Helpful Hints for Technical Writing
Speculationin ScientificWriting
In the May 1996 issue of AgronomyNews, WilliamR. Luellencommentedon speculationin scientific writing.
He had examined three papers in the 1950 volume of AgronomyJournal written by
people who are recognized today as outstandingscientists. Each paper ended with
speculationaboutthe significanceof the resultsor wherefurtherrelatedresearchshould
(
be directed.Luellenrecognizedthatsuch speculationin scientific papersis valuable.He
expressedconcernthat such speculationis no longer common.
I appreciatedLuellen'sarticle.As a researchscientist,I alwaysfelt it was my responsibilityto suggest possible
reasonsfor results,to speculateon the significanceof the results,and to suggest what additionalresearchwould
be worthwhile.Not everyone agreedwith me. I was once told, "Presentthe resultsof your research.and let the
readerdecide what the results mean."I could never accept this philosophy.No one should be betterqualified
thanthe authorsto commenton, discuss, or speculateaboutthe contentof a paper.They have repeatedlythought
aboutthe subjectduringthe planningandconductof the researchandpreparationof the manuscript.Why deprive
the readerof the benefit of this experience?
I rememberpreparinga researchreportfor publicationin which I had includeda statementspeculatingon the
significance of some of the results. A reviewer suggesteddeletion, with the comment."Thedatado not support
this statement;it is pure speculation."The reviewer's commentwas absolutelytrue.But reasonablespeculation
should not have to be deleted.
Speculationshould always be identified as such. Wordssuch as "perhaps,""possibly,""if."or "might"can
clearly separatespeculation from positive statements.Reviewers can help prevent unreasonableor excessive
speculation.
Clearlyidentified,reasonablyconceived, andlogically presented,the authors'speculationcan addto the value
of a researchreport.
Remember:
To speculate,the author
is fully qualified;
But the speculation
Must be well identified.
J. H. Dawson, Weed Scientist, Prosser,WA99350
679
WeedTechnology. 1996. Volume 10:679