Writing Like a (Psychological) Scientist: A Student Guide to Scientific Writing

This tutorial paper reviews the scientific writing style used in psychology, with a focus on undergraduate students taking a Research Methods course. I outline for broad principles of scientific writing: (1) clarity, (2) conciseness, (3) literally true, and (4) a focus on scientific evidence. Each principle is analyzed into several components, where writing norms in psychology are also emphasized. I also outline three broad skills needed to achieve this style: (1) revision, (2) attention to detail, (3) and teamwork. Revision is emphasized most heavily—students are encouraged to write naturally and edit with a focus on these principles. In addition to learning about scientific writing, students will learn about the nature of science and scientific thinking as well as learn to be clearer, more effective communicators and to develop habits that will help them both in their writing and more broadly in their professional development. Preprint date: 12/24/2020. This document is a work in progress and may not reflect the final draft. Feel free to link to this document for use in teaching (with attribution); please do not modify this document without permission. Please check back periodically for updates. The most up-to-date edition can be found at https://psyarxiv.com/r4sfz/