Reflections on writing hydrologic reports
Open-File Report
87-398
By: Perry G. Olcott
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Abstract
Reporting of scientific work should be characterized by a logical argument that is developed through presentation of the problem, tabulation and display of data pertinent to the problem , and testing and interpretation of the data to prove hypotheses that address the problem. Organization of the report is vital to developing this logical argument: it provides structure, continuity, logic, and emphasis to the presentation. Each part of the report serves a specific function and each is linked by a connecting logic, the logical argument of the report. Each scientific report normally has a title, table of contents, abstract, introduction, body (of the report), and summary and/or conclusions. Organization of sections within the body of the report is exactly parallel to overall organization; subjects presented in the section title are developed by logical subdivisions and pertinent discussion. The summary and/or conclusions section culminates the logical argument of the report by drawing together and quantitatively reiterating the principal conclusions developed in the discussion. Supplemental information on report content, background of the study, additional data or details on procedures, and other information of interest to the reader is presented in the foreward or preface, list of illustrations or tables, glossaries, and appendixes. (Lantz-PTT)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Reflections on writing hydrologic reports |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 87-398 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr87398 |
| Edition | - |
| Year Published | 1987 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | iii, 8 p. ;28 cm. |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |