all information is accurate.

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Many believe that a scientist’s most difficult job is not conducting an experiment but presenting the results in an effective and coherent way. Even when your methods and technique are sound and your notes are comprehensive, writing a report can be a challenge because organizing and communicating scientific findings requires patience and a thorough grasp of certain conventions. Having a clear understanding of the typical goals and strategies for writing an effective lab report can make the process much less troubling.

General Considerations

It is useful to note that effective scientific writing serves the same purpose that your lab report should. Good scientific writing explains:

While it’s unlikely that you’re going to win the Nobel Prize for your work in an undergraduate laboratory course, tailoring your writing strategies in imitation of professional journals is easier than you might think, since they all follow a consistent pattern. However, your instructor has the final say in determining how your report should be structured and what should appear in each section. Please use the following explanations only to supplement your given writing criteria, rather than thinking of them as an indication of how all lab reports must be written.

In Practice

The Structure of a Report

The traditional experimental report is structured using the acronym “IMRAD” which stands for I ntroduction, M ethods, R esults and D iscussion. The “ A ” is sometimes used to stand for A bstract. For help writing abstracts, please see Sweetland’s resource entitled “What is an abstract, and how do I write one?”

Introduction: “What am I doing here?” The introduction should accomplish what any good introduction does: draw the reader into the paper. To simplify things, follow the “inverted pyramid” structure, which involves narrowing information from the most broad (providing context for your experiment’s place in science) to the most specific (what exactly your experiment is about). Consider the example below.

Most broad: “Caffeine is a mild stimulant that is found in many common beverages, including coffee.”

Less broad: “Common reactions to caffeine use include increased heart rate and increased respiratory rate.”

Slightly more specific (moving closer to your experiment): Previous research has shown that people who consume multiple caffeinated beverages per day are also more likely to be irritable.

Most specific (your experiment): This study examines the emotional states of college students (ages 18-22) after they have consumed three cups of coffee each day.

See how that worked? Each idea became slightly more focused, ending with a brief description of your particular experiment. Here are a couple more tips to keep in mind when writing an introduction:

Methods: “Where am I going to get all that coffee…?”

A “methods” section should include all the information necessary for someone else to recreate your experiment. Your experimental notes will be very useful for this section of the report. More or less, this section will resemble a recipe for your experiment. Don’t concern yourself with writing clever, engaging prose. Just say what you did, as clearly as possible. Address the types of questions listed below:

After you have determined the basic content for your “methods” section, consider these other tips:

Decide between using active or passive voice

There has been much debate over the use of passive voice in scientific writing. “Passive voice” is when the subject of a sentence is the recipient of the action.

For example: Coffee was given to the students.

“Active voice” is when the subject of a sentence performs the action.

For example: I gave coffee to the students.

The merits of using passive voice are obvious in some cases. For instance, scientific reports are about what is being studied, and not about YOU. Using too many personal pronouns can make your writing sound more like a narrative and less like a report. For that reason, many people recommend using passive voice to create a more objective, professional tone, emphasizing what was done TO your subject. However, active voice is becoming increasingly common in scientific writing, especially in social sciences, so the ultimate decision of passive vs. active voice is up to you (and whoever is grading your report).

Results: The only thing worth reading?

The “results” section is the place to tell your reader what you observed. However, don’t do anything more than “tell.” Things like explaining and analyzing belong in your discussion section. If you find yourself using words like “because” or “which suggests” in your results section, then STOP! You’re giving too much analysis.

A good example: “In this study, 50% of subjects exhibited symptoms of increased anger and annoyance in response to hearing Celine Dion music.” ( Appropriate for a “results” section—it doesn’t get caught up in explaining WHY they were annoyed. )

In your “results” section, you should:

Discussion: “What does it all mean?”

The “discussion” section is intended to explain to your reader what your data can be interpreted to mean. As with all science, the goal for your report is simply to provide evidence that something might be true or untrue—not to prove it unequivocally. The following questions should be addressed in your “discussion” section:

Resources: Hogg, Alan. "Tutoring Scientific Writing." Sweetland Center for Writing. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 3/15/2011. Lecture. Swan, Judith A, and George D. Gopen. "The Science of Scientific Writing." American Scientist . 78. (1990): 550-558. Print. "Scientific Reports." The Writing Center . University of North Carolina, n.d. Web. 5 May 2011. http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/lab_report_complete.html

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Lab Report – How to Write It Step-by-Step with Examples

How do you like this article.

As a student who’ll require analyzing experiments, lab reports are an essential part of your curriculum and are usually necessary for your grades.

This article highlights the structure of a lab report, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and gives an example.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Lab Report – In a Nutshell

Lab reports are essential when conducting experiments in different scientific fields. It’s vital for students and professionals to always present well-written reports.

Structure your research correctly to create a lab report that does the following:

Definition: Lab report

A lab report conveys a scientific experiment’s methods, purposes, results, and conclusions, like testing the viscosity of different liquids in the kitchen.

The primary aim of a lab report is to show that you understand a specific scientific method by performing a hands-on lab experiment.

Most individuals use lab reports in STEM fields ( S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, and M athematics). 1

Lab report essentials

Lab report essentials contain the methods used, the study’s purpose , and the outcomes of a lab experiment . Structure a lab report in the following way:

In a lab report, your title is your reader’s first impression and communicates the findings or topic of your research.

It should inform your readers of:

Write an abstract in the past tense at the end of your report. An abstract gives readers a preview of your study in about 150-300 words and a summary.

Introduction

This lab report section introduces your audience to your research topic and study’s focus. Structure your introduction using an inverted triangle or funnel method: 2

Start by giving background information on your research topic and why it’s essential in a real-world context. Describe your previous studies on the subject and state how your study may expand, fill a gap or confirm your research.

Next, detail the theoretical basis for your study and describe any relevant equations or laws that you’ll use. Let your hypotheses show your main expectations and research aims.

In your lab report, write the methods you used to collect and analyze data in the past tense. Describe the following:

Materials: List materials you used and model names for all specialized equipment.

Procedures: Note down the steps you took to collect information chronologically.

State any results you took from any statistical analysis procedure in this lab report section to show how they refute or support your previous hypotheses. Your results may include:

Report your results using tables and figures where appropriate, highlight critical developments and show related variables using graphs. Also, include sample calculations for complex experiments. Refer to raw data in the Appendices section when highlighting any outliers or trends.

Demonstrate your critical thinking skills and understanding of the experiment process in the discussion section of the lab report. Here, you can:

Report whether your results answer your research question and support your hypotheses.

A practical discussion section also highlights the limitations and strengths of your study.

Use specific examples when describing limits. For instance, if random errors contributed to your research, write “imprecise apparatus” and suggest improvement methods.

The conclusion is the last part of your lab report and summarizes your findings, giving a brief overview of your study’s strengths, limitations, and implications.

While some reports may remove this section for overlapping with the discussion section, consult with your instructor before doing so.

What is in a lab report?

A lab report has different sections depending on the research field. However, they all contain:

What is the differences between a lab report and a research paper?

Course instructors usually give you a procedure and experimental design, allowing you to experiment to evaluate the outcomes in a lab report .

A research paper requires you to develop an initial argument, do in-depth research, and interpret your data and sources.

How long is a lab report?

A lab report is generally 5 to 10 pages , including tables and figures, depending on your experiment; however, there’s no set page limit.

1 Homeland Security. “What Does STEM Stand For?” September 30, 2022. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2011/09/what-does-stem-stand .

2 Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health. “The Art of Effective Communication – Inverted Triangle.” Michigan Online. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://online.umich.edu/collections/communications/short/inverted-triangle/ .

3 Sullivan, Lisa. “Hypothesis Testing – Analysis of Viriance (ANOVA).” Boston University School of Public Health. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/BS/BS704_HypothesisTesting-ANOVA/BS704_HypothesisTesting-Anova_print.html .

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How to Write a Lab Report: Definition, Outline & Template Examples

Table of contents

Writing a lab report at school? Or need to organize your research results before presenting to your tutors and wondering what format to take? No worries, we’re ready to help! Here you can find lots of helpful information, particularly:

Several exemplary laboratory report samples are also offered in this article. You are welcome to use them as an inspiration or reference material. Need expert help? Contact our academic service in case you are looking for someone who can “ write my lab report .”

What Is a Lab Report?

Let’s start with the lab report definition and then dive deeper into details. A lab report is a document in which you present results of a laboratory experiment. Your audience may include your tutor or professor, your colleagues, a commission monitoring your progress, and so on. It’s usually shorter than a research paper and shows your ability to conduct and analyze scientific experiments.

The purpose of a laboratory report is to fully share the results and the supporting data with whoever needs to see them. Thus, your laboratory report should be consistent, concise, and properly formatted. Both college and scientific lab reports must follow certain strict rules, particularly:

Let’s talk about these rules in more detail.

Lab Report Main Features

Wondering how to write a lab report ? First of all, such documents must be descriptive and formal. An average scientific lab report is expected to:

Additionally, your school or institution may have its own very specific requirements, so make sure to check them before creating a report.

How Long Should a Lab Report Be?

First of all, lab reports need to be informative, so there is no need for making your writing too wordy. That being said, your paper’s volume will be defined by the specifics of your research. If its results are complicated and require much explaining, your paper isn’t going to be brief. Recommended lab report length varies between 5 and 10 pages, which should include all appendices such as tables or diagrams. You should also confirm such requirements with your tutor prior to planning your report.

Lab Report Structure

Plan ahead before writing your lab report. It is useful to keep its structure in mind from the very beginning.

Here is our detailed list of what to include in a lab report:

You should shape the structure of a lab report before writing its complete text by preparing a brief write-up, i.e. an outline. Below we’ll explain how it is done.

Lab Report Outline & Template

Preparing lab report outlines is useful for extra proofreading: you can review such a sketch and quickly find some gaps or inconsistencies before you’ve written the complete text. A good laboratory report outline must reflect the entire structure of your paper. After designing such a draft, you can use it as a lab report template for your next papers. It is highly advisable not to ignore this approach since it can boost your general academic performance in multiple other areas. Here is an example of a science lab report template:

How to Write a Lab Report Step-By-Step?

Now, let’s discuss how to write a scientific lab report. You already know what elements it contains, so get ready for detailed laboratory report guidelines. We’ve collected helpful information for each step of this guide and broke it down into comprehensive sections. So, scroll down and learn how to write a good lab report without experiencing extra pains and making unnecessary mistakes.

1. Create a Strong Title

Before you write your lab report, think about a good title. It should help understand the direction and the intent of your research at the start, while not being too wordy. Make sure it is comprehensible for your tutor or peers, there is no need to explain certain specific terms because others are expected to know them. Here are several examples that could give you some ideas on how to name your own lab write up:

• Effects of temperature decrease on Drosophila Melanogaster lifespan • IV 2022 marketing data sample analysis using the Bayesian method • Lab #5: measurement of fluctuation in 5 GHz radio signal strength • Specific behavioral traits of arctic subspecies of mammals.

