Write your introduction. State the problem under investigation, the reason for the study, the history and theoretical background of the problem. Briefly state the general method of approaching the problem, the hypotheses and expected results. The null hypothesis means that the observed difference in the study just reflects chance variation while the alternative hypothesis means that the observed difference is real.
Explain how and with what materials the work was done to comprise the "methods and materials" section. Elaborate on the tests, processes or techniques you used to confirm or reject your hypotheses and the reason behind these methods.
Report your findings in the "results" section. Use tables, lists and figures that are properly numbered and titled. Summarize each table and graph for the reader. The department of biology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine suggests the following guidelines for reporting statistical results in your paper:
Always report the mean (average value) along with a measure of variability (standard deviation/s or standard error of the mean) in reporting descriptive statistics, which summarize the characteristics of the data. Two common ways to express the mean and variability are as follows: "Total weight of mice (n=200) averaged 30 grams (s=5 g)" or "Total weight of mice (n=200) averaged 30 ± 5 grams."
Report the result in the text without stating the summary values if the summary statistics are already in graphical form, For example: "Mean total weight of mice increased 4.8 grams between Week 1 and Week 4..."
Summarize frequency data in the text with appropriate measures such as percents, proportions or ratios. For example, "An estimated 75% of the mice in the experimental group and 38% of the mice in the control group gained weight in the 4-week period."
Discuss and interpret your results in the next section, "Discussion and Conclusions." Explain the correct interpretation of your analysis. Additionally, allow yourself to speculate as to any unexpected results you observed, changes in methods or what could have been done differently.
In reporting the results of inferential statistics, which draw tentative conclusions from the data and test the hypotheses of the study, state the key biological result followed by the statistical result that substantiates the finding, according to the Bates College article on statistical reporting. For example, "Mean total weight of mice increased significantly (4.8 g) between Week 1 (30 g ± 5 g, n=200) and Week 4 (35 g ± 4.5 g, n=158) (two-sample t-test, p< 0.001)."
If after running any inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, analysis of variance) your p value is less than .05, then you have statistical significance, which means that the finding is not likely due to chance.
Go back to your hypothesis, which is a testable statement in response to your research question. If your inferential statistic or test of significance shows a statistically significant result, then you can reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis.
State your conclusions and suggest recommendations for further study.
List your references according to the style guide. Take note of scientific and literary ethics: Insert a citation every time you refer to a previously reported study, idea or method and reference every quotation.