Lab Report APA Format
Running Head: WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
Writing a Formal Lab Report
Using APA Format
Michael Betco
AP Physics 1
ChangZhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province
1
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
2
Abstract
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
3
Writing a Formal Lab Report
Using APA Format
This introduction is also often referred to as the ‘purpose’ or ‘plan’ section. It should include two main categories:
Purpose
(or Objective) This part of the experiment expressed clearly in only one or two sentences, including the main method used to accomplish the purpose. Ex: The purpose of the experiment was to determine the percentage by mass of acetic acid in vinegar using acid/base titration. The purpose is also sometimes written as a separate section from the introduction.
Theory
(or Background pertaining to the experiment). This can include information from previous research, explanations of theories, methods or equations used, etc.; for the example above, you might want to explain the theory behind acid/base titration and a brief description of the setup and process you will use in the experiment. If research is done for this section, be sure to cite any sources used according to the instructor’s preference.
Be careful to include only the
information that a reader would need to know in order to understand the purpose and methods; the report should still be as straightforward as possible.
In addition to the purpose and background information, the instructor may also ask students to provide the following items in the introduction section:
A hypothesis
What is expected to happen in the experiment based on background information.
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
4
Safety Information
This is especially useful in chemistry classes, where toxic or flammable chemicals are often used.
Regardless of the specific information required from the instructor, the main focus of the introduction should be on helping the reader to understand the purpose, methods, and reasons
these
Writing a Formal Lab Report
Using APA Format
Michael Betco
AP Physics 1
ChangZhou Senior High School of Jiangsu Province
1
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
2
Abstract
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
3
Writing a Formal Lab Report
Using APA Format
This introduction is also often referred to as the ‘purpose’ or ‘plan’ section. It should include two main categories:
Purpose
(or Objective) This part of the experiment expressed clearly in only one or two sentences, including the main method used to accomplish the purpose. Ex: The purpose of the experiment was to determine the percentage by mass of acetic acid in vinegar using acid/base titration. The purpose is also sometimes written as a separate section from the introduction.
Theory
(or Background pertaining to the experiment). This can include information from previous research, explanations of theories, methods or equations used, etc.; for the example above, you might want to explain the theory behind acid/base titration and a brief description of the setup and process you will use in the experiment. If research is done for this section, be sure to cite any sources used according to the instructor’s preference.
Be careful to include only the
information that a reader would need to know in order to understand the purpose and methods; the report should still be as straightforward as possible.
In addition to the purpose and background information, the instructor may also ask students to provide the following items in the introduction section:
A hypothesis
What is expected to happen in the experiment based on background information.
WRITING A FORMAL LAB REPORT
4
Safety Information
This is especially useful in chemistry classes, where toxic or flammable chemicals are often used.
Regardless of the specific information required from the instructor, the main focus of the introduction should be on helping the reader to understand the purpose, methods, and reasons
these
References: Cummings, J. N., Butler, B., & Kraut, R. (2002). The quality of online social relationships. Hu, Y., Wood, J. F., Smith, V., & Westbrook, N. (2004). Friendships through IM: Examining the relationship between instant messaging and intimacy