Third Person Neutral: The Voice of Science
Third person neutral is a writing style where the writer avoids using "I," "me," "my," "we," "our," or any other personal pronouns. Instead, the focus is on the subject matter itself, presented objectively and impersonally. This is the dominant voice in scientific writing, and for good reason.
Why use third person neutral in scientific papers?
1. Objectivity: The primary goal of scientific writing is to present findings in a clear and unbiased manner. Using the first person can introduce subjectivity and bias, potentially undermining the credibility of the research.
2. Universality: By using a neutral voice, the writer steps back and allows the findings to speak for themselves. This fosters a sense of universality, suggesting that the research is not limited to the individual researcher's perspective but has broader implications.
3. Focus on the subject matter: Third person neutral emphasizes the data, the methods, and the results of the study, keeping the focus where it belongs: on the scientific investigation.
4. Conciseness: Third person neutral writing is often more concise and efficient. It avoids unnecessary words and phrases that can clutter the text.
5. Professional tone: Scientific writing requires a formal and professional tone. Third person neutral helps achieve this tone, conveying seriousness and credibility.
Examples of third person neutral:
* Instead of: "I observed that the solution turned blue."
* Use: "The solution turned blue."
* Instead of: "We hypothesize that the drug will reduce inflammation."
* Use: "This study hypothesizes that the drug will reduce inflammation."
Exceptions to the rule:
While third person neutral is the standard in scientific writing, there are some exceptions:
* Discussion sections: In the discussion, some personal reflections or interpretations might be acceptable, but still maintain objectivity.
* Collaborative papers: Some disciplines allow for a more collaborative approach, where authors might use "we" to refer to the research team.
In conclusion, third person neutral is the preferred voice in scientific writing due to its objectivity, universality, focus on the subject matter, conciseness, and professional tone. It allows for a clear and credible presentation of research findings, ensuring that the science speaks for itself.