Also, check our downloadable samples for more great title suggestions or use our Title Generator to create one.

2. Introduce Your Experiment

A good scientific lab report should contain some explanations of what is the meaning of your experiment and why you conduct it in the first place. Provide some context and show why it is relevant. While your professor would be well aware of it, others who might read your laboratory report, may not know its purpose. Mention similar experiments if necessary. As usual, keep it short but informative. One paragraph (100 – 150 words) would suffice. Don’t provide too many details because this might distract your readers. Here is an example of how a science lab report should be introduced:

Lower temperatures decrease the drosophila flies’ activity but also increase their lifespan. It is important to understand what temperature range is optimal, allowing them to feed and multiply and at the same time, increasing their lifespan to maximum. For this purpose, a strain of Drosophila Melanogaster has been observed for 3 months in an isolated lab under varying temperatures.

3. State the Hypothesis

When learning how to make a lab report, pay a special attention to the hypothesis part. This statement will be the cornerstone of your lab writing, as the entire paper will be built around it. Make it interesting, relevant, and unusual, don’t use well-researched topic or state obvious facts - exploring something really new is what makes your work worth time and effort. Here is an example of statement for your lab report sample:

The temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for Drosophila Melanogaster longevity and ability to multiply while being at a lower border of their normal zone of comfort.

4. Present the Methods and Materials

One of the key parts of a lab report is the section where you describe your assets and starting conditions. This allows any reviewers to understand the quality of your work and thus contributes to the credibility of your scientific lab write up. The following elements must be mentioned:

More lab report writing tips available below, so let’s keep on!

5. Explain Procedures

The core part of a lab report is describing the course of the experiment. This is where you explain how exactly the experiment has been conducted. Give all necessary information about each step you’ve taken, arranging all the steps in proper chronological order so that readers could clearly understand the meaning behind each action. The following procedure elements may be present in an experimental report:

After you have finished describing your actions, it is time to summarize them, answer all remaining questions, and present your findings. Check out other tips on how to write lab reports in a few sections below and you’ll learn more about that. Need professional help? Buy lab reports at our writing service to get efficient solutions in a timely manner.

6. Share Your Results

After all the lab steps have been properly described, it is time to present the outcomes in your results section . Writing a good lab report means that it will be quite transparent for your reviewers how you’ve come to your results. So, make sure there is a clear connection between this part and the previous one. Don’t leave any gaps in your explanations, e.g. mention limitations if there are any. Tell if the captured statistical analysis data falls in line with the experiment's initial purpose. Describe sample calculations using clear symbols. Where necessary, include graphs and images. Your raw data may be extensive, so present it in the Appendix and provide a reference to it. Here’s an example of how to share the results when you create a lab report:

Average lifespan and average birth rate was measured for each group subjected to a different temperature range. Additionally, statistical methods have been applied to confirm the correctness of the results and to minimize potential errors. Lifespan and birth rate values corresponding to each temperature range can be found in the table below. Optimal combination of lifespan and birth rate corresponds to the range between 75 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, as demonstrated by the figure (see Appendix A).

7. Discuss and Interpret Your Outcomes

When you write an experiment report, your main purpose is to confirm whether your thesis (hypothesis) is true. That’s why you should give a clear explanation on how useful your results were for the problem investigation. Next, make sure to explain any dubious or controversial parts, if there are any. Science lab reports often contain contradictions to popular theories or unexpected findings. This may be caused by missing important factors, uncovering facts which have previously been overlooked, or just by fluctuations in experimental data. In any case, you need to study and address them in your lab report for the sake of clarity. If you need some data interpretation in a science lab report example, here’s an excerpt from a discussion section :

According to the research results, the optimal temperature for Drosophila Melanogaster appears to be at the low border of the comfortable range which is considered normal for this species. It contradicts existing theories about Drosophila Melanogaster. However, this discrepancy may be caused by the longevity factor not taken into account by previous researchers. Additional experiments with larger sample size and extended timeline are needed in order to further investigate the temperature effect on the longevity of Drosophila Melanogaster.

8. Wrap Up Your Lab Report

Final step of your laboratory report is to make a proper conclusion. Here you just summarize your results and state that your hypothesis has been confirmed (or disproven). Keep it short and don’t repeat any descriptions from the previous section. However, you may add some notes about the significance of your work. After finishing to write your lab report, don’t forget to read it again and check whether all its parts are logically connected with each other. Here is an example of a lab report last section:

As confirmed by the experiment conducted in an isolated laboratory on a limited population of Drosophila Melanogaster, the optimal temperature for both its longevity and activity is 75 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain contradictions with the existing theories can be explained by the longevity factor being overlooked during previous research. Hopefully, this experiment will pave the way for further exploration of the temperature effect on the lifespan of Drosophila Melanogaster.

9. Write Your Abstract

Another stage of lab report writing is composing its abstract. This part should be placed at the beginning of your paper in order to get your audience familiar with its contents. Make it brief, up to 200 words long, but make sure you’ve included the following information:

Abstracts of laboratory reports are delivered on separate pages. So, you can compose one after writing the entire text. This is another good chance to review your work while you are briefly describing its key parts. Check our detailed guide to get more information on how to write an abstract . Check below for more tips and hints on how to write a science lab report.

Lab Report Format

Learning how to format a lab report is crucial for its success. As all other scholarly papers, such reports must follow strict rules of presenting information. Make sure to find out which laboratory report format is required for your assignment. If there are no specific requirements, you may choose from the usual lab format styles, namely:

Depending on the scientific domain of your experiment, you might want to choose one or another lab write up format from that list. Particularly, the APA style paper is typically required in Humanities , while MLA style can be used for papers in Technologies or Applied Science . In any case, pay close attention to citation and reference rules, as each of these styles has strict requirements for that. A real lab report format example can be found below – note that it follows the APA guidelines.

Lab Report Examples

Need some good examples of lab reports in addition to all these guidelines? We’ve got some for you! Each sample lab report that can be found below is available for free and can be downloaded if needed. Feel free to use them as an inspiration for your own work or borrow some ideas, styles, or sources from them. Pick a laboratory reports sample from this list below: Lab report example 1

Example of lab report 2

Scientific lab report example 3

Please avoid copying anything from them into your paper as that would be considered plagiarism . Make sure you submit 100% original text for your assignments.

Tips on Writing a Lab Report

We hope this detailed information on how do you write a lab report will be useful. In addition, to make our guide even more convenient, here are some quick lab report writing tips:

Don’t forget to check our laboratory report example for more useful ideas.

Lab Report Checklist

Let’s summarize all the above information on how to do a lab report. We’ve prepared a short checklist for you. So, here’s what you should do in order to compose a great science lab report:

Bottom Line on Lab Report Writing

In this article, we have prepared all necessary information on how to write a lab report. This should help you with your own research or studies, especially when it comes to complicated tasks, such as composing lab reports outline. Several lab reports examples are also available here. They are provided by real researchers and may help you a lot with ideas for your own work. Feel free to check them online or download them. Just remember that you should only submit 100% original content for your assignments.

Connect with our academic writing service and say ‘ write my college paper .’ With our help, you will receive papers of great quality and will never miss your deadline.

FAQ About Lab Reports

1. what is the difference between a lab report and a research paper.

A lab report should showcase your ability to conduct experiments and properly describe your actions and findings. It is focused on specific data and methods used to analyze it. A research paper is expected to reflect your investigation of a problem, including asking correct questions and finding relevant information about it.

2. Should I continue to write a lab report if an experiment failed?

It depends on your assignment. If your primary goal is to display your ability to document your steps and results, then you may report on a failed experiment too. Particularly, analyze the integrity of your data or conditions that were set and make an assumption about factors which led to the failure.

4. Should lab reports be written in the third person?

Yes, laboratory experiment reports usually present information in third person. The reason is that you are expected to focus on the data, methods, and findings, rather than on yourself or your audience. Check the samples available here and see what writing style is followed there.

3. What tense should a lab report be written in?

You should mostly use past tense in your paper, since your science experiment has already been conducted. But you can also speak in present tense when describing the context of problems which still exist. Check any template available here to get more clarity on this issue.

5. Where do I put calculations in a lab report?

Remember to follow our layout guidelines and put your calculations in the analysis section. This is where you process the results collected during your experiments. You can also make brief write ups about your calculations in the abstract paragraph or discussion section, but make sure they precede the description of outcomes.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Writing Lab Reports: Results

Keys to the results section.

Purpose : What did you find? Relative size : 10-15% of total (excluding tables and figures) Scope : Narrow: the middle of the hourglass Verb Tense : Always use the past tense when summarizing the results of your experiment

Summarize the results of your study.

Be careful to present your results in a manner that relates to your hypotheses; the reader should be able to identify your hypotheses in your introduction and easily find their associated results. This is not a place to provide raw data – present only summarized or analyzed data.

When appropriate, use figures and/or tables to present your results in a meaningful way and imbed them within the text. Results should only be presented in one format though – either in the text, in a figure, or in a table.

For example, if you are presenting means and standard deviations in a figure, rather than repeating these same numbers in the text, refer to the per cent difference, increase, or decrease (e.g., Plant height increased by 20% with the addition of fertilizer [Figure 2]). Do not explain what a graph is showing (e.g., Figure 1 shows the mean +/- standard deviations of plant height in response to fertilizer treatment) – the readers can see that for themselves.

Describe trends and patterns; highlight interesting and anomalous data; report significant findings. This provides the reader with a more relevant context than would simple digits.

The results section should contain information specific to your study only. Therefore, it should not include any interpretation of your results (this would require a comparison with other literature): do not state whether your results supported or rejected your hypotheses; do not say what your results mean; and do not compare your results to those of other studies.

Results Section Details

Description of results : You must include a written description of your results. Include only summarized data (e.g., means, statistics, etc.) and point out trends, patterns, and interesting data. Refer to tables and figures to support your descriptions.

Figures : Graphs provide a visual representation of your results. This is the ideal way to present your findings. You must refer to each figure in the written portion of your results.

Tables : Use tables to present more complex or detailed results that do not lend themselves to figures or text. You must refer to each table in the written portion of your results.

Appendix : This is an additional section, placed at the very end of your report after your reference section, where you can include, if required, raw data and other supplementary information. You must refer to the appendices in the written portion of your results.

A good results section should…

A good results section should NOT…

Back to Writing Lab Reports

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How to Write a Lab Report: Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Educator, Researcher

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education.

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Olivia Guy-Evans

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons), Psychology, MSc, Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

A typical lab report would include the following sections: title, abstract, introduction, method, results, and discussion.

The title page, abstract, references, and appendices are started on separate pages (subsections from the main body of the report are not). Use double-line spacing of text, font size 12, and include page numbers.

The report should have a thread of arguments linking the prediction in the introduction to the content in the discussion

This must indicate what the study is about. It must include the variables under investigation. It should not be written as a question.

Title pages should be formatted in APA style .

