Writing a Scientific Paper: Finding Your Story

Are you struggling to write your scientific paper? Many authors say that to be successful, a scientific article has to do more than just present a lot of data. It must tell a clear, compelling story. But how do you figure out what the story is? In this video, I will walk you through the steps to uncover what story your data are telling.

00:00 Intro
00:34 Why you need a clear narrative in mind
01:24 Begin with your data and answer these questions
02:16 An example
04:06 The story emerges
04:49 Follow the story arc
06:04 What to do if you can't find the story

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If you use video in your research or would like to make a video about your research, check out my other YouTube channel, The Scientist Videographer:

Follow me on Twitter: @SciWri_KLMcKee

[larrygeraragon]

Greetings from the Philippines, Dr. McKee! Please continue to make this kind of videos which are very inspirational and nurturing for early-career researchers like myself. I pray for your good health so you can continue to teach us!

[TheOnLeftBehind]

This was to the point and easy to follow. It answered my question about writing a narrative and now I’m really ready to defend my dissertation! Thank you!

[aslisa]

Thank you for these tips! You give very clear messages and we are very grateful for your videos!

[hiennguyenthithuc]

Dr. McKee, please accept my sincere thanks for your dedication. Your sharing is truly valuable for young scientists like me. Could you do some content relating to doing Ph.D? Thank you so much! Wish you good health and luck!

[wilsonfuruya]

Thank you. Very helpful video. A lot of tips behind the manuscript. I hope you keep helping researchers around the world with your videos.

[chaiboonyean]

Thank you, Dr. Mckee. I really love your video, I have been struggling for some years to write papers. Your video gives me a clear direction. it is simple and easy.

[piyushuniyal]

Thank you mam for your videos. These are really helpful. Further, I request you if you can make a video on use of the grammar and punctuations in scientific writing. As per my experience many non-native English speakers face this issue.

[sherzadshahab]

Karen, My thanks and appreciation, It is useful.

[vanesho]

Dr. McKee, thanks for the video. I would like to ask which software you recommend for well-presenting tables and graphics in papers (for example in biogeochemistry or in your area of study).

[adityapatel]

All good scientific comprises ABT methods?Which section of research paper needs to focus on finding ABT ?
Result or conclusion or both.
The lecture was very helpful mam.Thank you

[eji]

Could you do a video for writing a paper in humanities?

[matomelawrence]

Hello i would really like to improve my writing skills... is it possible that i can contact you and set up a zoom meeting?