Everyone knows how to write a lab report, at least, the basics. Even kids write one for their class lab projects. While some just want to get done with the work (my kind of people), others want a thorough work done in a shorter time.
Whichever category you fall in, the aim is the same, which is to present a good lab report to your reader. However, many people have been looking for a way of writing a lab report in less time. We’ve been thinking about this, hence, we bring this solution to your doorsteps.
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to write a good lab report in no time. These basics will shift you from being a newbie to a pro in lab report writing.
What is a good lab result?
Firstly, let’s begin by briefly talking about a lab report.
A lab report simply put where you explain what you did in an experiment, how you did it and what you learned from it. Basically, It is the result of a test carried out in a laboratory.
A good lab report not only presents the required data but also shows your understanding of the report being presented. However helpful tips are, they cannot take the place of an organized piece of writing.
What elements should be found in a proper lab result?
In spite of the differences in format and presentation, all laboratory reports must carry certain elements as decreed by federal legislation known as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
(CLIA ’88 REGULATIONS, Section 493.1291; for more on the regulation of laboratories, see Lab Oversight: A Building Block of Trust).
Your lab report may look very different from the sample report, but it should hold each of the elements required by CLIA, your lab may also contain added items not clearly required but which the lab chooses to include to aid in the timely reporting, delivery, and review of your results.
What do abstracts look like in a lab report?
Abstracts for lab reports summarize four crucial aspects of the report; the motive of the test( this shows the purpose of the report), key findings, importance, and major ending.
In addition, the lab abstract should begin with a description of the problem you want to solve and what prompted the research. Going on, you are expected to describe the research processes that led to the findings.
Similarly, an abstract is usually the last part of the document to be written, also the most important thing to remember when writing the abstract is to be brief and state only what is relevant.
The information contained in an abstract should be so clear that the reader can grasp the full idea and may not have to read the entire report.
Also read: 10 Best Schools for Creative Writing in the World
What is an introduction to a lab report?
It states the aim and objectives of the test and provides the reader with a framework to the test. The topic of your report should be clearly and concisely written, in one or two sentences.
Basically, an introduction does three things; it states the aim or purpose of the experiment, reviews the existing information on the subject, then, relates how this information can be used to measure results.
A good introduction will provide the theory behind the experiment, research previously carried out that the reader needs to know.
As earlier stated, all these shouldn’t exceed 4 sentences at most.
What are Methods and Materials/Equipment?
As relates lab reports, methods and materials are usually in the form of a list that is accurate and complete. Most people direct the reader to a lab manual for the comprehensive list.
What is a lab report Discussion?
Discussion is the most important part of the report. Here, you show you understand the concept of the experiment and its procedures not just writing out data that was derived.
The main thing done here is to Explain, Analyze and interpret.
To analyze answers the following questions; what does the result show? What have you found? Here, you are trying to explain what you know based on the result gotten.
Interpretation answers; what is the significance of the result? What problems exist? Here, we find explanations for the problems in our result.
Specifically, Discussion involves the following strategies:
- Compare the obtained result with the expected result: If there are variations between the expected result and the one obtained, take responsibility. If the samples were impure or the equipment didn’t give an accurate reading, say it.
- Analyze any error in the Experiment: This explains what caused any error. Was it avoidable? Also, suggest any way errors can be minimized and the system improved.
- Explain your result in theoretical terms:
- Relate the result to your objectives for the experiment
- Strength and weakness of your experiment
Steps to write a lab report in less time.
1. Title of the lab report.
Precisely point out the focus of the lab test, which needs to contain the name of the test, the names of lab partners, and the date. Titles should be simple, revealing, and less than ten words.
2. The abstract of the lab report.
An abstract summarizes the purpose of the experiment, key findings, the most significant point of discussion and the major conclusions of the experiment.
You may include a brief method of the experiment and the theory used.
Abstracts should not exceed one page, one paragraph of 200 words at most.