The abstract provides a concise and comprehensive summary of a research report. Your style should be brief but not use note form. Look at examples in journal articles . It should aim to explain very briefly (about 150 words) the following:

The abstract comes at the beginning of your report but is written at the end (as it summarises information from all the other sections of the report).

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to explain where your hypothesis comes from (i.e., it should provide a rationale for your research study).

Ideally, the introduction should have a funnel structure: Start broad and then become more specific. The aims should not appear out of thin air; the preceding review of psychological literature should lead logically into the aims and hypotheses.

The funnel structure of the introducion to a lab report

There should be a logical progression of ideas that aids the flow of the report. This means the studies outlined should lead logically to your aims and hypotheses.

Do be concise and selective, and avoid the temptation to include anything in case it is relevant (i.e., don’t write a shopping list of studies).

USE THE FOLLOWING SUBHEADINGS:

Participants

Use APA Style

The reference section lists all the sources cited in the essay (alphabetically). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms, every time you refer to a psychologist’s name (and date), you need to reference the original source of information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is to use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON IU BLOOMINGTON IU BLOOMINGTON

Writing Lab Reports

Writing lab reports follows a straightforward and structured procedure. It is important to recognize that each part of a lab report is important, so take the time to complete each carefully. A lab report is broken down into eight sections: title, abstract, introduction, methods and materials, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

Introduction

Methods and Materials

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How to Write a Results Section for a Lab Report

What is a Results Section?

The results section is where the findings of a lab report are presented. It is one of the most important parts of a lab report and usually begins with a short summary of the findings, which are called textual elements. It further includes charts, figures, photos, and tables depending upon the type of experiment. These are called the non-textual elements.

The entire results section is factual, concise, and in the past tense. It doesn’t include the analysis of the result, which is usually a part of the “Discussion” section. The results section focuses on presenting the most relevant data from the findings and avoiding the unnecessary details. This provides clarity to the readers and helps in maintaining a logical flow.

Let’s understand in detail what forms a part of a lab report’s results section written post an experiment.

What to Include in the Results Section of a Lab Report

One can organize this section based on chronology (following the methodology used for the experiment) or the importance of data in proving (or negating) the hypothesis (most important to least important). An ideal results section of a lab report would begin with an introduction that states the research problem or the hypothesis. This provides context about the results to the readers. This is followed by a summary of the findings where the actual results are displayed in a combination of textual and non-textual elements.

One can present the results section using either of two approaches: stating the results together or breaking them into a series of short individual explanations. The latter approach provides readers a better understanding because of its logical flow.

Lengthy pieces of texts can create confusion among the readers. Non-textual elements such as tables and figures are often more effective and hence should be used wherever possible. Let’s learn how to incorporate these elements in a results section.

One of the best ways to represent an experiment’s findings is in the form of tables. Here are certain norms that are always followed when these non-textual elements are a part of the results section:

Through figures, complex text is made simpler to the readers. The figures could be in the form of a bar graph, a map, or even a pie chart. Similar to tables, figures also have certain rules of presentation:

Best Practices while Writing the Results Section

Here are certain pointers that need to be kept in mind when one is writing the results section of a lab report:

Using these tips will make the results section effective for readers and help them correlate what the lab report is about.

The results section is a crucial part of any lab report because it answers the “what” of the experiment. It should always be logically arranged and clear; it should never be a collection of just numbers and tables. This section also sets readers up for the upcoming discussion section. Hence, it should be made effective using the discussed guidelines.

How to Write a Great Lab Report

Lab reports are usually at lesser half of your grade in your lab class. A typical lab report will show your total understanding of the labs you are performing and is essential to becoming a good scientist. Whether you’re on track to become a scientist, or are simply taking a science class and lab for general education credits, it’s important to know how to write the perfect lab report. Here are some tips and tricks for writing a lab report that your lab instructor will love to read.

1. Follow the Rubric

Each lab instructor has their own rubric they want students to follow when writing lab reports. The great thing about lab reports is they don’t require much creativity since it is scientific writing. It’s all facts and reports of everything you do during your lab. Read over the rubric carefully before you begin your lab report and ask your lab instructor any questions you may have.

2. Learn how to Cite

Citing your scientific papers is very important. You don’t want to plagiarize your work and risk failing the class because you didn’t cite something correctly. Since these are scientific papers, peer review articles and published works usually have citations available somewhere on the webpage for you to use. If you have a question about how to cite your lab reports, ask your instructor! When you learn how to do this early on in your labs, you’ll have an easier time writing a report, no matter how long it is.

3. Speak Objectively

Lab reports don’t require opinions and subjectivity! Ensure you’re writing objectively and from a scientific point of view so you don’t seem biased in your lab report. Back your findings up with facts and evidence for a stronger report.

4. Double-Check Calculations

Your lab report may require you to use equations and calculations. Double-check your calculations to ensure your results are correct. The wrong equation or calculation can give you results that aren’t correct for your report, causing you to miss points. Collaborate with your lab partners and check the lab manual to ensure you get the calculations down.

Contents of a Lab Report

Most lab reports follow the same guidelines. There’s a title, abstract, introduction, methods and materials, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Each part should be in paragraph form and follow the scientific method. If this is your first time writing a lab report, these components may seem confusing, but we’re here to break it down for you.

Your lab report title should be simple and to the point. If you have a lab manual or lab notebook for your class, it will have the title of your experiment and you’ll use that as your lab report title. You may be required to have a full title page with your name, the experiment name, your instructor’s name, and your lab partners.

An abstract for your lab report is a summary of the experiment but not too detailed. It’s a small introduction to your lab report but not as detailed as the actual introduction.

Introduction

Your lab report introduction includes your hypothesis and any other relevant information about the lab you’ve performed. Stray from using the laboratory notebook introduction of your experiment in this section.

Methods and Materials

This is really the most detailed and large part of your lab report. You’ll write down all the materials you’ve used and include their measurements. For example, if you’re using a beaker ensure you’re including its size. Write your methods down as if you’ve never done the experiment before. Use organized writing and clear paragraph structure in this detailed section of your report.

Your experimental results section is where you’ll put all your calculations and findings from your experiment. This is not the section where you’ll discuss how it proves or disproves your hypothesis. Any equations or calculations you’ve used should be stated in this section.

This is where you’ll discuss the results further and give an overview of your lab experiment. You can discuss any experimental error you feel may have altered the results or any further questions you may have because of them. You can connect your hypothesis with the evidence of the findings to prove or disprove it.

This is where you’ll talk about your overall findings of the experiment and if they prove or disprove your hypothesis.

This may be one of the most important parts of your entire lab report. Any thoughts or statements that are not your own should be properly cited to prevent plagiarism.

Ask the Lab Instructor

If you have any further questions about how to write the perfect lab report, ask your lab instructor! Instructors are there to help you and guide you through your experiment, including the lab report process. Once you’ve written one or two reports, you’ll be able to write your others easily.

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How to Write a Physics Lab Report

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References Approved

This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA . Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 140,390 times.

If you've just finished an experiment in your physics class, you might have to write a report about it. This may sound intimidating, but it's actually a simple process that helps you explain your experiment and your results to your teacher and anyone else who is interested in learning about it. Once you know what sections to include in your report and what writing techniques to use, you'll be able to write a great physics lab report in no time.

Including the Proper Sections

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Keep your abstract brief and note the purpose of the experiment, the hypothesis, and any major findings.

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Some teachers may allow you to include your calculations in the data section of our report.

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Using the Correct Writing Techniques

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Active sentences are usually easier to understand than passive sentences, so try to minimize your use of the passive voice whenever possible. For example, if you wrote, "These results are easily reproducible by anyone who has the correct equipment," try changing it to "Anyone who has the correct equipment should be able to reproduce these results." The passive voice is not always wrong, so don't be afraid to leave a sentence in the passive voice if you think it makes more sense that way.

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The past tense is appropriate for discussing your procedure and the results of past experiments.

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About This Article

To write a physics lab report, start by putting together a cover sheet with your name, and the title and date of the experiment. Then, include an abstract, or summary of your report, followed by your objective, procedures, and methods. After you’ve talked about how the experiment was conducted, present your raw data, and provide any important calculations used with the data. Next, write an analysis of your data, and a conclusion to explain what you've learned. Finally, complete the report by writing up your references. For tips from our Science reviewer on how to make your report sound as professional as possible, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Lab Report Writing

Lab Report - A Complete Writing Guide With Examples

Published on: Jul 28, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 26, 2023

On This Page On This Page

A lab report is a kind of document that is frequently written for engineering and science fields. The purpose of writing a lab report is to document the findings of the experiment and present their significance.

A well-written lab report requires more than just a representation of results. To make the writing process easier, MyPerfectWords.com has compiled this guide for you!

Continue reading to learn how a lab report is written.

What is a Lab Report?

Laboratory reports are a necessary part of the courses that require essential lab tests and experiments. They are objective and are a complete record of an experiment. The information provided in a lab report is specific enough that the reader gets a clear picture of the experiment carried out by the researcher.

It contributes a lot to achieve better grades in a student’s academic life. Just like every other academic assignment, lab reports are to be developed with a proper structure.

A credible lab report addresses the findings and demonstrates the writer’s concepts and understanding of the experiment. Reporting only the results and the raw data is not enough. It is important to present why and how the results occurred.

Lab Report Format

The lab report format is an essential component of the writing process. All lab reports need a format to be presented in a structured manner. Moreover, this format shapes the writing procedure of the lab report as well.

A proper lab report format consists of the following elements:

To ensure that your lab report is authentic and reliable, following the lab report format is essential. Creating this format comes under the planning or pre-writing section.

After having the outline or format in hand, a writer can report the experiment in a more comprehensive and detailed manner.

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How to Write a Lab Report?

Writing a lab report is a tricky job as it requires several important steps to take. No matter which type of lab report you are writing and for which level, there is a basic writing structure that works for all.

When a student writes a report for the first time, it is essential to learn the basics. Without knowing the basics, the writing process can be challenging.

The lab report writing consists of the following information:

If you are writing a lab report for your academics and instructor, make sure you are taking the right writing steps. The following are the steps in which a lab report is written.

1. Identify the Primary Goal

When writing a lab report, the primary goal is to ensure that it is readable and understandable by the reader. Even if you are writing a lab report for your instructor, make sure it can be evaluated. Keeping the primary goal in mind will help the writer in writing every section of the lab report.

2. Identify the Audience

For every writing type, it is essential to identify who you are writing it for. Similarly, when writing a lab report, determine the targeted audience first. For example, if you are writing a report for academics, your audience will be your instructor.

If the audience is of another discipline, make sure to explain the jargon and technical terms used. It is to make your report understandable for everyone.

3. Write the Title and Abstract

The title and the abstract are the two most visible and striking parts of a lab report. These two elements will help the writer get more attention from the readers, so they should be written perfectly.

To make your title interesting, make sure that it reflects what you have done in the experiment and some interesting findings. For your abstract, keep it concise. It should be based on just one paragraph of 200 words.

