WhatÕs Your Point? Writing and Reviewing With Precision for Impact and Clarity
Publication of a research article represents the final step in the process of a research project. As the saying goes, ÒThereÕs no way to dress up a bad idea, but there are many ways to disguise a good one.Ó While science can be complex, the ability to convey key points in a clear and straightforward way is the key to impactful writing. Using key principles as a guide promotes precision in communication without distorting the scientific concepts through oversimplification. Reviewing for scientific journals also requires the skills to examine how authors construct their manuscripts, and good reviewers advance best evidence by providing guidance for greater impact. In this session, 2 editors-in-chief of APTA component journals will describe what makes an effective title and discuss how to select the most useful keywords, make the most of the limited abstract word count, compose an introduction that provides a strong foundation for the research questions, structure the methods and results sections to foster transparency and rigor, and use the discussion to assist the reader to interpret the findings in light of prior evidence. As a compliment to the focus on writing, the presenters will discuss the essential components of reviews and best writing to communicate your opinions as a reviewer.