LABORATORY REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES

1.0 CONTENT OF LAB REPORT

1.1 Introduction:

 Define the subject of the report: "Why was this study performed?"
 Provide background information and relevant studies: "What knowledge already
exists about this subject?"
 Outline scientific purpose(s) and/or objective(s): "What are the specific
hypotheses and the experimental design for investigation?"

1.2 Basic Concepts:

 Design and evaluate the basic concepts of relative laboratory through formative
test and lab report.

1.3 Materials, Equipment and Methods:

 List materials used, how they were used, and where and when was the work
done (especially important in field studies).
 Describe special pieces of equipment.
 Provide enough detail for the reader to understand the experiment without
overwhelming him/her.
 Change the sentences if taken from the lab manual.

1.4 Analysis and Interpretation of Data:

 Concentrate on general trends and differences.

 Summarize the data from the experiments without discussing their implications.
 Organize data into tables, figures, graphs, photographs, etc. Data in a table
should not be duplicated in a graph or figure.
 Title all figures and tables.
 Number figures and tables separately and refer to them in the text by their
number, i.e.
1. Figure 1 shows that the activity....
2. The activity decreases after five minutes (fig. 1)

1.5 Discussion of Result

 Interpret the data; do not restate the results.

 Relate results to existing theory and knowledge.
 Explain the logic that allows you to accept or reject your original hypotheses.
 Include suggestions for improving your techniques or design, or clarify areas of
doubt for further research.
1.6 Conclusion

 Reflects the objective.

 Summarize the findings without mention the results (in number form).

1.7 References

 Alphabetize by last name of the author.

 Follow the recommended format for citations.

General style

 Strive for logic and precision and avoid ambiguity (uncertainty)

 Keep your writing impersonal; avoid the use of the first person (i.e. I or we)
 Use the past tense and be consistent within the report
note: "data" is plural
 Use the metric system of measurement and abbreviate measurements without
periods (i.e. cm, kg) spell out all numbers beginning sentences or less than 10
(i.e. "two explanations of six factors").

Write numbers as numerals when greater than ten (i.e. 156) or associated with
measurements (i.e. 6 mm or 2 g)

* adapted from Biological Investigations, 5th ed. by Warren D. Dolphin 1999, published
by McGraw-Hill."

2.0 FORMAT REPORT

2.1 Length of Report

As a general guideline, the length of the report should not be more than 20 pages.

2.2 Font Type and Size

Use Arial font type and Eleven (11) font size.

2.3 Font Type and Size

All paragraphs must be in form Justify.

2.4 Numbering and Heading or Sub-heading

All main title must start with numbering such as 1.0, 2.0, 3.0..etc.

All subtopics are numbered such as 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 3.4..etc.

2.5 Spacing

Lab report should be 1.15 in spacing.

2.6 Pagination

Report pages must be numbered at the center of bottom page.

2.7 Tables & Figures (Result of Experiment)

Table and figures must be centered within margin and must be numbered as in
sequence accordingly.

Numbering and captions must appear above the table and figures are placed below
the figure.

2.8 Binding

Stapler or spiral ring binding may be used for the lab report.

3.0 ARRANGEMENT OF THE LAB REPORT

Each lab report must consist of:

a) Lab Report Cover

b) Table of Content

c) Lab Work Title (if combine)

d) Introduction

e) Basic Concepts

f) Apparatus & Procedure

g) Result and Analysis

h) Discussion

i) Conclusion

j) References