4.3. Laboratory report

Laboratory reports are written in order to communicate the labora­tory work to other professionals but also to serve as an archive of findings than need not be repeated in future.

This is the most common organisation of information in laboratory reports:

1. abstract;

2. introduction;

3. procedures;

4. results and discussion;

5. conclusion;

6. appendices.

Abstract

The abstract is a stand- alone synopsis of the experiment. In scientific literature they are often published separately. That means it needs to include crucial information in a concise and clear form. Begin with a precise identification of your subject matter, the objectives of the investigation performed, the method of their treatment. Present here the new findings and the conclusions they led to.

Its style format demands that there are no abbreviations, quotations, no figures or tables. It is to be typed as a single paragraph, most commonly of about 200 words.

Introduction

This part also commences with the identification of the experiment, its objectives, relevance, background. Yet, identifying here presupposes the elaboration on the concept being at test. It is recommended to include here the reference to the latest findings in that field. As for the objectives, they are to be accompanied with the most clearly stated hypothesis, assessment of the outcome, the rationale for choosing that particular perspective for your experiment in the first place. Background information related to theoretical predictions for your expected results.

Procedures

Here you need to discuss the actual procedure of the experiment. To do so, describe the equipment, the process of gathering data, how you analysed your findings. Experimental findings should be properly documented in order to be repeatable. This ensures their scientific validation. Therefore it is also very important to include details that affect the outcome, even those that presented a hindrance.

This piece of writing is justly written in the first person, as the experimenters themselves should be given proper credit for their work.

Results and Discussion

The presentation of the results and the ensuing discussion is the cen­tral part of a laboratory report, its reason d'être. Results section begins with a sentence or two summarising the overall findings of the experiment. It then integrates both visual (graphs, tables, drawings) and verbal representa­tions of the data. The verbal descriptions consist of series of findings (gen­eral statements that summarise or give the important point of a visual) and support for the findings (further details about the data).

The purpose of the discussion is to interpret your results, that is, to explain, analyse, and compare them. This is the point at which the re­searcher stands back from the results and talks about them within the broader context set forth in the Introduction. It is perhaps the most impor­tant part of the report because it is where you demonstrate that you under­stand the experiment beyond the level of simply doing it. Do not discuss any outcomes not presented in the Results.

Conclusion

The conclusion section discusses the results in the context of the entire experiment. Usually, the objectives mentioned in the Introduction are examined to determine whether the experiment succeeded. If the objectives were not met, you should analyse why the results were not as predicted.

Appendices

In laboratory reports that contain information too detailed to be placed into the text, appendices are often included. They may be some long tables or tangential information not directly related yet relevant for the experiment.