Avoiding Spin and Boasting in Scientific Writing
Frederick P. Rivara · 2024
Abstract Scientific writing should be objective, clear, and dispassionate. This chapter describes approaches for achieving objectivity in writing and avoiding spin and boasting in scientific manuscripts. Pitfalls to avoid when writing include exaggerating the importance of the topic of the manuscript; unfairly disparaging previous research by using terminology such as “inconsistent” or “mixed” results, “methodologic flaws,” and “retrospective”; criticizing studies with small sample sizes; using words to convince, not illuminate, rather than presenting the evidence in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner; and boasting or overemphasizing the primacy or importance of the findings reported in the manuscript. Other guidance includes avoiding making cliché statements, editorializing about results, and imparting spin, as well as encouraging reading examples of good scientific writing.