The abstract of a lab report contains the following information:

4. Carefully Craft Introduction

All reports start with an introduction. The introduction section is written to give the audience a better understanding of what is going to happen. This chapter answers the following questions for the readers:

Along with the background, the introduction contains crucial information about the experiment or the report. This includes:

Keep in mind to provide all the information clearly in the introduction section so that readers can understand and feel motivated to know what is there in your lab report.

5. Write the Body of the Report

The body section contains all the information about the materials used for the experiment and the methods. Writing this section aims to inform the readers about the equipment and theories, which helps obtain the desired results.

A detail about the methods and theories include the following information:

Moreover, the report’s body section includes other information like the interpretation of the work and a differentiation between the past and the present works. If the experiment you are conducting has been performed before, interpret how it directed you to identify the differences simply.

This information can be presented right after the introduction and at the end of the body section, depending on the writer’s preference.

The differences can be presented in the form of charts or graphs to make them understandable. While giving a reference to the other’s work, make sure to cite it properly. It is to avoid plagiarism and ensure the authenticity of your work.

After providing the information in context to the previous work, state your results clearly. Your experiment results will be based on the lab you have worked in, how it performed, its implementations, and the objective of the experiment. Present all the data from your experiment in this data without providing personal opinions and subjective comments.

The result section always remains objective, even if your data confirms the hypothesis.

6. Conclude the Lab Report

The conclusion or discussion section is where the interpretation of the numerical data and results are made. In addition to this, predictions are given in this part of the report as well. To make your report believable and credible, state the weakness of your experiment, if any.

It is believed that readers tend to pay more attention to the title, abstract, introduction, and conclusion of the report. For this purpose, make sure that they are interesting and informative.

If the prompt requires, create a separate section for discussion and a whole new section for your conclusion.

7. Provide References

If there have been many sources reviewed and taken information from, the works of other writers need to be cited within the text. Consult the lab manual to determine the referencing style.

8. Revise and Proofread

The last and most important step is to revise everything that is written in the report. It ensures your lab report’s quality and accuracy, which makes you and your work credible. Re-check every detail in your report and make sure that it is free from all errors and mistakes.

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Lab Report Writing Tips

If you are writing a lab report for the first time, it is essential to know how important it is to write it professionally. When writing a report for academics, students need to realize the worth of perfectly written reports.

To make the students’ lab reports winning and impressive, professionals at MyPerfectWords.com have provided some easy tips to follow.

Lab Report Examples

To give you a better understanding of the lab reports’ writing process and structure, we have gathered some helpful examples. Go through these examples and write your lab report accordingly.

Guidelines to Write a Lab Report

Sample Lab Report

Lab reports can be challenging if you are writing them for the first time. If you want your report to be impressive, make sure it includes an overview of the complete experiment and an objective interpretation of the results.

Following this guide will let you plan your experiment and write its report in the most professional and accurate manner. If you still find it difficult to write your lab report, get assistance from the expert online writing service .

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Frequently Asked Question

How many pages is a lab report.

A typical lab report should not have more than 10 pages. It needs to be single-spaced, and the font needs to be 12 points.

What is the main use of lab reports?

A laboratory report is a formal record of an experiment. It should discuss the objectives, procedures, and results. If you want to do the same experiment as someone else, they will know what to do because of your report.

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Free Printable Lab Report Templates [Ace Your Scientific Research]

Most people enjoy laboratory experiments because they are an exciting and engaging way to learn about science. They also provide an opportunity to think critically and explore new ideas. Along with laboratory experiments, lab reports are an important part of the scientific process. Lab reports are written to analyze, describe, and explain the results of an experiment and its significance.

Whether you are a student or a professional, understanding the proper format for a lab report can be crucial for effectively communicating your findings. This article will provide an overview of the lab report template and guide you through the process of writing a comprehensive lab report.

Table of Contents

What is a Lab Report?

A lab report is a document that describes the methods, procedures, and results of an experiment. It is used to communicate the findings of a laboratory investigation to an audience, typically a teacher or professor in a classroom setting, or a researcher or scientist in a professional setting. The purpose of a lab report is to provide a detailed, clear, and organized account of what was done during an experiment, what was observed, and what the results mean.

Types of Formal Lab Report Templates

There are several different types of formal lab report templates that may be used depending on the specific experiment and the intended audience. Here are a few examples:

Scientific lab report template

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a research setting and will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal. It typically includes sections for an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

Formal lab report template for a college class

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted as part of a college course. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions.

Engineering lab report template

This template is used for experiments that are being conducted in an engineering setting. It may include sections for an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

Medical lab report template

Medical lab report template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a medical setting. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.

High school lab report template

High school lab report template is used for experiments that are being conducted in a high school setting. It may include sections for an introduction, methods, results, discussion , and conclusions.

Key Elements of a Lab Report Template

A lab report template typically includes the following sections:

Title page: This includes the title of the report, the name of the author(s), the date of the experiment, and the course or class information.

Abstract: A summary of the experiment, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

Introduction: This provides background information on the scientific concept being investigated, the purpose of the experiment, and the research question or hypothesis.

Methods and Materials: This section describes the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used. It should be detailed enough for someone else to replicate the experiment.

Results: This section presents the data collected during the experiment, often in the form of tables, graphs, or figures. It should be presented in a clear and concise manner.

Discussion: This section interprets the results in relation to the hypothesis and existing literature. It should also include any limitations of the experiment and suggestions for future research.

Conclusion: This section provides a summary of the main findings of the experiment and their significance.

References: This section lists any sources used in the report, following a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc)

Appendices: This section contains additional materials that are not essential for the main body of the report, such as raw data, detailed calculations, and images.

Important Things to Do Before Writing Your Lab Report Template

Understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report : Before beginning to write the report, it is important to understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report. This includes understanding the experiment or research being conducted, the goals of the report, and any specific guidelines or instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor.

Gather all necessary data and materials

Collect all necessary data, including raw data, observations, and any other materials used in the experiment. This will ensure that all the necessary information is available when writing the report.

Review relevant literature and background information

Reviewing relevant literature and background information can provide context and background knowledge for the experiment. This will help to inform the introduction and conclusions of the report.

Create an outline for the report

Creating an outline for the report will help to organize the information and make the report more coherent. The outline should include the main sections of the report, such as the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.

Write a clear, concise introduction

The introduction should provide background information on the experiment or research and state the purpose and goals of the report. It should also provide an overview of the report’s main sections.

Detail the methods and procedures used in the experiment

The methods section should provide a detailed description of the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used, the steps taken, and any controls used.

Present and analyze the data collected

Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the data

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the experiment or research and draw conclusions based on the data. It should also make recommendations for future research or experiments.

Cite all sources used in the report

All sources used in the report should be properly cited using the appropriate citation style. This includes any literature or background information used in the introduction and any sources used in the methods or results sections.

Proofread and edit the report for accuracy and clarity

Before submitting the report, it is important to proofread and edit the report for accuracy and clarity. This includes checking for spelling and grammar errors, ensuring that the report is well-organized and easy to understand, and making any necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of the report.

Tips for Writing Your Lab Report Template

Writing a lab report can be a challenging task, but by following a few key tips, you can ensure that your report is clear, accurate, and well-organized. The tips provided here are organized into three stages: the pre-lab report, in-lab responsibility, and post-lab report. Following these tips will help you to effectively prepare for, conduct, and document your lab experiment, resulting in a high-quality lab report.

Pre-Lab Report:

In-Lab Responsibility:

Post-Lab Report:

How To Write A Lab Report

Writing a lab report can be a challenging task, but by following a few key steps, you can ensure that your report is clear, accurate, and well-organized. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to write a lab report:

Understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report

Before beginning to write the report, it is important to understand the purpose and requirements of the lab report. This includes understanding the experiment or research being conducted, the goals of the report, and any specific guidelines or instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor.

The methods section should provide a detailed description of the procedures used in the experiment, including the equipment and materials used, the steps taken, and any controls used. It should be written in past tense and in a clear and concise manner.

The results section should present and analyze the data collected during the experiment. This should include both raw data and any processed data, as well as any graphs, tables, or images that help to illustrate the data. Data should be presented in an organized and logical way, and be accompanied by the appropriate figures, tables, and images.

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the experiment or research and draw conclusions based on the data. It should also make recommendations for future research or experiments. This section should be written in future tense.

It’s also worth noting that lab reports vary depending on the field of study, and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor, thus the above guide is general and may need to be adjusted accordingly.

When writing a lab report, it’s important to keep in mind that the report is a formal document that should be written in a clear and concise manner. The report should be written in third person and in past tense, except for the conclusion and recommendations. The report should be well-organized, with headings and subheadings used to separate the different sections of the report. The report should also be properly formatted and include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

Q: How should sources be cited in a lab report?

A: Sources should be cited in a lab report using the appropriate citation style. This includes any literature or background information used in the introduction and any sources used in the methods or results sections.

Q: Is it necessary to include an abstract in a lab report?

A: An abstract is not always required in a lab report, but it can be a useful tool to provide a brief summary of the report. It should include the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the experiment or research.

Q: How should data be presented in a lab report?

A: Data should be presented in an organized and logical way in the lab report. This can include using tables, graphs, and images to help illustrate the data. The data should be labeled and captioned correctly, and any calculations or processing of the data should be clearly described.

Q: What is the difference between a lab report and a scientific paper?

A: A lab report is typically a shorter and less formal document that describes the procedures, results, and conclusions of an experiment or research project conducted in a laboratory setting. A scientific paper is a more comprehensive and formal document that is typically used to communicate the findings of a larger research project to a wider audience.

Q: How should the lab report be formatted?

A: The format of a lab report can vary depending on the field of study and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor. However, it should generally be well-organized and include headings and subheadings to separate the different sections of the report. It should also be properly formatted and include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

Q: How long should a lab report be?

A: The length of a lab report can vary depending on the field of study and the specific instructions provided by the instructor or supervisor. However, it should be long enough to effectively communicate the procedures, results, and conclusions of the experiment or research.

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How to Write a Good Lab Report for College

23 Aug 2021

Quick Navigation

❓What Is Lab Report?

📑How to Write a Lab Report

✍️The Main Sections

🗒️How to Format a Lab Report

Learning science takes more than reading a good book. Experiments, observations, and conclusions are crucial in science education. That is why all students should learn how to write a lab report introduction, body, and conclusion like a pro.

Experiments and observation help students verify conclusions reached by others. College students should see things and validate scientific knowledge. They can support their laboratory observation with what is written in books.

But to share your observations and findings with others, you should know how to complete a lab report the right way. This type of academic writing is based on facts and scientific observation, with little or no focus on narrations. A scientific method should be followed in composing an excellent report.

What Is Lab Report?

There are many types of writing you will need to do while at college. But, write a lab report can be the most appealing and the hardest. In this report, you will have to talk about an experiment.

There you will need to include three things:

Due to the nature of these reports, they can be very hard, and you may need to invest a lot of time in the writing and of course, a lot of time in the experiment.

