MEpedia:Science guidelines

Thank you so much for deciding to contribute to MEpedia, and for rolling up your sleeves to work on the science! Let's dive right in.

Just the facts
Science writing should be about what we know to be true, so far as our current understanding of science can tell us.

It's important to omit descriptive words that encourage the reader to think in a certain way, such as adjectives and adverbs. For example, "intriguingly", "disastrously", and other adverbs inform the reader what they ought to think about the next piece of information. In science, we must let the facts speak for themselves.

Use equivocal language
In science writing, it is vital to recognize that things change by using equivocal language: "it may be that..." "it is possible that..." are good examples. Avoid language like "it has been proved" or "we now know".

Cite everything
Even if you are certain it is true, if you can't cite it, you can't say it. The lack of high-powered studies in ME can be very frustrating! However, this is vital.

How to cite



 * 1) First, check out the top menu running right alongside the MEpedia logo and find the button that says 'cite'.  Click that button.