Research in science has evolved, growing in breath and complexity.
In genetics, agriculture, epidemiology, avionics, mathematics,
biology, astronomy, economics, and medicine, the story in the same;
experiments today are more complicated then they have ever been
before. In the older paradigm that was in operation for hundreds of
years, research efforts were crippled by the absence of technology,
but propelled by competent, disciplined thought. Time was readily
available for research design and personal development.
Today, technological demands eagerly consume our time as we take
advantage of an ever expanding world of opportunity. If you permit
it, your day is easily consumed with productive activities, e.g.
electronic literature searches using a high speed internet
connection at the airport, followed by an airborn grant writing
session as you travel to yet one more meeting. Computers once had
waiting lines of users; they now stand ready to word process,
calculate, and even simulate experiments at our behest. The
scientific systems can now accept more work product than we can
produce. The faster we work, the faster the production of analyses,
the quicker the generation of papers and products, the more rapid
the pace of progress. In the old paradigm, travel and technological
capacity were the rate limiting step. Now - we are.
This new dynamic places a greater premium on scientific
productivity, yet there is more to a career than productivity. The
principles, judgment, conduct, ethic, and temperament of
researchers must develop simultaneously with their work product if
these scientists are to develop into mature professionals. Although
junior scientists have fine educationalbackgrounds, they frequently
do not yet have the poise, vision, or coping skills that they need
in order to identify and sustain the optimum productivity level in
their careers. A philosophical approach that would help them
achieve this balance would serve as an important foundation.
However, junior scientists typically give little consideration to
the development of a set of guiding principles. Often neglected,
these researchers are left to stumble to this equipoise on their
own. Unfortunately, many talented young scientists never find it,
and can be confused, disoriented, and ultimately discouraged by
their undirected search.
Finding Your Way In Science lays out for the scientist the
principles that can produce and sustain the character growth that
guides the development of the scientific professional.
The central thesis of Finding Your Way in Science is that the
relentless pursuit of productivity is not a worthy career goal for
the junior scientist. While productivity is and will be a
fundamental attribute of the professional, there are other core
themes that must be allowed to develop, appear, and exert their
influences as well. The presence of self-control and patience, of
moral excellence and compassion, of discipline and flexibility are
as critical to the development of the junior scientist as is the
acquisition of technical skills. The presence of these traits
engenders collegiality, persuasive strength, responsibility,
administrative diligence, influence, and vision, i.e. the qualities
of charitable leadership.
Chapter One focuses on the need for the scientist to take stock of
herself, carefully measuring her strengths and weaknesses. This
chapter articulates thetheme that is the foundation of the book;
productivity, so highly emphasized in academia, in private industry
and in government is not the only star by which the scientist
should steer. Chapter One delineates the dimensions of the
scientist's character that must also be expanded in addition to the
natural extension of knowledge that takes place at this time in
their career. A broad overview of the role of the scientist's
self-respect, ethics, sense of charity, and collegiality is
provided. Concentrating on developing the strengths, skills, and
outlook of a mature, professional scientist will not only amplify
your productive efforts, but will also buffer and protect you as
you face the unseen challenges that lie ahead. The specific
scientific advances that your work produces will, in all
likelihood, be overshadowed and surpassed by the future advances of
others. However, the principles for which you stand as both a
scientist and as an individual can resonate indefinitely.
Chapter Two discusses the function of data interpretation in
research that is based on a sample from a much larger population.
The role of the "surprise result" and the importance of result
confirmation are provided in clear, non-mathematical language for
the scientist. It is important for the scientist to recognize that
they are not explorers or "searchers" but "researchers" and that
their primary contribution is to provide confirmed scientific
results that can be extended to larger populations.
The important of diligent administration is discussed in Chapter
Three. This is a topic that many scientists shun because of its
non-scientific nature and absence of direct scientific
productivity. However, withoutthe development of skill in this
area, the scientist runs the risk of inefficiency in his efforts as
he struggles to identify and obtain the critical resources that he
needs for his projects. The importance of mastering the logistics
that researchers require to carry out their scientific developments
is emphasized. Three focal points are identified that will help the
scientist in his first role as principal investigator.
Chapter Four discusses the role of the scientist in collaborative
projects. Being the junior member of a research team represents a
fine opportunity to gain the experience and intuition that the
scientist needs. The establishment of a clear sense of worth and
self-value are necessary for any researcher involved in a
productive collaborative efforts. Practical advice is provided for
communicating with scientists in others fields w
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
