Theme: The choice of a scientific theme. Quoting and Paraphrasing

Quote selectively
Similarly, after you have decided that you do want to use material in quoted form, quote only the portions of the text specifically relevant to your point.Think of the text in terms of units--words, phrases, sentences, and groups of sentences (paragraphs, stanzas)--and use only the units you need.
If it is particular words or phrases that "prove" your point, you do not need to quote the sentences they appear in; rather, incorporate the words and phrases into sentences expressing your own ideas.
Activity 4. CRITIQUING A STATISTICAL STUDY

1. In critiquing a statistical study, why must readers consider the study’s replicability?

Replicability is a measure of a statistical study’s overall completeness. If, after reading a study, one does not have the information necessary to replicate the study, then one does not have the information necessary to determine whether or not the results are entirely relevant, meaningful, and supportive of the conclusion. Thus, if a study is not replicable, no judgment can be made about the validity of its conclusion.


2. What information should a well-written abstract contain?

A well-written abstract is a summary of the study. It is usually about 120 words in length and should do the following: 1) clearly state the study’s topic and purpose; 2) briefly describe the participants involved and materials used in the study; 3) explain what procedures were followed and what statistical analyses were used; and 4) summarize the results of the study and the conclusion drawn from them.

3. What information does a well-written literature review provide?

A well-written literature review provides readers with background information and gives them a frame of reference that enhances their understanding of the study. More specifically, the literature review provides 1) a discussion of the rationale for conducting the study and

2) information about other studies that have been done and how this study relates to them. Thus, after reading the literature review, the reader will have the “big picture” with regard to the topic and understand how the author’s study fits into this “picture.”