Guideline of Writing experimental report 1

True Light Girls’ College

NSS Biology

Guideline for Writing up an experimental report

General content of an experimental report
1. Date of experiment
2. Title
3. Aim
4. Introduction (a) the principle of the investigation
(b) The reason for using a specimen, indicator, etc.
5. Hypothesis (optional)
6. Prediction (optional)
7. Materials and apparatus
8. Identifying the variables
9. Procedure (a) Experimental steps
(b) Method of changing the independent variable
(c) Way of measuring the dependent variable
(d) Need for the controlling other variables
(e) Reasons for using the method
(f) Precaution
(g) Diagram of experimental setup
(h) Explanation of the control setup
10. Results (a) Table of results
(b) Calculation / Graph
11. Discussion (a) The general pattern of the results & the related explanations
(b) The sources of error and limitation in the method used
(c) The suggestion to improve the method
(d) The significance of the results and the suggestion of further investigation
12. Conclusion
Guideline of Writing experimental report 2
Explanation on the content of an experimental report
1. Date of experiment
This is the date you have carried out the experiment.
2. Title
1. This should indicate the broad purpose of the investigation.
2. Only the first letter of each major word is capitalized.
For example: “Enzyme Activities” or “Investigation of the Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity”
3. Aim / objective
The problems under investigation should be clearly identified so that the aim of the investigation can be
stated clearly and precisely.
For example: “To determine the rate of sucrose digestion by invertase in grasshopper at temperatures
in the range of 0-80°C by iodine test”
4. Introduction
1. This is a short paragraph to explain the scientific principles involved or a brief review of the
reasons for building up the hypothesis to be tested.
2. It should show clearly how the knowledge of biological principles has been applied to the design of
the investigation.
3. Someone who has no knowledge of the topic should be able to easily understand the basic idea of
the investigation just by reading this part.
4. Other minor areas, e.g. the reason for using a specimen, etc.
5. Hypothesis (plural: hypotheses)
1. This is an educated or informed guess at the probable answer for the specific problem.
2. It is based on some observations or some previously confirmed knowledge.
(If the idea is not previously confirmed, it could only have the status of an assumption. Under
certain circumstances, assumptions are needed to be made in order to be able to make use the
collected data to support or not to support the hypothesis.)
3. It should be put forward in a testable form.
4. If further observations seem to support the hypothesis, then it has been 'confirmed' and it may be
'accepted'.
5. If further observations fail to support the hypothesis, or even 'contradict' it, then it must be
'rejected'.
6. Often a hypothesis may only need 'modifying' in order to fit the new observations. A hypothesis
which has been modified to fit all the observations may then be tested again; and so the process
continues.
7. Useful points in generating a hypothesis:
(a) It should always make reasonable scientific sense.
(b) It should reflect available information and data.
(c) It should be simple.
(d) It should be testable, using techniques and resources which are available.
(e) It should be possible to 'accept it' or 'reject it' when tested.
(f) It should not be possible to 'half' accept or 'half' reject it.
(g) It need not be 'right'; it can be rejected, which is just as meaningful.
Guideline of Writing experimental report 3
6. Prediction
A prediction (i.e. expected result) is based on the hypothesis made.
7. Materials and apparatus
1. If you are given a free choice, you will probably be expected to produce a list of the apparatus and
materials you require.
2. Sensible rules of choosing apparatus and materials:
(a) Keep things simple if you can.
(b) Use readily-available apparatus that you are familiar with.
(c) Only include new apparatus or technology if you are sure you have the time to learn how to
use them.
3. Those that have been used in the investigation are stated clearly.
8. Identifying the variables
Dependent variable: what we measure
Independent variable: what we change
Controlled variables: what we keep the same
Note: controlled variables ≠ control experiment
A control experiment is often used in biology. It an experiment designed to check or correct the results
of another experiment by removing the variable or variables operating in that other experiment. The
comparison obtained is an indication or measurement of the effect of the variables concerned.
9. Procedure
1. This is an organized list of the activities exactly carried out during the performance of the
investigation. Bear in mind that safety is of most important in planning an investigation.
2. The procedure written must be clear, concise and precise and are presented in a logical sequence.
3. A well-written method is so completely and explicitly that someone who knew nothing about the
investigation could repeat exactly what you did.
4. Quantities used (such as volume, concentration, size, weight and time) must be stated precisely
and indicated exactly clearly, with appropriate SI units.
5. The experimental setup is advised to be shown by using diagrams.
6. The method of changing the independent variable and the way of observing or measuring the
dependent variable are stated clearly. The need for the controlling other variables is shown to have
been considered.
