We, I or it?

In the past it was conventional for papers to be written in the third person. Authors would describe how, for example

Three regions were surveyed ...

instead of

We surveyed three regions ...

You will find many publications in which authors use the passive voice because they believe they are demonstrating their objectivity, that they are presenting data in a neutral way. Although some editors still prefer the passive voice, a growing number will permit, or insist that you use, the active voice. Researchers should, they believe, take responsibility for their work by using 'I' or 'we'.