Copyright © 1995, 1997 by Steven J. Milloy. All rights reserved. First edition. Published by the Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20002. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 95-72177. International Standard Book Number: 0-9647463-2-8.
Chapter 11
The Final Document
The writeup of your research is crucial to success. Most important, you want to write a good abstract... it may be the only part of your writeup that many people will read.
In any case, the abstract, as well as your writeup, should exude confidence in the results described. Use words with strong, clear meanings. For example, say your research "proves" or "demonstrates" your conclusions or "confirms" the conclusions of others. You should avoid weaker terms like "indicates" or "evidences" or "supports the theory."
Importantly, your risk "causes" the disease of concern. Never say it is "associated" with the disease or "increases the risk" of the disease. It causes the disease. Never use the word "may" either. Although these weaker terms are more accurate from a purely scientific point of view, they are counterproductive when trying to communicate your risk to the general public. Qualifiers tell the public your results probably don't mean anything.
Always call your work "science" or "scientific research." That sounds better than what your research really is. DO NOT DESCRIBE THE SHORTCOMINGS OR LIMITATIONS OF YOUR RESEARCH. Even if you feel morally obligated to do so, for heaven's sake, don't include them in your abstract. Finally, the last paragraph of your writeup ought to clearly state how you think public policy should be changed because of your work. For example, say something like "This research demonstrates the need for the government to take immediate steps to ban the use of [your risk]." That's sure to draw attention.
Avoid being too subtle, like the following from a recently published study associating nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and miscarriage in dental assistants:
"There is currently no mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard for nitrous oxide, although possible standards have been suggested...In the meantime, minimizing exposure seems prudent."
Be bold and straightforward. The statement above should read something like this:
"Anesthetic gas causes dental assistants to miscarry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration should ban its use."
And dental patients should just grin and bear it, I guess.
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