7. Pay attention to the relationship between the choice of instrument, number of treatment and the
appropriate amount of experimental materials to be used, range of reading required, and their
interval (spread) and accuracy. No matter the experiment is likely to yield very clear-cut / obvious
results or not, each treatment should be performed several times, so that replications of the
measurement would be obtained. Replications for each treatment are necessary because there may
be external and internal factors affecting the measurement, e.g. inherent variability in any physical
measurement, biological variations within a population, etc. This requires a consideration of the
need for repeats, if necessary, to give reliable data.
8. The reasons for using a certain method, the precaution of a certain step for the investigation and
the control setups are mentioned and explained.
(a) The experimental setup is the one with the effect of the independent variable.
Guideline of Writing experimental report 4
(b) The control setup is the one without the effect of the independent variable. This is necessary
for comparison with the experimental setup(s) such that any differences in results can be
inferred to be caused by a difference in the treatment between the experimental and control
setups. (Note: At any one time, the effect of only one variable can be investigated.)
10. Results
1. State exactly what you observed and/or measured.
2. In making observation, you must be open-minded and honest. If you see a thing, you must say that
you see it, whether or not you thought you were going to see it.
3. It is vital that you record what you actually observe. You need to be aware that there is the danger
of getting the results you hope for, and missing those you really get. Sometimes, the results
obtained may deviate from your expectation or contradict with the theory. In such a case, you are
encouraged to present the anomalous results in an honest way, and consider whether these results
suggest the need for modifying the experimental procedure or may provide evidence for rejecting
the original hypothesis.
4. Don't start looking for reasons why certain things happened. The only exception occurs when the
results are recorded in a table in which the last column is called 'conclusion' or 'deduction', e.g. in
the food tests.
5. The record of results should indicate a high quality of accuracy and attention to detail. Results
may be qualitative or quantitative – qualitative observations involve descriptive recording whereas
quantitative observations involve measurements, and should be presented as clearly and neatly as
possible, with appropriate SI units.
6. Results should be presented appropriately in one or a combination of the following forms to
facilitate interpretation of the results:
 table of data
 graph
 annotated 2D diagram / biological drawing
 descriptive account
(a) All forms should be presented with appropriate titles.
(b) Where possible, firstly use a single table to record the results.
7. No matter what kind(s) of presentation is/are used, efficient communication is as simple as
possible. The presentations must be done in a way containing all required information in enough
detail, easy to understand and without ambiguity.
8. Table:
(a) Results are recorded in single table form with clear overall layout.
(b) There is an appropriate title for the table.
(c) There are suitable headings for the vertical and horizontal data columns.
(d) Units must be indicated where appropriate.
(e) Full set of results is recorded. Abnormal results, if any, are noted.
(f) An average is given for a number of readings.
(g) A proper key for the symbols is clearly stated.
(h) Don't just put a '－' or '+' in the column marked 'colour change'. Record in the column what
has been observed.
Guideline of Writing experimental report 5
9. Symbol: When symbol(s) is/are used in table, a key must be included telling the meaning of
symbol(s) used.
10. Description: When description is used in table, it should be precise and concise.
11. Diagram:
(a) Diagram must be drawn in pencil without colouring.
(b) The size of diagram should be appropriate.
(c) The diagram should be drawn accurately.
 it is resemble to the specimen,
 distinctive biological features are shown clearly,
 various parts are in correct proportion.
(d) Smooth and clear lines, overall neatness.
(e) Correct labels, with appropriate annotations where necessary.
(f) Appropriate title and magnification should be included.
(g) When a specimen shows a variation from the normal, this should be shown with a note
pointing out the abnormality.
12. Graph:
(a) Done on graph paper in pencil.
(b) Correct choice of axes; dependent variable (y-axis) against independent variable (x-axis).
(c) Good choice of scale (maximize the use of graph paper).
(d) Clear indication of labels with units for both axes.
(e) Correct plotting of points.
(f) Joining the points accurately with the best straight line, smooth curve or a series of straight lines.
(g) Don't start the graph at the origin if the results do not show that it happens.
(h) Proper title for the graph
(i) When more than one sets of data are plotted on graph, different symbols and lines are used
for different curves. The curves are clearly labelled. A key may be included.
(j) There is a close link between graphical representations and the type of variable they are to represent.
Categorical variables (e.g. colour of light): It may be helpful to relate the 'sudden jumps' in categorical
variables to the appearance of the bar chart.
Discrete variable (e.g. the number of children in families): When data are obtained by counting, the
Variables