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Tips on How to Make Your Lab Report Perfect

You will need to know how to write a college lab report like a professional. This is mandatory, and there is no other way. Luckily, we have a few tips that can help you with the process. These tips are simple but very effective. At the same time, they can make any typical lab report better and look more professional. Yes, you should use these.

Use The Hook

The hook is the part of the intro, and here, you will use a story or something that will catch the readers' attention. It can be how your experiment will change the world or even cure a disease. As always, use a proper college lab report format when you are writing lab reports. But add the hook into all of them.

Provide a Table

A table is a must-have here. A science lab report will have a lot of data, and you need to present that data to the readers in the simplest form. A table is an excellent method to do that. Try to organize the table in a way that readers can see all the essential data in seconds.

Speculate Any Errors

As with all experiments, there are errors. You need to speculate about these. When writing a lab report, the results section has a huge role in all of this. But, adding the error speculation can make you look even more professional. Reveal all methods and materials, calculate values and explain the whole process. Do this in conclusion.

Present Flowchart

Here you need to present your lab report method, things needed, and also the whole process. It will contain one page, and it will tell a reader what he needs if he wants to repeat the experiment. Do not do this in the conclusion section. There you can add how results relate to something important.

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Five Steps on How to Write a Good College Lab Report

Whether you are studying chemistry, biology, microbiology, or physics, writing high-quality lab reports is a crucial part of your academic studies. Aspiring scientists and students need a good laboratory report when they’re inventing something, proving facts, or elaborating on findings. That is why every science student should learn how to write a formal lab report that meets adequate academic criteria.

This is not just another piece of academic writing you want to hand in, hoping for good grades. It’s a chance to demonstrate an understanding of a particular topic by drawing conclusions. Here is how to write a good lab report:

How to Write the Main Sections for Lab Report?

A formal lab report has several important parts. To complete your assignment in excellent quality, pay attention to each part and work on it properly.

Some lab reports don’t require a title page. But if your professor asks for one, mention the title of your experiment, the students' names, the instructor’s name, and the submission date.

This is a summary of the purpose of your lab report. It should explain the key findings and major conclusions. Mention the methodology or theory on which the experiment is based. By reading the lab report abstract , interested readers will have an idea of what they will read.

It should be brief and still contain all relevant information, including the numerical values of the results. It should also include a summarized description of all procedures.

Lab Report Introduction

The introduction of any academic assignment is the writer’s chance to grab the attention of readers. Your lab report introduction outline is a summary of the major steps in the experiment while mentioning some background information. Mention your hypothesis or what you believe before running an experiment to prove it. Your introduction should tell readers what is the problem or issue and explain how your experiment can expand knowledge to solve this issue.

Your method section is an integral part of a formal lab report. Methods should always be written in the past tense and not in a narrative way. Lab report writing is based on facts and should follow a scientific approach. Mention the methodology or theories and variables that will affect results. Methods adapted from other sources should be referenced.

Materials For Laboratory Report

Here, students list everything used in the experiment. This gives readers the chance to duplicate the experiment if they wish to. Use complete sentences, and don’t list materials like a recipe.

Procedure Section

Here, don’t confuse readers by writing too many words. Keep it simple and list actions in the order they happened. Use the active voice and MLA bullet points or lists so readers can repeat the experiment later on if they wish. While writing your experiment procedure, you should avoid being too brief; otherwise, you might give up clarity.

Discussion Section

Explaining relationships is vital in writing or working on lab report. How does your experiment relate to other work in the same field? This is what you need to include in your lab report discussion to provide useful information to readers. You have probably received some questions in your lab manual. In the discussion section, integrate these answers into a logical discussion rather than answering them one by one.

This is a list of all scientific papers that you’ve used to run your experiment. References should be written on a separate page at the end of your assignment. Readers can refer to these references if they need to read more. This is also a good way to avoid being accused of plagiarism.

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How to Format a Lab Report Correctly

When you are writing any type of lab report, follow the right formatting style. Professors expect you to submit your task before the due date, so there will be a chance to revise and edit.

Lab reports are either written in APA or MLA styles. Both are widely accepted, but they differ in the way to list the cited sources. MLA follows the author-page format, while APA follows the author-page format for in-text citations. Some students prefer to hire reputable lab report writing services to finish their tasks on time.

Use 1-inch margins and use a Times New Roman 12-point font to compose your lab report. Page numbers should be on the upper right-hand corner, starting from the first page. Refer to your lab manual and set of instructions before writing your assignment, and make sure that you’re following the right lab report outline.

How to Format Citation in Your College Lab Report

In your lab reports, you will use information from different sources such as articles, textbooks, and so on. When you use information from sources, you need to tell your readers where this information comes from. If you don’t mention the original author, you might be accused of plagiarism. There are two primary citation styles you need to know when writing a lab report – APA and MLA. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is usually used for writing lab reports covering topics in the social sciences. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is mainly used in the humanities.

Formatting a Title Page for Lab Report

A title page is the most viewed part of your paper, so it must be properly formatted. A title page usually includes the title of your research, your name, the name of your partner, your instructor’s name and the current date. Choosing a title is one of the most difficult tasks. This page should stand out, so try to come up with a title that will grab your reader’s attention. When formatting lab report, keep in mind your title must be no more than 12 words long, yet it should accurately describe the contents of your paper.

Correct Format for Main Parts of Lab Report

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to write a college lab report and all the elements needed for correct a lab report format.

An abstract is a very short summary of your report, but it is one of the most important parts of the paper. It enables your reader to understand whether he or she is going to read the whole paper or not. It must be 100-200 words long, and it must present all the major points of your report.

Introduction

An introduction tells what will follow in your lab report and provides the primary goals of the experiment. Here you need to describe the specific questions you have chosen to study. A good introduction also provides some background information to the readers.

Materials and Methods

The materials and methods section is usually the easiest part to write. All you need to do here is to write what you did and provide a materials list. It must be detailed enough, so those who are interested in your experiment could follow your steps. Just make sure to write everything in past tense with no personal pronouns.

In the results section, you should provide your readers with calculations, different tables, charts, images, graphs, etc. You don’t have to write a lot in this part; just let the data speak instead of you.

It is one of the most important parts of lab report formatting as in this section you need to show you more than understanding the experiment. You have to explain, analyze, and compare your results. When you are writing a lab report discussion section , start by making a statement whether or not your results support the expected findings stated in the beginning. Then compare your findings to the studies of others.

A conclusion can be very short. Just write what you have learned while doing this experiment and add a final statement.

In this part, you need to provide your readers with a list of references that were cited in your report. It will include your lab manual, different handouts, textbooks, and other resources.

Know how to structure your paper

PapersOwl editors can also format your paper according to your specific requirements.

How to Format Data for a Lab Report

The most common mistake students make is not including data. All data must be included in the results section. Once data is collected, it must be organized and summarized. There are many ways to format and present data from laboratory work. It is usually presented as:

and graphs.

Using it will help you analyze and interpret your results. Your data must be presented in a way that is most useful for interpreting the results. Don’t forget to title all graphs and tables.

Writing excellent lab reports is not easy. But we made sure to provide you with a clear explanation of every step to submit an excellent task. Follow the steps and tips we’ve mentioned in our article, and your lab reports will impress everyone. Check the PaperOwl blog for more tips on all types of academic writing. Our expert writers are always ready to help you when you ask us " write my lab report for me ".

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The Lab Report

This document describes a general format for lab reports that you can adapt as needed. Lab reports are the most frequent kind of document written in engineering and can count for as much as 25% of a course yet little time or attention is devoted to how to write them well. Worse yet, each professor wants something a little different. Regardless of variations, however, the goal of lab reports remains the same: document your findings and communicate their significance. With that in mind, we can describe the report’s format and basic components. Knowing the pieces and purpose, you can adapt to the particular needs of a course or professor.

A good lab report does more than present data; it demonstrates the writer’s comprehension of the concepts behind the data. Merely recording the expected and observed results is not sufficient; you should also identify how and why differences occurred, explain how they affected your experiment, and show your understanding of the principles the experiment was designed to examine. Bear in mind that a format, however helpful, cannot replace clear thinking and organized writing. You still need to organize your ideas carefully and express them coherently.

Typical Components

1. The Title Page needs to contain the name of the experiment, the names of lab partners, and the date. Titles should be straightforward, informative, and less than ten words (i.e. Not “Lab #4” but “Lab #4: Sample Analysis using the Debye-Sherrer Method”). 2. The Abstract summarizes four essential aspects of the report: the purpose of the experiment (sometimes expressed as the purpose of the report), key findings, significance and major conclusions. The abstract often also includes a brief reference to theory or methodology. The information should clearly enable readers to decide whether they need to read your whole report. The abstract should be one paragraph of 100-200 words (the sample below is 191 words).

Quick Abstract Reference

May Include:

Restrictions:

ONE page 200 words MAX.

Sample Abstract

This experiment examined the effect of line orientation and arrowhead angle on a subject’s ability to perceive line length, thereby testing the Müller-Lyer illusion. The Müller-Lyer illusion is the classic visual illustration of the effect of the surrounding on the perceived length of a line. The test was to determine the point of subjective equality by having subjects adjust line segments to equal the length of a standard line. Twenty-three subjects were tested in a repeated measures design with four different arrowhead angles and four line orientations. Each condition was tested in six randomized trials. The lines to be adjusted were tipped with outward pointing arrows of varying degrees of pointedness, whereas the standard lines had inward pointing arrows of the same degree. Results showed that line lengths were overestimated in all cases. The size of error increased with decreasing arrowhead angles. For line orientation, overestimation was greatest when the lines were horizontal. This last is contrary to our expectations. Further, the two factors functioned independently in their effects on subjects’ point of subjective equality. These results have important implications for human factors design applications such as graphical display interfaces.

3. The introduction is more narrowly focussed than the abstract. It states the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background to the experiment. State the topic of your report clearly and concisely, in one or two sentences:

Quick Intro Reference

May include:

Example: The purpose of this experiment was to identify the specific element in a metal powder sample by determining its crystal structure and atomic radius. These were determined using the Debye-Sherrer (powder camera) method of X-ray diffraction.

A good introduction also provides whatever background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader needs to know. Usually, an instructor does not want you to repeat the lab manual, but to show your own comprehension of the problem. For example, the introduction that followed the example above might describe the Debye-Sherrer method, and explain that from the diffraction angles the crystal structure can be found by applying Bragg’s law. If the amount of introductory material seems to be a lot, consider adding subheadings such as: Theoretical Principles or Background.

Note on Verb Tense

Introductions often create difficulties for students who struggle with keeping verb tenses straight. These two points should help you navigate the introduction:

“The objective of the experiment was…”

“The purpose of this report is…” “Bragg’s Law for diffraction is …” “The scanning electron microscope produces micrographs …”

4. Methods and Materials (or Equipment) can usually be a simple list, but make sure it is accurate and complete. In some cases, you can simply direct the reader to a lab manual or standard procedure: “Equipment was set up as in CHE 276 manual.” 5. Experimental Procedure describes the process in chronological order. Using clear paragraph structure, explain all steps in the order they actually happened, not as they were supposed to happen. If your professor says you can simply state that you followed the procedure in the manual, be sure you still document occasions when you did not follow that exactly (e.g. “At step 4 we performed four repetitions instead of three, and ignored the data from the second repetition”). If you’ve done it right, another researcher should be able to duplicate your experiment. 6. Results are usually dominated by calculations, tables and figures; however, you still need to state all significant results explicitly in verbal form, for example:

Quick Results Reference

Using the calculated lattice parameter gives, then, R = 0.1244nm.

