Rasha Hussain

February 20, 2019

Writing for Engineers 

Professor Collins

Lab Report Analysis

            What is a lab report? A laboratory report provides a formal record of an experiment. (Duke University) It consists of an abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and appendix. These sections each provide a different use in allowing readers to understand the experiment, want to replicate the experiment, and be able to perform the experiment for themselves. Two lab reports were given to be analyzed and to be critiqued in their performance of doing as such. 

            “Temperature and Pressure Measurements of an Ideal Gas That is Heated in a Closed Container” is a lab report that is very concise and explains the relationship of temperature and pressure of an ideal gas that was heated in a closed container. There was no clear hypothesis in this experiment, and it seems that the author simply desired the report to be factual and simple. While this may be beneficial for individuals who want something short and not time-consuming, it lacked persuasion and a desire for replicability. The report was not informative and did not provide any new knowledge for readers, thus making it unideal for those who would want to perform the experiment themselves.

            The title of the experiment, “Temperature and Pressure Measurements of an Ideal Gas That is Heated in a Closed Container” is descriptive and gives a clear idea to readers on what will take place. While the title can be more precise such as “The Relationship Between Temperature and Pressure of an Ideal Gas”, the current title is sufficient and readers who come across it will immediately be aware of whether they desire to read it or not. 

            The report did not include an abstract which made it undesirable and unconvincing. Readers would be forced to have to assume based on the title or the introduction on whether this lab report is what is necessary for them. The introduction, however, included the objective of the experiment and gave insight into what exactly the purpose of the experiment is. There was no background information in the introduction which would have allowed readers to gain knowledge or at least some form of understanding as to why the relationship between the pressure and temperature of an idea gas is questioned. The author neglected to define key concepts such as ideal gas, temperature, and pressure which would be beneficial to readers that have no knowledge in chemistry. Thus, the introduction did not provide the information readers would find necessary. 

            The report did not include a materials section which is necessary for replicability. Without a list of the materials used in the experiment, those wishing to perform the experiment would find their task very difficult. A procedure was included which would allow readers some ease in performing the experiment, however without a clear list of materials, it would be difficult. The procedure was spoken in a passive tone which is beneficial for those trying to understand the necessary steps to complete the experiment. An active voice would create confusion and would take away from the significance of the experiment. The author explained exactly how the pressure and temperature was found and the different tools needed to measure these values. While it was concise, it was to the point and lacked jargon which readers would appreciate. Therefore, the experiment would be replicable especially to readers who have foundation in chemistry and do not need background information and definitions to key concepts. 

            The appendix section which appeared at the end of the report presented the data from the experiment. It was displayed in an organized manner and included visual elements such as figures and tables that provided validation in the linear relationship between the pressure and temperature of an ideal gas. The author refrained from explaining his data in the appendix and simply described the significance of the figures and tables which was insightful and helpful. 

The author presented clarifications for the data in the results and discussion section. He framed it in a manner that had structure and was thoroughly described. The data that was collected throughout the experiment was explained and presented in a manner that would allow readers to understand the significance of the findings. The results suggested that the pressure and temperature of an ideal gas had a proportional and linear relationship. While there was no hypothesis to be confirmed or rejected, the experiment allowed for a confirmation in the validity of the equation, pV=mRT. Furthermore, all sources of errors were explained and the conditions that would cause a variance in results were mentioned. Thus, those wishing to replicate the experiment would know ideal results and could attempt to redesign a similar experiment that would prevent sources of error. 

            The conclusion held a summary of the results of the experiment and an account of possible error. The author determined that the temperature and pressure for an ideal gas at constant volume and mass follow the relation of the ideal gas equation. Therefore, his experiment succeeded in finding desirable results. The conclusion would be more impactful if a reasoning on the significance of this equation or further explanation of the results were given, however the current conclusion is more or less sufficient. The author ends his conclusion by stating that while there are differences in his graphs, they can be explained due to experimental error. While simply stating ‘experimental error’ is vague, explanation is not needed because it was expounded upon in the result and discussion section. Thus, the conclusion allowed for a concise summary of the results of the experiment and allows readers to understand their own possible results. 

            The lab report held the basics in simply explaining the facts of the experiment such as the procedure, results, discussion, and appendix; however, to readers that have little to no knowledge in chemistry, they would not find it beneficial or persuasive. The author should have explained key concepts and given more background information. He included no citations as well due to the fact that there was no outside information or explanations. Therefore, while it would be helpful to an individual who has chemistry knowledge and is simply looking at the basics of this experiment, to all other readers, it is not ideal to read. 