variables (any single value of a variable) will only have a limited number of values, being whole number.
They are also known as discontinuous variable. There cannot be any intermediate values or decimal
place.
Continuous variable (e.g. light intensity): It may be useful to relate the gradual change of continuous
variables to the linear or curvilinear form of the line graph.
Line graph is used for continuous, directly related data.
Graphical representations

Bar chart is used for discontinuous, indirectly related data.

Pie diagram consists of a circle divided into sectors representing a proportion of the total of 360°. The
degrees in each sector = (quantity / total quantity) x 360°
Kite diagram is a suitable way of showing continuously varying values, for instance of the percentage
cover of a plant species along a profile. The kite diagram is drawn on either side of a base line. Each
percentage value is really represented in two halves, resulting in a symmetrical pattern.
Guideline of Writing experimental report 6
13. Calculations (data processing), where necessarily, are clearly shown.
(a) Both raw data and derived data are shown.
(b) Write down each line of a calculation in full, making sure that it is clear where each number
has 'come from'.
(c) Formulae are required and they have to be written down at the start the calculations. Then the
numbers can be substituted on the next line.
(d) Units can be worked out from the calculation as they are written into every line.
11. Discussion
1. This is the most important part of a report! It is in that section that you should evaluate what you
have found from the whole experiment or investigation.
2. Discussion should be done in a logical sequence covering many important aspects of the
investigation.
3. The trends and patterns in data are recognized.
4. Appropriate interpretation of results should relate known biological knowledge to the results in
trying to explain them, with reference to the problem under investigation or the hypothesis to be tested.
6. A clear awareness is shown on the limitations of the methods used, sources of errors and their
influence on the accuracy of the results obtained.
7. Any unusual or anomalous observations are considered and their significance is assessed.
8. Suggestions for improvements in technique and for further investigations are given where
appropriate.
9. The significance of your findings should be highlighted.
12. Conclusion
1. This is the summary of the experimental results and a statement that address how the results relate
to the objective of the investigation.
 This is a summary of any patterns/laws/rules shown by the results.
 This is a quantitative statement referring to the effect of one factor on another.
 This is a brief statement of the single main fact determined by the investigation.
 This is a reasonable and valid deduction based on your own results.
e.g. The optimum temperature for the breakdown of starch by amylase was found to be 45°C.
2. Once the experiment has been completed, it will often be obvious whether the hypothesis should
be accepted or rejected.
 You must be prepared to accept or reject your hypothesis, depending on your results.
 You are not 'wrong' if you have to reject it.
 The idea that it is 'failure' to have to reject a hypothesis indicates a major misunderstanding of
scientific investigation.
3. The conclusion should be clear and precise, supported by reasoned arguments.
4. Consideration is given to the biological significance of the conclusions obtained.
5. When your results are not expected, don't be afraid of writing that 'No clear conclusion could be formed
due to insufficient data.' Then back up a statement with some reasons why the data is not complete.