Graphics need to be clear, easily read, and well labeled (e.g. Figure 1: Input Frequency and Capacitor Value). An important strategy for making your results effective is to draw the reader’s attention to them with a sentence or two, so the reader has a focus when reading the graph.

In most cases, providing a sample calculation is sufficient in the report. Leave the remainder in an appendix. Likewise, your raw data can be placed in an appendix. Refer to appendices as necessary, pointing out trends and identifying special features. 7. Discussion is the most important part of your report, because here, you show that you understand the experiment beyond the simple level of completing it. Explain. Analyse. Interpret. Some people like to think of this as the “subjective” part of the report. By that, they mean this is what is not readily observable. This part of the lab focuses on a question of understanding “What is the significance or meaning of the results?” To answer this question, use both aspects of discussion:

More particularly, focus your discussion with strategies like these:

Compare expected results with those obtained.

If there were differences, how can you account for them? Saying “human error” implies you’re incompetent. Be specific; for example, the instruments could not measure precisely, the sample was not pure or was contaminated, or calculated values did not take account of friction.

Analyze experimental error.

Was it avoidable? Was it a result of equipment? If an experiment was within the tolerances, you can still account for the difference from the ideal. If the flaws result from the experimental design explain how the design might be improved.

Explain your results in terms of theoretical issues.

Often undergraduate labs are intended to illustrate important physical laws, such as Kirchhoff’s voltage law, or the Müller-Lyer illusion. Usually you will have discussed these in the introduction. In this section move from the results to the theory. How well has the theory been illustrated?

Relate results to your experimental objective(s).

If you set out to identify an unknown metal by finding its lattice parameter and its atomic structure, you’d better know the metal and its attributes.

Compare your results to similar investigations.

In some cases, it is legitimate to compare outcomes with classmates, not to change your answer, but to look for any anomalies between the groups and discuss those.

Analyze the strengths and limitations of your experimental design.

This is particularly useful if you designed the thing you’re testing (e.g. a circuit). 8. Conclusion can be very short in most undergraduate laboratories. Simply state what you know now for sure, as a result of the lab:

Quick Conclusion Reference

Example: The Debye-Sherrer method identified the sample material as nickel due to the measured crystal structure (fcc) and atomic radius (approximately 0.124nm).

Notice that, after the material is identified in the example above, the writer provides a justification. We know it is nickel because of its structure and size. This makes a sound and sufficient conclusion. Generally, this is enough; however, the conclusion might also be a place to discuss weaknesses of experimental design, what future work needs to be done to extend your conclusions, or what the implications of your conclusion are. 9. References include your lab manual and any outside reading you have done. Check this site’s documentation page to help you organize references in a way appropriate to your field. 10. Appendices typically include such elements as raw data, calculations, graphs pictures or tables that have not been included in the report itself. Each kind of item should be contained in a separate appendix. Make sure you refer to each appendix at least once in your report. For example, the results section might begin by noting: “Micrographs printed from the Scanning Electron Microscope are contained in Appendix A.”

To learn more about writing science papers, visit our handout on writing in the sciences .

How to Write a Psychology Lab Report

Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

James Lacy, MLS, is a fact-checker and researcher.

A psychology lab report is a paper that describes an experiment organized and written according to the same format used in professional journal articles. These are the essential elements of a psychology lab report and what each should include.

This will be the first page of your lab report. It should include important information such as the name of your paper, your name, and your academic affiliation.

Page two of your lab report will be an abstract —a brief description of what you set out to find in your research, how you went about it, and a general statement describing your findings. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide, for most lab reports, the abstract should be kept to 250 words. However, the specific word count and format of abstract could vary depending on your instructor or the academic journal in which you plan to publish.

Introduction

Your paper should begin with an introduction that describes previous findings regarding your topic of interest, explains the goals of your current research, and describes your hypothesis —what you expect to discover as a result of your research. In order to provide a thorough and sufficient overview of past research, your introduction will likely be several pages long. Be sure to cite all sources using proper APA style.

The next section of your lab report will be the method section . In this portion of your report, you will describe the procedures you used in your research. You'll include specific information such as the number of participants in your study, the background of each individual, your independent and dependent variables , and the type of experimental design you used.

In the results section of your lab report, you'll describe the statistical data you gathered from your research. This section will likely be quite short; you don't need to include any interpretation of your results. Use tables and figures to display statistical data and results.

Next, your lab report should include a discussion section. Here you'll interpret the results of your experiment and state whether your findings support your hypothesis. You also should offer possible explanations for your findings and what they might mean in terms of future research on the topic.

After your discussion section, your lab report should include a list of the references you used in your experiment and lab report. Remember, all references cited in the text must be listed in the references section and vice versa. All references should be in APA format.

Appendices and Supplemental Materials

Any tables or figures used to display your results should be included in the appendix of your lab report. For more detailed descriptions and examples of tables and figures, consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). 2020. doi:10.1037/0000165-000

By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

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How to write a biology lab report + examples

When you are assigned a biology lab report, it is important to understand the purpose of the assignment and how to write a lab report that will be accepted by your instructor. A lab report is a written document that describes an experiment that you have conducted. It includes a discussion of the results, as well as conclusions that you have drawn from your data. In this blog post, we will provide tips for writing a successful biology lab report, as well as examples of what a good lab report should look like. Let’s get started!

What is a biology lab report?

A biology lab report is a scientific document that describes the process and results of a laboratory experiment. The purpose of a biology lab report is to communicate the findings of the experiment and to explain the significance of the results.

How to write a biology lab report.

Several sections should be included in a biology lab report, including:

How to write a discussion in a lab report + examples

How to write a lab report for chemistry + Examples

Introduction

Materials and methods.

Conclusion.

The title should be brief and describe the main focus of the experiment. It should let your reader know what the paper is about, as well as give them an idea of your argument or conclusion. A good title will also help you to stay on track while writing, and keep your paper focused.

For example, a title such as “The Effect of Light on Plant Growth” is more specific than “Plant Growth.”

In addition, make sure to include keywords that will help readers find your paper when they are searching for related topics.

Finally, avoid using jargon or abbreviations in your title; keep it simple.

The abstract should provide a brief overview of the entire report. A good lab report abstract is concise— usually no more than 200 words. It should open with a brief background or introduction, then state the problem or purpose of the research. Next, describe the methods that were used to conduct the research. Finally, summarize the results and implications of the study. The abstract should be written clearly and concisely, and it should be free of jargon. In addition, all references should be cited in full at the end of the abstract. When writing an abstract for a biology lab report, be sure to follow these guidelines to make sure that your report is clear and accurate.

The introduction should provide background information on the topic of the experiment and state the hypothesis that was being tested.

First, you’ll need to provide some background information on the topic of the experiment. This will help the reader understand the context of the experiment and why it is important.

Next, you’ll need to state the hypothesis that was being tested. This is the main question that you were trying to answer with your experiment. Finally, you’ll need to briefly explain the methods that were used in the experiment. This will give the reader an understanding of how the data was collected and how it relates to the hypothesis.

The materials and methods section of a biology lab report is where you describe how the experiment was conducted. This includes providing a list of any materials that were used. You should also describe the steps that were taken during the experiment, including any controls that were used. This section should be written in past tense and should be as concise as possible. It is important to include enough detail so that someone else could replicate the experiment, but you should avoid including irrelevant information. If you used any specialized equipment, you should also include a description of how it was used. By following these tips, you can ensure that your materials and methods section is clear and informative.

The results section of a biology lab report is where you will present the data that you have collected during your experiment. This data can take a variety of forms, including tables, graphs, and diagrams. It is important to clearly and concisely present this data, as it will be the basis for your discussion in the following section. In addition to presenting the data, you should also discuss any observations that you made during the experiment. For example, did you notice any unexpected results? Was there anything that you struggled to understand? By raising these questions, you can guide the reader through your thought process and help them to understand your conclusions.

The discussion section of a biology lab report is where you explain the significance of the results and discuss any limitations of the study. This is your opportunity to show that you understand the experiment and what it was trying to achieve. To do this, you need to:

Writing a good lab report discussion section will take some practice, but it will be well worth the effort. By taking the time to write a good discussion, you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the experiment and show that you can think critically about the data.

After completing a biology lab, it is important to write a conclusion. The conclusion should summarize the findings of the experiment and state whether the hypothesis was supported or not.

To write a good conclusion, it is necessary to first understand what role the conclusion plays in a lab report.

In any science lab report , a conclusion is important because it allows the reader to see the overall purpose of the experiment and how it relates to the scientific principle being tested.

Additionally, it helps to solidify the findings of the experiment by providing a concise summary of the data.

Finally, the conclusion provides an opportunity to reflect on what was learned from the experiment and how it can be applied in future situations. With this in mind, here are some tips for writing a successful conclusion for a biology lab paper.

How to format a biology lab report.

Lab reports should be formatted according to the guidelines of your instructor.

Generally, lab reports should be double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font.

The title of the report should be at the top of the page, and each section should be labeled.

Tables and figures should be numbered and captioned, and the source of any borrowed material should be included in the References section.

Biology Lab report example

Now that we have covered the basics of writing a biology lab report, let’s take a look at an example of a good biology lab report.

The following is an example of a lab report for the experiment “Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity.”

Title: Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity.

The effect of temperature on enzyme activity was studied by measuring the amount of product produced by the enzyme at different temperatures. The results showed that enzyme activity increased as the temperature increased, up to a certain point. After that point, enzyme activity began to decrease.

Introduction :

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body, and their activity is affected by changes in temperature.

Materials and methods:

In this experiment, the effect of temperature on enzyme activity was studied by measuring the amount of product produced by the enzyme at different temperatures. The enzyme was incubated with the substrate at different temperatures, and the amount of product was measured using a spectrophotometer.

The results showed that enzyme activity increased as the temperature increased, up to a certain point. After that point, enzyme activity began to decrease.

Discussion :

The results of this experiment support the hypothesis that enzyme activity increases as the temperature increases, up to a certain point. After that point, enzyme activity begins to decline. This is because enzymes are proteins and undergo denaturation at high temperatures.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, the results of this experiment support the hypothesis that enzyme activity increases as the temperature increases, up to a certain point. After that point, enzyme activity begins to decline. This is because enzymes are proteins and undergo denaturation at high temperatures.

References :

List the references here.

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How to Write a Science Lab Report That Gets Results

Whether you’re conducting experiments in a lab because it’s a required course for your degree or because you hope to become the next Marie Curie , one fact remains the same: you need to write a lab report after conducting your ground-breaking experiment.

