Poster abbreviations

The poster text is divided into the same general IMRD sections as the journal article Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Similarly, most posters include an Acknowledgments section, some have an abbreviated References section, and all have a title and author list. Most posters do not include an abstract, in part because of space limitations and in part because an abstract already appears in the conference proceedings. Like the journal article, the IMRD structure of the poster follows an hourglass shape. The top (Introduction) and bottom (Discussion) sections have a broader focus, while the middle sections (Methods and Results) have a narrower focus. Each section of the poster can be divided into individual moves or steps that guide viewers in a conventional way through the content of each section. These moves are analyzed in the next part of the chapter. 

Most abbreviations are defined at first use in posters. In excerpt 9A ... 

Compare the Methods section of the poster in figure 9.1 with the Methods section in excerpt 9C. What similarities and differences do you notice Consider science content, organization, and writing conventions (e.g., subheadings, capitalization, abbreviations, and parentheses). 

Abbreviations Abbreviations are usually dehned in parentheses at their hrst use, for example, pentafluorobenzene (PFB) . Readily understood symbols or abbreviations may be used without dehnition (e.g., GC/MS, MeOH, R-OH, cat.). A few unconventional abbreviations may be used in posters if space is tight (e.g., temp for temperature, rt for room temperature, wk for week, exp for experiment, sat d for saturated, for and ). Additionally, some abbreviations, such as those for long chemical names, need not be defined if an exact identity is not essential for understanding the poster. 

Be careful, however, not to become too casual with abbreviations. For example, popular shorthand is not appropriate (e.g., B4 for before or FYI for for your information ). Also, use abbreviations consistently throughout the poster. For example, eq should not be used for equation and equivalent in the same poster. 

Some unconventional abbreviations are allowed in posters (e.g., "temp" for "temperature"). However, shorthand (e.g., "B4" for "before") should not be used. 

Consult figure 9.2 to review the moves that make up the Methods section of a poster. After you have decided what to include (and what to exclude), write the Methods section of your poster. Remember that past tense is preferred and that bulleted lists (with parallel language) are common. Use standard formatting, number, and abbreviation conventions at first convert to abbreviated formats if space is tight. Consider adding a photograph or illustration to your Methods section. 

A References section is needed if you cite others works in your poster, unless you inserted an abbreviated reference directly into the text. If you include citations in only one section of your poster (e.g., the Introduction), the References section can be placed at the end of that section otherwise, include the references at the end or bottom of your poster. Format the references with the citation format used in the poster number them in citation order (if you used numerical citations) or arrange them alphabetically (if you used author—date citations). Because of space limitations, references may be abbreviated. Consider the following examples for a poster with numerical citations ... 

What are common conventions regarding abbreviations, capitalization, and parentheses in a poster ... 

A poster should be easily read from a distance of 5 feet (1.5 m). Your smallest font size should be at least 24 points (1/4 in.). (Point, abbreviated as pt, refers to font size.)... 

Writing conventions Check to be sure that you have followed poster writing conventions, including the use of abbreviations, bulleted fragments, lists, and citations. 

The rules for writing a research proposal title are similar to those for the journal article and poster. Like journal article titles (see table 7.1), a proposal title should include keywords that will help the program officer decide where to send your proposal for review. The title should also include keywords that capture the need(s) targeted by the granting institution. Abbreviations and acronyms should be avoided. Although explicit restrictions on title length are rare, shorter titles are preferred, provided that they accurately depict the contents and emphases of the proposal. 

A highly abbreviated format may be used in posters if space is limited (e.g., Gordon et al. JOC, 2007,12, 13.) formatting should be consistent for all entries. 

---