STP Scientific Writing 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a CONSORT flow diagram in a clinical trial report?
- To illustrate the study timeline
- To show participant flow including dropouts at each stage (Correct answer)
- To display the statistical analysis model
- To compare baseline demographics
Correct answer: To show participant flow including dropouts at each stage
The CONSORT flow diagram tracks participants from enrollment through allocation, follow-up, and analysis, making attrition and exclusions transparent.
Question 2: Which writing style guideline is most important for a scientific Methods section?
- Use vivid, descriptive language to engage readers
- Provide sufficient detail for another researcher to replicate the study (Correct answer)
- Keep it brief to save word count
- Write in first person active voice exclusively
Correct answer: Provide sufficient detail for another researcher to replicate the study
Reproducibility is a cornerstone of science; the Methods must be detailed enough for an independent researcher to exactly replicate the study.
Question 3: What is a 'preprint' in scientific publishing?
- A paper published open-access in a journal
- A manuscript posted publicly before formal peer review (Correct answer)
- The first draft submitted to a journal
- A conference abstract
Correct answer: A manuscript posted publicly before formal peer review
Preprints are manuscripts uploaded to servers like bioRxiv or medRxiv before or during peer review, enabling rapid dissemination without waiting for publication.
Question 4: When a journal requests a 'cover letter,' what is its main purpose?
- To provide the full manuscript text
- To explain the study's significance and suitability for that journal (Correct answer)
- To list all references
- To describe the authors' qualifications in detail
Correct answer: To explain the study's significance and suitability for that journal
The cover letter pitches the manuscript to the editor by summarizing the key finding, its novelty, and why it fits the journal's scope and audience.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of an appropriate use of passive voice in scientific writing?
- We discovered a new mechanism of action.
- Blood samples were collected at baseline and 24 hours. (Correct answer)
- I analyzed the data using SPSS.
- The team found that the drug reduced inflammation.
Correct answer: Blood samples were collected at baseline and 24 hours.
Passive voice is appropriate in Methods to emphasize actions over agents, making descriptions more objective and reproducible.
Question 6: What is 'open access' publishing?
- Publishing without peer review to make science faster
- Making articles freely available online to all readers immediately (Correct answer)
- Sharing raw data publicly after publication
- Allowing anyone to submit to a journal without credentials
Correct answer: Making articles freely available online to all readers immediately
Open access means the final published article is immediately available at no cost to any reader, typically funded by article processing charges paid by the author.
Question 7: In scientific writing, what does 'economy of expression' mean?
- Using inexpensive publishing platforms
- Conveying information clearly using as few words as needed (Correct answer)
- Avoiding technical jargon entirely
- Writing short sentences of under 15 words each
Correct answer: Conveying information clearly using as few words as needed
Economy of expression means eliminating redundant words and verbose phrasing so each word carries meaning, improving clarity without losing accuracy.
STP Scientific Writing 5
What is the purpose of a CONSORT flow diagram in a clinical trial report?