Bad Ideas about Scientific Writing is an open-access edited collection of short chapter entries written for scientists, students, educators, administrators, and the broader public that challenges pervasive myths and misunderstandings that undermine effective scientific communication. The collection is currently under consideration with the WAC Clearinghouse Perspective on Writing series. The full CFP can be found here: https://www.bad-ideas-scientific-writing.com/.
Following successful models provided by Bad Ideas about Writing (edited by Cheryl E. Ball and Drew M. Loewe, 2017) and Bad Ideas about AI and Writing (edited by Christopher Basgier, Anna Mills, Mandy Olejnik, Miranda Rodak, and Shyam Sharma, forthcoming), our collection brings together expert and experienced voices to debunk harmful misconceptions about writing in scientific contexts.
Each concise chapter identifies a specific myth or “bad idea,” explains why it persists and what harm it causes, and proposes better approaches grounded in current scholarship, as well as references for further reading. We invite you to think of your chapter as a conversation starter, with a tone that is opinionated yet evidence-based, critical yet constructive.
Myths might include
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"Scientific writing should be objective and impersonal."
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"Real scientists don’t need writing instruction."
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"Translating science for lay audiences means ‘dumbing it down.’"
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"The IMRAD structure fits all scientific writing."
We invite proposals that address misconceptions and misunderstandings across all aspects of scientific writing. More details, including a more detailed timeline and instructions for submitting your proposals, are available in the full call for proposals: kbivens) and Kirsti Cole (kkcole2) with any questions.
Kind Regards,
Kirsti
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