3. Introduction to the lab report.
A good introduction, after all, provides background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader needs to know. Introduce any applicable laws, sum or theorems.
Clearly state the aim or research question that the experiment is designed to address.
Note
Students who find it difficult to write appropriate verb tenses will find introduction difficult. Here is a guide to help you through it. Clearly, the experiment is already finished, so use the past tense when talking about the test. Secondly, the reports, theory, and equipment used still exist; therefore, these use the present tense.
4. Methods and materials.
These are usually a simple list, but make sure it is accurate and complete. In some cases, you can simply direct the reader to a lab manual or standard procedure.
We discuss these in this section: How many apparatus or equipment were set up (usually including a diagram), list of materials used, steps used to collect the data, test troubles encountered and how they were resolved. If any aspects of the test procedure were likely to add organized error to the data and results, point this out in sufficient detail in this section.
5. Experimental Procedure
It describes the process in chronological order. Using a clear paragraph structure, it explains all steps in the order they actually happened, not as they were supposed to happen.
If your professor says you can simply state that you followed the procedure in the manual, be sure you still document occasions when you did not follow that exactly (e.g. “At step 4 we performed four repetitions instead of three, and ignored the data from the second repetition”). If you’ve done it right, another researcher should be able to duplicate your test.
6. Results
These are usually controlled by calculations, tables, and figures, however, you still need to state all notable results clearly in verbal form, for example:
Using the calculated lattice parameter gives, then,
R = 0.1244nm.
Graphics need to be clear, easily read, and well-labeled (e.g. Figure 1: Input Frequency and Capacitor Value). An important plan for making your results effective is to draw the reader’s attention to them with a sentence or two, so the reader has a focus when reading the graph. In most cases, providing a sample calculation is enough in the report. Leave the remainder in an appendix. Likewise, your raw data can be placed in an appendix, refer to appendices as necessary, pointing out trends and identifying special features.
7. Discussion
The discussion section is where you:
- Comment on the results you obtained.
- Interpret what the results mean.
- Explain any results which are unexpected.
Your discussion section should demonstrate how well you understand what happened in the experiment, you should:
- Identify and comment on any trend you have observed.
- Compare the experimental results with any predictions.
- Identify how any sources of error might impact on the interpretation of your results.
- Suggest explanations for unexpected results, and
- Where appropriate, suggest how the experiment can be improved.
8. Conclusion
Apparently, the conclusion states what you already know to be a fact as the lab result. Usually, it is very short.
You may also add the significance or implication of those your lab results to your conclusion. Also, you may suggest further research.
9. References
You may include your lab manual, just about any material that aided your experiment.
To help organize your references, you can check here
10. Appendices
Typically, appendices contain raw data, calculations, graphs, tables, etc that were used but have not been included in the report. Be sure that the appendix was referred to in your report. That is to say, you should include any item in your appendix that was used in the report.
FAQs on How to Write a Lab Report
An abstract provides an overview of the report content, including findings and conclusions.
A Lab reports can vary in length and format. These range from a form to fill in and submit before leaving the lab, to a formal written report. However, they all usually follow a similar basic structure which was described above as: title, abstract, introduction, methods and materials, , experimental procedure, results, discussion, conclusion, reference and appendices.
The method section is where you describe what you actually did. It includes the procedure that was followed.
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.
You start by including an overview of the topic, then, explaining what the experiment can contribute to past findings. Make sure the introduction is brief. Don’t give details on the technique and data you gathered in your experiment.
Conclusion
Writing a lab report is an important task. As you now know, the purpose is to report what you did, what you learned from the experiment and why the findings matter. However, to write a lab report, you must complete a mix of academic requirements about lab reporting and direct experience with lab testing tools.
Asides the structure, your grammar and sentence structure matters in reports generally. This keeps the interest of the reader and even covers some of the errors. Haven’t you read a piece full of errors but the construct made it seem less obvious? That’s what grammar can do.
Conclusively, a good construct is as good as the structure.
References
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