Research
Purpose/problem
Hypothesis
Experiment
Results/data
Conclusion
This is the general format for a lab report
1. Research is where you bring in important background information on what you are doing your experiment on. This is usually included in the introduction. You don't necessarily specifically address the experiment that you are performing in this section.
2. Purpose/problem is where you outline what your experiment is testing.
3. Hypothesis is where you predict what your results are going to be. This is generally in the "If...then...because" format.
4. Experiment is where you explain exactly what you did to test your hypothesis. This generally includes a materials list and the procedures.
5. Results/data is where you record what the outcome of your experiment was. This includes quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (observations) results. It is important that you do not explain why you got these results or come to any conclusion in this section.
6. Analysis is where you interpret your data. You come to conclusions as to why you saw the results you did, and what implications they cause. Sources of error may be discussed here if necessary.
7. Conclusion is where you come to an overall, well, conclusion about your results. Ideas for further testing may be included here.
Source(s): Microbiology major