STP Scientific Writing 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'salami slicing' in scientific publishing?

Accepted Answer

Dividing one adequate dataset into multiple minimal publications

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A standalone description that allows the figure to be understood without reading the text

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Always include all contributors as named authors

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Tables for exact numeric values; figures for trends and patterns

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Validity, significance, and originality of the research

Answer

Peer review evaluates whether the research question is important, the methodology is sound, results are interpreted correctly, and the contribution is novel.

(STP) Scientist Training Programme Practice Test

(STP) Scientist Training Programme Practice Test

STP Scientific Writing 3