MATERIALS AND METHODS

This section is usually divided into several subsections: apparatus; chemicals; how plants and animals were raised or obtained; and, the any procedures used in stated in sufficient detail so that other experienced workers familiar with the field could repeat your work. Apparatus should be described in detail only if it is nonstandard. If you used a commercial Bausch and Lomb Spectronic 20 spectrophotometer, simply list it. However, if you modified the cell compartment, then describe these modifications. If you built special insect test chambers, then describe them so someone else could make them exactly the same.

Common chemicals such as acids and bases are usually not listed. Uncommon chemicals that can be purchased are usually just listed along with where they were purchased unless they were treated in a special manner before they were used. The special treatment, such as "distilled over sodium" is added.

Plants should be identified by genus and species, how they were raised and the age when tested. Humidity conditions, room temperature, and photoperiod during the test should be denoted. The same is true for animals except that feeding conditions are included as is their sex. BE CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING TEST ANIMALS IN THAT YOU TREAT THEM HUMANELY.

Bioassays, that is, tests involving animal responses, should be described clearly. The procedures described should be only those that you finally used, not the intermediate ones. State the procedure simply, do not include results and discussion as they are reserved for later.

NOTE: If you are using a procedure that has been used before, then do not describe it again. Cite it as "the procedure of Jones (give the reference number) was followed".