The idea of a science lab report might be new to you, but I bet you’ve written at least a few reports in your day.

Ever written a book report or a report about a historical figure? Sure you have. While book reports and history reports aren’t quite the same as lab reports, they do have one thing in common: the word “report.”

That’s right, they’re all reports. This means—get ready for the obvious—you need to report information. Sounds logical enough, right?

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A scientific lab report simply means you need to report the following:

Presto! Report complete!

In case you need just a little more explanation, here’s how to write a science lab report that gets results.

Like most other writing assignments, lab reports generally follow a pattern. A lab report usually includes the following sections:

Introduction

You may be required to include additional sections, such as an abstract , so make sure to check with your instructor before you begin. (Read How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper .)

If you’ve referenced any sources in your report, you’ll also need to cite your information (most likely in APA format ).

If you’re not quite ready to write the report and need more advice about how to prepare, read 5 Easy Tips for a Better Lab Report Format .

Let’s start our science lab report in the beginning, with the introduction.

The introduction of a scientific report should include your overall purpose for completing your research, as well as your hypothesis.

Your introduction will be only a few paragraphs long (and will definitely be no longer than one page).

Purpose: The purpose should explain, in broad terms, what you hope to gain from the experiment.

If you’re conducting an experiment with a frozen pizza and a pizzeria pizza, your purpose might be to see how long you can keep the cooked pizzas in the fridge before mold starts to grow.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis should explain what you expect to learn from the experiment and what you think will happen in your experiment.

You might hypothesize that mold will grow on the pizzeria pizza before it will grow on the frozen pizza because a frozen pizza contains more preservatives.

Remember, the purpose and hypothesis are different from each other. The purpose explains what you hope to accomplish. The hypothesis is what you expect to happen.

The methods section explains what you did in your experiment. The goal is to provide enough detail so that readers understand exactly how you conducted your experiment. This also gives them the information they need to replicate the experiment.

This section will contain a fair amount of detail, so it will likely be at least a page or two long.

The Pizza Experiment

Your pizza experiment methods sections would explain details such as which pizzeria pizza and which frozen pizza you used in the experiment. It might also explain how often you checked the pizza for changes, how long you left the pizza slices in the refrigerator, and at what temperature the fridge was set. You’ll also include a description of how you recorded the information.

Details are key in this section, so what I’ve included above is just a quick synopsis of the type of content you might include. Your write-up will contain much more specific detail. Remember, you’ll need to have enough information so that someone else could complete the same experiment.

A note about style: In most essays, you’re told to write in active rather than passive voice, but here’s a case where the opposite is true.

When writing scientific lab reports, you’re often asked to write in third-person point of view and in passive voice . This is because the focus is on the experiment and not the researchers.

There are instances, however, where your prof would prefer that you write in first-person active voice. (Check with your prof to see which is preferred.)

Here’s a quick example to illustrate the differences:

Also, don’t forget that the experiment took place in the past, so write in past tense.

The results section is just like it sounds. It reports the factual results of your study. It explains what happened when you completed your experiment.

This section is the shortest part of your report and should be no longer than a paragraph or two.

You might decide to include charts, tables, or graphs in this section, but do so cautiously. If you can clearly and succinctly discuss the facts and figures in a few sentences, there’s no need to include the same information in a table.

Think of using tables like using quotations in an essay: only use them when you can’t say it better using a few lines of your own writing.

The results section, like the methods section, should be written in past tense.

The results section of your pizza experiment would explain if you found mold on either slice of pizza, how long it took for the mold to appear, and how much mold appeared.

In some cases, your hypothesis might be wrong. In the pizza experiment, you hypothesized that mold would grow on pizza, but if it didn’t grow, you’ll need to document that in your lab report.

The discussion section is where you’ll have a chance to explain the “so what” of your experiment. In this section, you’ll explain the following:

You’ll also give a review of the literature.

The concerns or problems section of your discussion might address your own mistakes or perhaps what you’d do differently if you repeated the experiment. For instance, maybe you felt that you should place the pizza in different containers, or maybe you thought you should use several other types of pizza.

Either of these variables might change the outcome of your experiment. (Your failures aren’t the focus of your work, though, so don’t dwell on these in your report.)

In your literature review , take a look at other studies in scholarly, scientific journals to see what types of research has already been conducted. As you discuss the results of their findings, you will explain how your experiment fits into the larger discussion.

Perhaps there’s only limited research in this area of study, so you’ve just conducted ground-breaking pizza experimentation!

As you can see, the discussion section will be the longest section of your report and will be about 3-4 pages. (Of course, your professor might ask that you include more detail or your experiment may be quite complex, so this section could be even longer.)

In the pizza experiment, you would discuss whether mold grew on the pizza and what this means. Does this mean that one pizza had more preservatives or that it was more resistant to mold for some reason? If mold appeared after two weeks, does this mean it’s safe for people (such as college students) to eat almost two-week-old pizza? Can you speculate as to which of the pizzas is healthier? Has anyone else completed a pizza experiment? Your discussion would likely include an overview of similar experiments and a discussion of how your experiment compares.

When writing the discussion section, you’re writing about your findings and their implications to the present. Thus, this section of your science lab report should be written in present tense.

A note about style: Be careful with word choices. It can be easy to say things like, “This experiment proves that pizza can be left in the refrigerator for eight days.” While these might be the results of your study, one basic study cannot prove such things. Instead, use words like “indicates” or “suggests.”

Officially a Scientist

With your lab report complete, you can officially call yourself a scientist. You know, like the guy pictured above—complete with bow tie.

By the way, the guy pictured above really is an official scientist— Bill Nye (the Science Guy). You may have watched his kid’s show at one point in your life or might have followed some of his other work. You can even try one of his basic demos if you need some experiment ideas of your own.

Check out these additional science lab reports for inspiration:

A Lab Report on the Distribution of Heat and Dissolved Oxygen in Pontoosuc Lake and the Profile of Its Stratification

Lab Report on Using the Chemical Biuret Test to Test Substances Such as Egg Whites and Chicken Soup for Proteins

A Lab Report on the Formation of an Ester Using the Acid Catalyzed Reaction between an Alcohol and a Carboxylic Acid

If results indicate you’re an awesome scientist, but you’re not sure of your writing skills and you’d rather not experiment with your grade, let a Kibin editor help you get the results you want.

Psst... 98% of Kibin users report better grades! Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays .

About the Author

Susan M. Inez is a professor of English and writing goddess based out of the Northeast. In addition to a BA in English Education, an MA in Composition, and an MS in Education, Susan has 20 years of experience teaching courses on composition, writing in the professions, literature, and more. She also served as co-director of a campus writing center for 2 years.

scientific essays and reports

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Science: Lab report

What is a science lab report.

A science lab report is a structured way of communicating the outcomes of your practical work.

The structure of a typical lab report includes the following sections:

You can apply the common report writing techniques outlined below, after always checking the specific details of your assignment.

Top tips for science lab reports View

Lab report structure.

The title describes the purpose of the practical work in precise terms.

The majority of your practical work will involve measurements, observations or the creation of some object of interest. For example: The Period of a Simple Pendulum

It is clear from the above lab report title that it describes the measurement of a property called a ‘period’, and the object of interest is a ‘simple pendulum’.

Check your understanding View

The abstract provides a brief overview of the practical work, including key results and conclusions.

Keep your abstract short, i.e. about one paragraph or 250 to 500 words. It must be clear enough that the reader can understand a summary of the report without needing to read the rest of it.

In general, the abstract should answer six questions. Addressing each question only requires one to two sentences:

Shorter lab reports may not require an abstract, so check your guidelines first.

Introduction

The introduction is where you introduce the reader to the broader context of your practical work and then narrow down to the hypothesis, aims or research question you intend to address.

You should also succinctly explain relevant theory and discuss any relevant laws, equations or theorems.

The method section is where you describe what you actually did during the practical work. You need to describe the actions you took in a way that someone from your field has enough information to replicate the process and achieve a similar result.

You must also include any unplanned changes to the original process which occurred during the execution of the experiment. A great way to keep track of this is to use a lab notebook during the practical work to note any change you make.

Turn lab instructions into a lab report method

A common mistake students make is copying the instructions their teachers provide directly into their method section. You will generally be provided with a set of instructions to complete your practical work. These instructions are NOT written in the style of a laboratory report. A typical set of instructions usually includes:

Below is an example of the instructions provided to a student to carry out a first year chemistry experiment.

Lab instructions

Phrases are used here to specifically instruct the student who may be performing the technique for the first time. This is different from a lab report where you are reporting on what you did. For example, the instructions say:

These are not appropriate phrases to include in the lab report.

Also note that the language of the instructions is in the present tense in bullet points. The method section of your report should instead be written in the past tense as a cohesive paragraph.

However, there are ways you can change the language of the instructions to write your method section.

Below is an example of how these lab instructions were summarised into a method in a laboratory report:

Lab report: method

25ml of HCl(aq) was pipetted into a 100ml conical flask. A burette was then filled with standardised NaOH(aq). A sheet of white paper was placed under the burette. The conical flask was placed onto the white paper and five drops of universal indicator was added to the flask. The standardised NaOH(aq) was titrated into the flask with constant swirling until there was an observable colour change.

How to change lab instructions into a lab method

How to use a passive voice in lab reports.

While most science units require that you report in the passive voice , some require the active voice . In the example below, the first person plural is used in the active voice, i.e. "we initiated". Usage of the active voice is accepted in some disciplines, but not others. Check your unit information or talk to your teacher.

While in science the passive voice is generally preferred, some disciplines may allow or prefer the active voice. Read samples of student reports below and identify which examples are written in passive voice, and which use active voice.

The results section is where you present a summary of the data collected during your experiments. This section is not just a copy of the raw data from your lab notebook. Rather, it may involve calculation, analysis and the drawing up of tables and figures to present your data.

Calculations

When you take your raw data and perform some sort of mathematical operation to change it, it is good practice to show the equations you used in your analysis, as well as one worked example using each equation. Calculations that are very long or repeated multiple times are usually included in an appendix (see below).

In some disciplines, if formulae are used, it is common to number them as equations:

Error analysis

Error analysis is a type of calculation that indicates the accuracy of your results, usually done by determining the level of uncertainty. The sources of error that you need to consider will vary between experiments and disciplines, but you will usually need to factor in both random and systematic errors.

Any analysis and calculations of the errors or uncertainties in the experiment are included in the results section unless otherwise specified. In some disciplines the analysis and uncertainty calculations are presented under their own heading. Check the requirements given in your unit information or lab manual, or ask your tutor if you are unsure where to place calculations

Tables and figures

Most numerical data are presented using tables or figures. These need to be clearly labelled following the standard conventions for captions, and titles must tell the reader precisely what data is being presented.

If a measurement is stated in the title, in a column of a table or on the axis of a graph and it has units associated with it, these must be included (usually in brackets).

