Plants & Human Affairs

I. Format:
q	Type manuscripts on "8½ x 11" paper. Double-space throughout.
q	Assemble manuscript in this order: Title, text (introduction, methods, results, discussion), acknowledgments, literature cited page, tables, figures, raw data, completed checklist.

II Title Page:
q	Center title
q	Capitalize first letter of each word
q	Descriptive
q	Below title include your name, affiliation (school) and unabbreviated complete address, date

IV. Introduction:
q	Provides a background to the work.
q	Cites appropriate references
q	Cites references as necessary
q	Includes a statement of purpose/hypothesis

V. Materials/Methods:
q	Gives an indication of the procedures followed.
q	Written paragraph style.
q	Materials are not listed.
q	Includes the scientific and common name of the species used in the study
q	Identifies the source, treatment, condition, etc., of the material used in the study
q	Gives lighting, growth, etc. conditions
q	Provide a sample calculation if necessary

VI. Results:
q	Describe, in words, the data collected in the experiment
q	Tables, graphs, figures, and raw data are not included in the text; they are appended at the end of the report

VII. Discussion
q	Describes the significance of the findings and any conclusions drawn from the work.
q	Refers to other published work
q	Explains how results "fit into" our current knowledge of the topic

VIII. Literature Cited:
q	Cite references in alphabetical order by the first author's surname.
q	Use MLA or other format, and use it consistently
q	Each reference cited in the text is listed in the Literature Cited section; and vice versa.
q	Double check for spelling and details of publication

IX. Tables:
q	Each table, regardless of size, is placed on a separate page.
q	The tables are sequentially numbered (Table 1 ... Table n).
q	Use the word "table", not "chart".
q	Each table must have a descriptive caption that makes the general meaning understood with reference to the text.
q	The caption should be placed on top of the table

X. Figures : (Graphs, photographs, drawings, etc. are called figures)
q	Each figure is placed on a separate page.
q	Each figure is sequentially numbered; Figure 1 ... Figure n.
q	Each figure has a descriptive caption that makes the general meaning understood with reference to the text.
q	The caption is placed at the bottom of the page

XI. Graph Preparation: (click here for more information on graph preparation)
q	Each graph is placed on a separate page.
q	Graph uses entire paper.
q	Dependent vs. independent variable is plotted.
q	Axes of graph are labeled, including units.
q	Graph has a caption that makes the general meaning understood with reference to the text.
q	The caption, as with all figures, is placed beneath the graph
q	Data points are connected by lines when appropriate - or, the best fit line is drawn.
q	Minimum and maximum values for x and y axes are appropriate.
q	Each graph is sequentially numbered (Figure 1 ... Figure n.)

XII. General Rhetoric/Writing:
q	Use "Figure" only to start a sentence; otherwise "Fig." if singular, "Figs." if plural (e.g., Fig. 6; Figs. 4-7).
q	Use these abbreviations without spelling out: hr, min, sec, yr, mo, wk, d, diam, cm, mm; designate temperature as 30 C.
q	Write out other abbreviations first time used in the text; abbreviate thereafter: "Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used..."
q	Numbers: Write out one to ten unless a measurement (e.g., four petals, 3 mm, 35 sites, six yr). Use 1,000 instead of 1000; 0.13 instead of .13; % instead of percent.
q	Use metric system (SI units when possible).
q	Scientific names (including family) should be given first time species is mentioned.
q	Scientific names are written properly. They should be written out fully the first time used. They can be abbreviated in successive uses (i.e., Quercus alba then Q. alba.)
q	Use active voice (I weighed the leaf; Not - the leaf was weighed by me).
q	Proper use of significant figures
q	The word 'data' is plural (i.e., data are reported ... or, these data show ... ).
q	Correctly use the terms: measure vs. calculate; analytical vs. preparative; error vs. mistake; qualitative vs. quantitative; accuracy vs. precision; fact vs. inference; affect vs. effect. For more information about correct usage of many words, click here.
q	Refer to data treatments by name, not "Tube #3" or "Sample A"
q	Use the word "prove" carefully. It's easy to "support" or "confirm" a hypothesis, but nearly impossible to "prove" it.
q	When appropriate, include statistical analysis. Identify the number of replications of the experimental treatment and the number of times the experiment was duplicated.
q	Use appropriate headings and subheadings
q	Headings are centered & capitalized
q	Secondary headings are underlined
q	Information is summarized to avoid plagiarism