Graduate Research

A Guide for Students in the Sciences

4th Edition - February 11, 2016
Authors: Robert V. Smith, Llewellyn D. Densmore, Edward F. Lener
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 3 7 4 9 - 2
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 3 7 9 1 - 1

Graduate Research is an all-in-one resource for prospective and matriculated graduate students in the sciences. The newly revised edition includes updates to every chapter.… Read more

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Graduate Research is an all-in-one resource for prospective and matriculated graduate students in the sciences. The newly revised edition includes updates to every chapter. Graduate Research covers a range of topics including writing and preparation of research proposals, developing and refining teaching skills, and ethics and compliance areas such as research involving human subjects and animals.

Graduate Research helps readers navigate the multidimensional and interdisciplinary world of scientific research and it is an invaluable resource for graduate researchers as well as those in advising or mentoring roles.

Dedication
Author Biographies
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Getting Started
- Abstract
- Choosing graduate study in the sciences
- Investigating possibilities for graduate study in the sciences
- University organization
- The players
- Allegiances and obligations
Chapter 2: Attitudes, Commitments, and Creativity
- Abstract
- Attitudes and commitments
- Creativity
- Levels of creativity
- Characteristics of auctors
Chapter 3: Making Choices
- Abstract
- Choices in types of research
- Choosing an advisor and mentor
- Adopting role models
- Evaluating financial support options
- Selecting programs of study
- Considering interdisciplinary versus disciplinary research
- Choosing a research problem
- Selecting courses and using research aids
- Recommending thesis and dissertation committee members
Chapter 4: Time Management
- Abstract
- Planning
- Organization
- Execution
Chapter 5: Principles of Scientific Research
- Abstract
- Observation
- Using observations and experiences to identify problems for study
- Hypotheses
- Experimentation
- Interpretation
Chapter 6: Ethics and the Scientist
- Abstract
- The ethos and methods of science
- Scientists’ values
- The dark side of science
- Misconduct in research
- Plagiarism and its avoidance
- Other ethical matters of concern
- Keeping the code
Chapter 7: Library and Literature Work
- Abstract
- Professional reading
- Graduate level literature work
- Using the library
- Searching the literature
- Library catalog
- Library discovery services
- Article databases
- Discipline-based article databases
- General searching tips
- Boolean operators
- Truncation and wildcards
- Evaluating the literature
- Organizing literature references
- Keeping up with the literature
Chapter 8: Writing and Speaking Skills
- Abstract
- Writing skills
- Elements of good writing
- Approaches to good writing
- Preparing notes and outlines
- Write, rewrite, and rewrite
- Writing tools
- Texting, email and written notes, memos, and letters
- Persuasiveness
- Research notebooks
- Reports
- Research papers
- Book or journal reviews
Chapter 9: Preparing Theses and Dissertations
- Abstract
- Planning and approaches
- Characteristics of theses and dissertations
- Dissertation blues
- Relations with thesis and dissertation committee members
- Approaches to writing
- Deadlines, word processing, and binding
- The defense and oral examination
Chapter 10: Presentation and Publication of Papers
- Abstract
- Presentation of papers at meetings
- Submission of abstracts
- Types of presentations
- Publication of papers
- Selecting journals and publishers
- Preparation of manuscripts
- Submitting manuscripts to publishers
- Manuscript reviews
- Handling proofs
Chapter 11: Research Involving Human Subjects and Animals and Biohazards and Laboratory Safety
- Abstract
- Human subjects research
- Use of animals in research
- Veterinary care and assistance
- Biohazards and laboratory safety
Chapter 12: Getting Grant Support
- Abstract
- Historical background
- Types of grants
- Grant proposals and applying for grants
- Preparing proposals
- Applying for grants
- Intellectual property ownership
- Taking the long view
Chapter 13: The Graduate Researcher and Teaching
- Abstract
- Consider becoming a teaching assistant
- Developing and refining teaching skills
Chapter 14: Getting a Job
- Abstract
- Planning
- Interview seeking
- Invitations to interview
- Preparing for interviews
- Interviewing
- The offer
Chapter 15: Shaping a Career
- Abstract
- Individual development plans
- Destinations
- Moving into management and administration
- The promise of a new position
- The elements and uses of strategic planning
References
Subject Index

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Robert V. Smith

Llewellyn D. Densmore

Edward F. Lener