            The second lab report, “Ontogenetic Color Change and Mating Cues in Largus californicus (Hempitera: Largidae)” is a very well-explained lab report that studies the effect of sexual maturity upon the color change of Largus californicus, commonly known as the bordered plant bug. The report was based on the experiment of whether dorsal color pattern affects male mating behavior and whether there was any reason as to why males only ever mounted adults and refrained from nymphs or premature insects. The author hoped to find a plausible explanation as to how this ontogenetic color comes about as the insect transitions from nymph to adult. The report contained a vast amount of information and the author looked at reasonings beyond just the species of Largidae, even considering fish and reptiles. The report is ideal for journals and for individuals with very little knowledge in biology and are attempting to perform this experiment by themselves. Thus, it had the persuasion and desire for replicability that reports should have. 

            The title of the experiment, “Ontogenetic Color Change and Mating Cues in Largus californicus (Hempitera: Largidae)” provides a clear description as to what the experiment and report is about. The title specifies the species that the experiment is testing on, the aspect that is being observed, and the basic causes/effects that will be studied. This helps readers in that they know whether this is what they are looking for or not just by reading the title.

            The abstract provided a sense of background information so that readers would understand why the question of how mating cues affect the ontogenetic color of the insects arises. While it was effective in its explanation, the purpose of the abstract itself was not efficient. The abstract which should include a summary of each section of the report failed to do that. If an individual was to read the abstract, they would understand that male Largidae mount males and females and while they quickly dismount males, they are able to completely avoid nymphs. Readers gain an interest as to why these male insects are not prone to avoiding other males, however they maintain avoidance from nymphs. The abstract persuades readers to want to learn more, however as for desiring to want to read the lab report and be interested as to what the report has to offer, it does not provide that. 

            The introduction of the lab report was both efficient and detailed. The author began by providing background information on the ontogenetic color changes that affect other species such as birds and reptiles. He cites many sources to validate his statements and offers a plentiful amount of knowledge that individuals who have no knowledge are able to follow with his experiment. Such an introduction is ideal for reports that are placed in journals, however for readers that desire a reading that is simple and short, it is not beneficial. They would find the introduction itself to be unnecessary long and detailed. Therefore, based on what exactly readers are looking for, it may be what they need or not what they are looking for. Regardless, it creates the persuasion necessary in lab reports.

            The materials and methods section included the different resources needed as well as a detailed explanation of the necessary steps that would need to be taken in order to replicate the experiment. Specificity is a huge factor in the materials and methods section as specific measurements of the boxes used, the shape/size/scent of the insects, and the type of treatments used were all provided. Furthermore, the materials and methods section was spoken in a passive manner. These factors promote replicability and allow readers to perform the experiment themselves.

            The appendix section offered the data from the experiment such as the measures of males’ time to mount females and a mean male time of mounting untreated females and treated females. The data was organized and included visual elements such as figures and tables that provided evidence that males tend to mount a specific type of female or male and the effect of such is a color change. The author refrained from explaining his data in the appendix and simply described the significance of the figures and tables which was beneficial. 

The author presented an explanation of the data in the results section. It is explained that based on the first table of times for males to mount, there were no significant differences found in males’ time to mount among the three treatments or among the three control trials, thus proving that proof of a color change based on mating cues is not substantial. Similarly, the two figures in the appendix are explained and it is interpreted that there is not much of a difference in the mean time regardless of treatment levels. The results section was concluded by explaining why one value was omitted and how its impact was arbitrary. Thus, an example of the values and the results that would be gained by performing this experiment was given. 

The discussion section of the report explains the results and gives further knowledge as to the occurrences in the experiment. The research suggests that there may be pheromonal differences between nymphs and adults that help males avoid them, however these differences do not occur between males and females. Due to the fact that males quickly dismount after mounting a male but persist when mounting a female suggests that there may be chemical cues b between males and females that are only recognized through physical contact. While visual cues may be important, there is no evidence that color changes affect sexual behavior. The discussion was very thorough and explained, however information about other insects that are not Largidae is unnecessary and insignificant. Regardless, the discussion provided a vast amount of knowledge and truly helps readers learn and understand. 

            The report did not have a conclusion which is neglectful and improper. Readers need a brief summary of the results of the experiment so that they would not have to read the entirety of the report to understand the basics of the experiment. 

            The report was then followed by a reference section which was organized and listed properly. The citations and references provided credibility and allows readers to confirm validity in the claims of the report. In conclusion, the report was very well-explained and truly provided for persuasion and desirability, as well as promoting replicability.

            Both lab reports were very different, and yet still had their similarities. While the first lab report was not as well-explained and was very concise, for those that desire to simply read the facts of the report, it would be ideal. The second lab report was well-explained and held all the traits needed to deem it as efficient and effective in its purpose as a lab report. This would help readers who wish to replicate the experiment and learn from it. Thus, both reports had their strengths and weaknesses, and for different audiences, each would be appropriate.