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Striving for Modernity: Layout and Abstracts in the Biomedical Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Carlo Galli

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Maria Teresa Colangelo

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Histology and Embryology Lab, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Stefano Guizzardi

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Histology and Embryology Lab, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43126 Parma, Italy)

Abstract

Most academic journals have a fairly consistent look: they are structured similarly, their text is divided into similar sections; for example, they have an abstract at the beginning of the manuscript, and their text is usually organized in two columns. There may be different reasons for this similarity, ranging from the need to contain publication costs by using less page space to conforming to an internationally well-accepted format that may be perceived as the hallmark of academic articles. We surveyed 35 medical journals founded before 1960 and looked for their change in format over time and how this was experienced by and explained to readers. We then discussed what recent research has shown about the effects of layout on reading, looking for further explanations as to why this format was so successful.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlo Galli & Maria Teresa Colangelo & Stefano Guizzardi, 2020. "Striving for Modernity: Layout and Abstracts in the Biomedical Literature," Publications, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jpubli:v:8:y:2020:i:3:p:38-:d:383141
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Esther Landhuis, 2016. "Scientific literature: Information overload," Nature, Nature, vol. 535(7612), pages 457-458, July.
    2. Carlo Galli & Stefano Guizzardi, 2020. "Change in Format, Register and Narration Style in the Biomedical Literature: A 1948 Example," Publications, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Carlo Galli & Roberto Sala & Maria Teresa Colangelo & Stefano Guizzardi, 2019. "Between Innovation and Standardization, Is There Still a Room for Scientific Reports? The Rise of a Formatting Tradition in Periodontal Research," Publications, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-11, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefano Guizzardi & Maria Teresa Colangelo & Prisco Mirandola & Carlo Galli, 2023. "The Evolution of Narrativity in Abstracts of the Biomedical Literature between 1989 and 2022," Publications, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-12, April.

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