The Form of the Experimental Paper: A Realization of the Myth of Induction

Abstract

The experimental paper is conventionally organized into four sections: Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, and Discussion. Why these particular sections? Why this particular order? My answer is that the experimental paper is an instantiation of a myth that induction is philosophically unproblematic, that it can lead unproblematically to reliable knowledge about the natural world. Because induction as a path to reliable knowledge is, in fact, problematic, scientists need to retain this myth to continue to do science undeterred by doubts concerning the value of their task.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1985-01-01
DOI
10.2190/hyjp-616y-f9mk-5er0

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Written Communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  5. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (2)

  1. College English
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Also cites 7 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.1177/004839318101100305
  2. 10.2307/2094370
  3. 10.1007/978-94-009-9109-5_10
  4. 10.1007/978-94-010-1426-7
  5. 10.1177/030631277600600302
  6. 10.1177/030631277800800305
  7. 10.1080/00335638309383634
    Quarterly Journal of Speech  
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