by Dyrk Schingman, Oregon State University
After several years of studying and hard work, I have finally
learned scientific jargon. The following list of phrases and their
definitions will help you to
understand that mysterious language of science and medicine.
IT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN
I didn't look up the original reference.
A DEFINITE TREND IS EVIDENT
These data are practically meaningless.
WHILE IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE DEFINITE ANSWERS TO THE
QUESTIONS
An unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope
to get it published.
THREE OF THE SAMPLES WERE CHOOSEN FOR DETAILED STUDY
The other results didn't make any sense.
TYPICAL RESULTS ARE SHOWN
This is the prettiest graph.
THESE RESULTS WILL BE IN A SUBSEQUENT REPORT
I might get around to this sometime, if
pushed/funded.
THE MOST RELIABLE RESULTS ARE OBTAINED BY JONES
He was my graduate student; his grade depended
on this.
IN MY EXPERINCE
once
IN CASE AFTER CASE
Twice
IN A SERIES OF CASES
Thrice
IT IS BELIEVED THAT
I think.
IT IS GENERALLY BELIEVED THAT
A couple of other guys think so too.
CORRECT WITHIN AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
Wrong.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Rumor has it.
A STATISTICALLY ORIENTED PROJECTION OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE
FINDINGS
A wild guess.
A CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF OBTAINABLE DATA
Three pages of notes were obliterated when I
knocked over a glass of beer.
IT IS CLEAR THAT MUCH ADDITIONAL WORK WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE A
COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THIS
PHENOMENA OCCURS
I don't understand it.
AFTER ADDITIONAL STUDY BY MY COLLEAGUES
They don't understand it either.
THANKS ARE DUE TO JOE BLOTZ FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE EXPERIMENT AND TO
ANDREA SCHAEFFER FOR
VALUABLE DISCUSSIONS
Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Shaeffer
explained to me what it meant.
A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT AREA FOR EXPLORATORY STUDY
A totally useless topic selected by my
committee.
IT IS HOPED THAT THIS STUDY WILL STIMULATE FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN
THIS FIELD
I quit.
This may be used or broadcast in any form as long as I receive
credit.