Guide to writing a good research paper

---Scientific method http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

1. Use your experience / observations: Consider the problem and try to make sense of it. Look for previous explanations. If this is a new problem to you, then move to step 2.
2. Form a conjecture / hypothesis: When nothing else is yet known, try to state an explanation, to someone else, or to your notebook.
3. Deduce a prediction from that explanation: If you assume 2 is true, what consequences follow?
4. Test: Look for the opposite of each consequence in order to disprove 2. It is a logical error to seek 3 directly as proof of 2. This error is called affirming the consequent.[13]

A linearized, pragmatic scheme of the four points above is sometimes offered as a guideline for proceeding:[49]

1. Define the question
2. Gather information and resources (observe)
3. Form hypothesis
4. Perform experiment and collect data
5. Analyze data
6. Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypothesis
7. Publish results
8. Retest (frequently done by other scientists)


---Graphical graphs preferred over tables

---Good headings and sub-headings

"A picture is worth a thousand words." -- always, always, always plot the data

Implication for statistical analysis: if two models
are equally wrong-but-compatible-with-data, the
simpler one is more useful!

Summary of main philosophical points:
•Data analysis is important.
•Simple methods are preferred.
•Visual presentations of data and results are valuable.