The table below presents a series of measurements collected during an experiment. Notice the units in every column with the brackets. Some measurements such as pH or C p do not have units.

The figure below is a graphical representation of aerodynamic measurements. Notice the axes are labelled with appropriate units and the caption at the bottom of the figure clearly describes what the figure is about.

Figures can also be a wide variety of images. The figure below is an image taken from a type of molecular microscope. Notice the caption at the bottom of the figure clearly describing the figure and the specification of the magnification of the microscope.

If you must use figures from another source, indicate in the citation whether you have modified it in any way to avoid collusion or plagiarism .

The discussion section is where you interpret and evaluate your results. To do this you need to summarise your key results, summarise unexpected results, and explain how your results relate to your aims, hypotheses or literature as stated at the start of the report. Here are some tips on writing discussion sections:

Identify and describe any trends or patterns you have observed. If these are numerical trends, state the values. Avoid using unspecific words such as ‘higher, lower, increased, decreased’, which can make the information vague.

Compare the experimental results with any predictions you made.

Interpret what the results mean in relation to the aims, research question(s) or hypothesis.

Describe any results which were unexpected or didn’t match your predictions.

Suggest explanations for unexpected results based on the theory and procedures of the experiment.

Evaluate how any sources of error might impact on the interpretation of your results in relation to the aims, research question(s) or hypothesis.

State the limitations of the study and link to literature

Clarify how the limitations of the study might affect the accuracy and precision of the answers to your aim, research question or hypothesis.

Suggest how the experiment or analysis could have been improved. A longer report may require support from the academic literature.

Explain how your results do or do not address your aim, research question or hypothesis, and indicate future directions for the research.

The discussion example below is from a first-year Biology unit. The aim of this experiment was to identify decomposition rates of leaf breakdown to establish rates of energy transfer.

Drag each description of each component of the Discussion section to its example. Notice the order in which the components make up a coherent Discussion section.

Students often make the mistake of thinking a conclusion section is identical to a discussion section.

The conclusion section is where you summarise your report. A conclusion is usually one paragraph or 200 to 300 words. In this way a conclusion is very similar to an abstract, but with more emphasis on the results and discussion.

A conclusion never introduces any new ideas or results. Rather, it provides a concise summary of those which have already been presented in the report. When writing a conclusion you should:

Conclusion example with feedback

When in-text citations are incorporated into your lab report (typically in the introduction or discussion) you must always have the full references included in a separate reference list. The reference list is a separate section that comes after your conclusion (and before any appendices). Check your lab manual or unit information to determine which referencing style is preferred. Carefully follow that referencing style for your in-text references and reference list. You can find examples and information about common referencing styles in the Citing and referencing Library guide . The following is an example of a reference list based on the in-text citations used in the Introduction and Conclusion sections in this tutorial. This example has been formatted in accordance with the CSIRO referencing style .

Jones T, Smith K, Nguyen P, di Alberto P (2017) Effects of habitat overlap on population sampling. Environmental Ecology Journal 75 , 23-29. doi: 10.5432/1111.23

Tian M, Castillo TL (2016) Solar heating uptake in Australia: rates, causes and effects. Energy Efficiency Reports. Report no. 10, The Department of Sustainability and Environment, Canberra.

An appendix (plural = appendices) contains material that is too detailed to include in the main report, such as tables of raw data or detailed calculations.

Each appendix must be:

The calculated values are shown in Table 3 below. For detailed calculations, see Appendix 1.

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COMMENTS

How To Write A Lab Report
The main results to report include: any descriptive statistics statistical test results the significance of the test results estimates of standard error or confidence intervals Example: Results The mean heights of the plants in the control group, low nitrogen group, and high nitrogen groups were 20.3, 25.1, and 29.6 cm respectively.
Writing a Scientific Paper: RESULTS
Writing a "good" results section This is the core of the paper. Don't start the results sections with methods you left out of the Materials and Methods section. You need to give an overall description of the experiments and present the data you found. Goals: • Factual statements supported by evidence. Short and sweet without excess words
How to Write a Lab Report
The date the lab was performed or the date the report was submitted. Title The title says what you did. It should be brief (aim for ten words or less) and describe the main point of the experiment or investigation. An example of a title would be: "Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Borax Crystal Growth Rate".
Results
One of the best ways to represent the results of your study is by using graphs and tables (in lab reports, graphs and other images are usually known as "figures"). This is because they are easy to read and convey a lot of information to the reader in an efficient way.
Writing a Lab Report: Introduction and Discussion Section Guide
The introduction of a lab report states the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background information. State the topic of your report clearly and concisely (in one or two sentences). Provide background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader should know.
How to Write the Results Section of a Lab Report
Tips for Writing a Solid Results Section in a Lab Report 1. Make sure you have tables and figures for every piece of data reported in the paper. The reader should not have to flip through the report and read each result individually. 2. Always include units in your data and do not abbreviate anything.
How Do I Present Findings From My Experiment in a Report?
Please use the following explanations only to supplement your given writing criteria, rather than thinking of them as an indication of how all lab reports must be written. In Practice. The Structure of a Report. The traditional experimental report is structured using the acronym "IMRAD" which stands for Introduction, Methods, Results and ...
Lab Report ~ How to Write it Step-by-Step with Examples
Definition: Lab report. A lab report conveys a scientific experiment's methods, purposes, results, and conclusions, like testing the viscosity of different liquids in the kitchen. The primary aim of a lab report is to show that you understand a specific scientific method by performing a hands-on lab experiment.
How to Write a Lab Report: Writing Steps, Format & Examples
Wondering how to write a lab report? First of all, such documents must be descriptive and formal. An average scientific lab report is expected to: Display your own research results Contain assumptions, proving or disproving some hypotheses Present the evidence (lab data, statistics, and calculations) in a comprehensive manner
How to Write an APA Results Section
You will have the opportunity to give your own interpretations of the results in the discussion section. 2. Use APA format. As you are writing your results section, keep a style guide on hand. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the official source for APA style. Visit your library.
Writing Lab Reports: Results
Writing Lab Reports: Results Keys to the Results Section Purpose: What did you find? Relative size: 10-15% of total (excluding tables and figures) Scope: Narrow: the middle of the hourglass Verb Tense: Always use the past tense when summarizing the results of your experiment Summarize the results of your study.
How to Write a Lab Report
Student Guidelines for Writing a Formal Laboratory Report Overview. An essential part of science is learning to communicate findings from a scientific investigation. Thus, preparation of a laboratory report in the form of a scientific paper is regarded as an important part of your learning.
HOW TO WRITE A LAB REPORT
importance to them. The abstract section provides a concise summary of the article and its most important results, so the reader only has to read a few sentences to determine if the entire article is relevant. The introduction and conclusions contain a little more information; usually the reader goes to the introduction for more information about the motivation and the method of the experi-
How to Write a Lab Report
A typical lab report would include the following sections: title, abstract, introduction, method, results and discussion. Title page, abstract, references and appendices are started on separate pages (subsections from the main body of the report are not). Use double-line spacing of text, font size 12, and include page numbers.
Library Research Guides: STEM: How To Write A Lab Report
The results show the data that was collected or found during the experiment. Explain in words the data that was collected. If using graphs, charts, or other figures, present them in the results section of the lab report. Tables should be labeled numerically, as "Table 1", "Table 2", etc.
How to Write a Results Section for a Lab Report
Best Practices while Writing the Results Section Here are certain pointers that need to be kept in mind when one is writing the results section of a lab report: Do not interpret or analyze the data. Do not include unnecessary information; stick with what is relevant to the lab experiment.
How to Write a Great Lab Report
Ensure you're writing objectively and from a scientific point of view so you don't seem biased in your lab report. Back your findings up with facts and evidence for a stronger report. 4. Double-Check Calculations. Your lab report may require you to use equations and calculations. Double-check your calculations to ensure your results are ...
How to Write a Physics Lab Report (with Pictures)
9. Include your references. Don't forget to add a "References" or "Works Cited" section at the end of your lab report. Include any and all sources you used to complete the lab. Format your references using the style ( MLA, APA, or Chicago) that your instructor prefers. Part 2.
How to Write a Lab Report
Parts of a lab report. Ultimately, the required elements for your lab report will depend on your university or your instructor. But below, we offer you a basic description of the usual parts and tips for getting them right. As shown in the steps above, we'll start with how to write an introduction for a lab report, then move down the list.
How to Write a Lab Report
A proper lab report format consists of the following elements: A title page Abstract Introduction Required materials Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Figure and graphs Reference list To ensure that your lab report is authentic and reliable, following the lab report format is essential.
Free Printable Lab Report Templates [Ace Your Scientific Research]
A lab report template typically includes the following sections: Title page: This includes the title of the report, the name of the author (s), the date of the experiment, and the course or class information. Abstract: A summary of the experiment, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. Introduction: This provides background ...
How to Write a College Lab Report: General Guidelines
Use 1-inch margins and use a Times New Roman 12-point font to compose your lab report. Page numbers should be on the upper right-hand corner, starting from the first page. Refer to your lab manual and set of instructions before writing your assignment, and make sure that you're following the right lab report outline.
How to Write a Lab Report.pdf
How to write a lab report TYPE & PRINT OUT THE LAB REPORT, put it in the correct order (see below), and turn in with the rubric OR if it is a purpose lab use this rubric any pre-lab that has been assigned. No pronouns, no questions or exclamation marks in the Introduction or Discussion. 1 inch margins, at least 1.5 spacing, font size should be 12 of a standard font (Arial, Times New Roman ...
The Lab Report
Overview. This document describes a general format for lab reports that you can adapt as needed. Lab reports are the most frequent kind of document written in engineering and can count for as much as 25% of a course yet little time or attention is devoted to how to write them well. Worse yet, each professor wants something a little different.
How to Write a Psychology Lab Report
Introduction. Your paper should begin with an introduction that describes previous findings regarding your topic of interest, explains the goals of your current research, and describes your hypothesis —what you expect to discover as a result of your research. In order to provide a thorough and sufficient overview of past research, your ...
How to write a biology lab report + examples
How to format a biology lab report. Lab reports should be formatted according to the guidelines of your instructor. Generally, lab reports should be double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font. The title of the report should be at the top of the page, and each section should be labeled.
Solved READ ONLY! If you were to write a lab report on this,
Remove the orifice test section and replace it with another device as scheduled in your lab exercise, for example by installing the nozzle plate in place of the orifice. Reconnect all the tubes/hoses. 10. Turn back on the pump, repeat steps 6,7 and 8 to complete four runs for the nozzle section. 11.
How to Write a Science Lab Report That Gets Results
It reports the factual results of your study. It explains what happened when you completed your experiment. This section is the shortest part of your report and should be no longer than a paragraph or two. You might decide to include charts, tables, or graphs in this section, but do so cautiously.
Science: Lab report
A science lab report is a structured way of communicating the outcomes of your practical work. The structure of a typical lab report includes the following sections: Aim and Hypothesis - Why you conducted the practical work. Method - How you conducted the practical work and how any data processed. Results - What was the data, process or product ...