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Writing and Publishing Scientific Articles
Common Problems A common problem in scientific manuscripts is the absence of a clear explanation of why a study was performed. Poor hypothesis statements often do not make clear the variables to be tested. In the table below, the left column contains poorly written hypothesis statements, and the middle column illustrates how these statements could be improved. The final column contains conclusions. Note the similarity in wording between the hypothesis statements and the conclusions.
Poor hypothesis statements We used BLAST searches to study the sequences downstream from the TATA box in basal PolIII snRNA. [states method instead of why the sequences were examined or what the expected findings were]
Good hypothesis statements
Good conclusions
Our hypothesis was that sequences downstream from the TATA box regulate the efficiency and specificity of basal PolIII snRNA transcription by influencing the assembly of TFIIB- α . We hypothesized that the actin assembly process facilitates phagosome/endosome aggregation before membrane fusion. We hypothesized that earlier exposure to hormones or exposure to a higher level of hormones is linked to earlier development of breast cancer.
Our study investigated whether sequences downstream from the TATA box regulate the efficiency and specificity of basal PolIII snRNA transcription by influencing the assembly of TFIIB- α . We proposed that the actin assembly process facilitates phagosome/endosome aggregation before membrane fusion. The purpose of our study was to determine whether earlier exposure to hormones or exposure to a higher level of hormones is linked to earlier development of breast cancer.
Nucleotides ___ to ___ downstream from the TATA box regulate the efficiency and specificity of basal PolIII snRNA transcription by influencing the assembly of TFIIB- α .
Actin assembly and its role in membrane fusion were studied. [does not say why]
The actin assembly process facilitates phagosome/endosome aggregation before membrane fusion.
We found that earlier exposure to hormones but not exposure to a higher level of hormones is linked to earlier development of breast cancer.
We explored the relationship between hormonal factors and age at development of breast cancer. [vague; does not state how these factors may be related]
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