Although experiment write ups are applicable to a wide variety of soft and hard science fields, such as psychology, chemistry and/or physics, the layouts are very similar to one another. Generally, experiment write-ups favor objectiveness and quantitative accuracy over colorful language or extraneous examples, and are divided up into multiple sections including the aim, hypothesis, methods, results, conclusion and evaluation. Occasionally figures and graphs and/or references will also be required as per instructors’ wishes.

Aim

The aim or the goal of the experiment is the reason why the experiment is being carried out. The aim may contain a research question, but should also state the purpose of the experiment, such as what it hopes to investigate or find out.

Hypothesis

All experiments require a hypothesis. Hypotheses may either be directional or non-directional. Directional hypotheses are generally more specific, and measure the effects of two variables on each other, or the direction of variation of two variables. A non-directional hypothesis only shows the relation between two variables, but not their direction. Hypotheses are essentially predictions of how an experiment will turn out, which need to be supported by a reason or prior research.

Method

The methods section is essentially an outline of how the experiment was designed, and the steps in it. The methods section should be written so that it could be easily replicated at any moment. Experimenters should mention their participants, materials, procedures and conditions in this section.

Results

In this section, experimenters should conduct all relevant analyses, such as ANOVAs, and should address data recording as well as data processing. The results section should be presented as to be easily read and understood.

Data recording is where experimenters record all of the readings and measurements taken throughout the course of the experiment. Any observations should also be recorded in this section.

Data processing is for any calculations and/or graphs or other handling of the data.

Discussion

In this section, the experimenter discusses all findings, and their implications. Here, findings should be evaluated, and explanations should be given for any unusual implications for future research.

In the discussion section is also where the concluding paragraph goes, which sums up the experiment and its findings in a concise manner.

Figures and Graphs

Figures and graphs should be labeled descriptively. Units of measurement should be included, and both y and x axes should be labeled. The independent variable goes on the x axis, while the dependent variable goes on the y axis. Figures and graphs should be referred to in the paper itself.

References

References go at the end of the lab write-up, and should be cited in the proper format.

Avoiding Bias in Writing

Scientific writing is:

1. Precise, meaning that it avoids ambiguities in order to stay away from confusion that may lead the reader to not fully understand all concepts presented.
2. Clear, meaning that the writing must be clear and specific given complex concepts and methods in science.
3. Objective, meaning that the scientific report must be free of intuition, biased language, and emotions.

The active voice should be used in scientific writing rather than passive voice. Sentences should also be written in third person, rather than in first. Acknowledging scientific limitations is also another key to a successful lab report.

Naturally, all lab reports should be free of grammatical and spelling errors. All jargon, slang or colloquial terms should be avoided. Because most of the report consists of what an experimenter did, it should be written in past tense.

Writing up an experiment is relatively easy compared to conducting it, but experimenters should make sure to report all necessary findings and values accurately.