STP Scientific Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'salami slicing' in scientific publishing?
- Dividing one adequate dataset into multiple minimal publications (Correct answer)
- Using thin statistical margins for significance
- Publishing only positive results
- Citing only recent references
Correct answer: Dividing one adequate dataset into multiple minimal publications
Salami slicing is the unethical practice of splitting one coherent study into multiple smaller publications to artificially inflate an author's publication record.
Question 2: In a figure legend, what information is essential?
- Author names and journal title
- A standalone description that allows the figure to be understood without reading the text (Correct answer)
- Raw data tables
- Statistical software version only
Correct answer: A standalone description that allows the figure to be understood without reading the text
Figure legends must be self-contained so readers can interpret the figure independently without referring back to the main text.
Question 3: What is the correct way to handle a 'ghost author' situation according to scientific ethics?
- List them in Acknowledgements only if they wrote sections
- Always include all contributors as named authors (Correct answer)
- Ghost authors are acceptable if they decline credit
- Only list corresponding and senior authors
Correct answer: Always include all contributors as named authors
ICMJE authorship criteria require all individuals who made substantial intellectual contributions to be listed as authors; excluding them is ghost authorship, which is unethical.
Question 4: When should you use a table versus a figure in a scientific paper?
- Tables for trends over time; figures for exact numeric values
- Tables for exact numeric values; figures for trends and patterns (Correct answer)
- Always use figures as they are more visually appealing
- Use whichever the journal prefers regardless of data type
Correct answer: Tables for exact numeric values; figures for trends and patterns
Tables efficiently present precise numerical data, while figures (graphs, charts) are better for showing trends, patterns, and relationships.
Question 5: What does 'peer review' primarily assess in a scientific manuscript?
- Writing style and grammar
- Validity, significance, and originality of the research (Correct answer)
- Length and formatting compliance
- Number of references cited
Correct answer: Validity, significance, and originality of the research
Peer review evaluates whether the research question is important, the methodology is sound, results are interpreted correctly, and the contribution is novel.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of plagiarism even when the source is cited?
- Paraphrasing the original idea in your own words
- Reproducing a large portion of text verbatim without quotation marks (Correct answer)
- Summarizing findings from multiple sources
- Using a table from another paper with permission
Correct answer: Reproducing a large portion of text verbatim without quotation marks
Copying text verbatim without using quotation marks constitutes plagiarism even if the source is cited, because it misrepresents another's words as your own phrasing.
Question 7: What is the recommended maximum length of a structured abstract in most biomedical journals?
- 100 words
- 150 words
- 250 words (Correct answer)
- 500 words
Correct answer: 250 words
Most biomedical journals follow a 250-word limit for structured abstracts, as recommended by ICMJE guidelines.
STP Scientific Writing 3
Which of the following best describes 'salami slicing' in scientific publishing?