Lab
Reports
Developed by The Center for Communication Practices at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
Troy, New York.
Overview
Although engineering and science students are frequently required
to write laboratory reports, there is little printed information
available about how to write such reports. Furthermore, every
discipline, every course, and every professor seems to require
a different format and style, and different kinds of laboratory
experiments are often reported in different ways. Hence, it
is impossible for this handout to describe one right way to
compose a lab report.
What this handout does describe is
a generally applicable format for the lab report, leaving
you to adapt this format to your particular situation. That
is, you can vary the format according to what is most appropriate
for the lab work you're doing. Always check with your professor
or TA about the specific format he or she desires.
Title Page
The title page provides the name of the lab experiment, the
names of the lab partners, the date, and any other information
your instructor requires.
Abstract
The abstract is the report in miniature. It summarizes the
whole report in one, concise paragraph of about 100-200
words. As distinguished from the introduction, the abstract
tells the reader what will be done and lays the groundwork
Also, the abstract summarizes the report itself, not
the actual experiment. Hence, you cannot write the abstract
until after you've completed the report.
Before writing the abstract, it is often
helpful to summarize each section of the report (introduction,
methods and materials, procedure, results, discussion, and
conclusion) in one sentence. Then try to arrange this information
into a short paragraph. Remember, the abstract should be a
precise and specific summary.
Introduction
Whereas the abstract summarizes the whole report, the introduction
presents the subject of the report and acquaints the reader
with the experiment. Typically, the introduction states the
problem to be solved or the experiment to be performed and
explains its purpose and significance. It also provides whatever
background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader
needs to understand and perform the experiment (or solve the
problem). Usually, the instructor does not want you to repeat
such information verbatim from the lab manual; you can simply
make the appropriate references to the manual.
Methods and Materials (or Equipment)
This section can consist of a list. Be complete, accurate,
and precise.
Experimental Procedure
This section is a full descriptive narrative. Be complete,
accurate, and precise, listing all steps in the correct order.
State what you really did and what actually happened, not
what was supposed to happen or what the textbook said.
Results
Again, give your actual results, not what should have happened.
Although results are usually presented quantitatively, you
should always introduce each block of information verbally
and provide clear and accurate verbal labels.
Discussion
In this section, you must explain, analyze, and interpret
your results, being especially careful to explain any errors
or problems. This is probably the single most important part
of the report, since it is here that you demonstrate that
you understand and can interpret what you have done.
Conclusion
Draw conclusions from the results and discussion that answer
the question, "So what?" Then go on to explain your
conclusions. In this section, you may also criticize the lab
experiment and make recommendations for improvement. Such
criticisms and recommendations, however, should focus on the
lab as a learning experience; mere complaints about faulty
equipment or amount of time spent are not appropriate.
Note: The results, discussion, and
conclusion sections can be combined in various ways. Use whatever
combination is most appropriate for your situation.
References
Some reports require references at the end. Use the correct
forms for the particular field you are working in. Always
consult your instructor about reference forms, and check a
style manual for the field.
Appendices
Appendicies may include raw data, calculations, graphs, and
other quantitative materials that were part of the experiment,
but not reported in any of the above sections. Refer to each
appendix at the appropriate point (or points) in your report.
For example, at the end of your results section, you might
have the note, See Appendix A: Raw Data Chart.
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