A step-by-step guide to recording every detail so another researcher can repeat your work exactly.
Start by writing a concise overview that states the experiment purpose, the hypothesis being tested, and the expected outcome. Include the project name, date, and the names of all contributors. This high-level summary helps a reader quickly understand the context before diving into details.
List every material used with as much identifying information as possible. Record the supplier name, catalog number, lot or batch number, and the exact concentration or purity of each reagent. If a solution was prepared in-house, note the starting amounts, the solvent, the final volume, and the method of mixing. This level of detail prevents confusion over subtle variations that can affect results.
Document all equipment settings and calibration status. For each instrument, write the model, serial number, software version, and any specific parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or wavelength. Include how the instrument was calibrated, the date of calibration, and the reference standards used. These records ensure that the same conditions can be recreated.
Describe the procedural steps in the order they were performed, using precise language and units. Note the exact timing of each step, the volume transferred, the temperature of incubations, and any shaking or centrifugation speeds. If a step deviated from the standard protocol, record the reason and the modification made.
Finally, capture how data were collected, processed, and stored. Save raw data files with clear, descriptive names that include the date and experiment ID. Record the analysis software, version, and any scripts or settings used. Store the files in a shared, backed-up location and reference the file path in your notes. This systematic approach makes it easy for anyone to locate and verify the data later.
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