2-5
Preliminary Steps in Writing a Scientific Manuscript
Good conclusions
Poor hypothesis statements We studied the effect of high- dose chemotherapy using X and Y plus autologous stem- cell transplantation on survival in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma. [does not state hypothesized effect or comparison group]
Good hypothesis statements
We hypothesized that high-dose chemotherapy using X and Y followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation improves survival duration compared with conventional-dose chemotherapy using X, Y, and Z in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.
In this phase III trial, we determined whether high-dose chemotherapy using X and Y followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation improves survival duration compared with conventional- dose chemotherapy using X, Y, and Z in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.
We found that high-dose chemotherapy using X and Y followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation improves survival duration compared with conventional-dose chemotherapy using X, Y,
and Z in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.
Articles about purpose-driven studies sometimes erroneously omit the purpose statement altogether and use background information, a method, a finding, or a conclusion instead. In the table below, the first column contains statements that might inappropriately appear in place of a purpose statement, the middle column contains acceptable purpose statements, and the final column contains conclusions. Again, notice the similarity in wording between the purpose statements and the conclusions.
Inappropriate substitutes for purpose statements Studies in animals have suggested that calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, results from epidemiologic studies of intake of calcium or dairy foods and colorectal cancer risk have been inconclusive. [implies gap in knowledge but does not state purpose of study]
Good purpose statements
Good conclusions
Our goal was to identify any associations between the consumption of dairy foods and calcium and colorectal cancer risk in a pooled analysis of 10 cohort studies from North America and Europe.
Higher consumption of milk and calcium is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
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