How to Write a Purpose Statement in a Lab Report

A lab report gives specific information about a test, experiment or research project that was completed in a lab. Generally, lab reports are scientific in nature and include many pieces of information, including the materials used, the methods, the results and a discussion. One very important piece of the lab report is the purpose statement. This statement captures the original purpose of the test, experiment or research. The purpose statement is referenced various times throughout the lab report.

Figure out what the purpose of your test, experiment or research actually is. Write this down so you can refer to it as you complete the experiment. For example, you might be trying to prove a particular theory or learn more about a specific subject.

Write down more details about your purpose. This is for your reference as you complete the experiment or test, so it can be in the form of a list or bullet points.

Rewrite the purpose into a formal statement after you complete the test or experiment. Include plenty of details so your purpose is clear to someone who did not actually conduct the test, experiment or research. Basically, you are articulating the question that you were attempting to answer with your lab experiment.

Revise your purpose statement. This is an editing process that should involve other people who were involved. Show your purpose statement to your colleagues and ask for input and advice. Use what they say to edit the purpose statement to make it more detailed and accurate.

Add the purpose statement to the appropriate section of your lab report. It should be placed at the very end of your introduction section.