Doing Science: Design, Analysis, and Communication of Scientific Research / Edition 2

by Ivan Valiela

Overview

Doing Science, second edition, offers a rare compendium of practical advice based on how working scientists pursue their craft. It covers each stage of research, from formulating questions and gathering data to developing experiments and analyzing results and finally to the many ways for presenting results. Drawing on his extensive experience both as a researcher and a research mentor, Ivan Valiela has written a lively and concise survey of everything a beginning scientist needs to know to succeed in the field. He includes chapters on scientific data, statistical methods, and experimental designs, and much of the book is devoted to presenting final results.

Now in its second edition, Doing Science has been completely updated and expanded to include a brand-new chapter on doing science in society, as well as increased coverage of the ethics of avoiding conflict of interest.

Anyone beginning a scientific career, or who advises students in research will find Doing Science, second edition, an invaluable source of advice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195385731
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/04/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	1310L (what's this?)

About the Author

Ivan Valiela is Senior Resident Scientist of the Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

1. Obtaining Scientific Information2. Elements of Scientific Data and Tests of Questions3. Statistical Analysis4. Principles of Research Design5. Communication of Scientific Information: Writing6. The Scientific Paper7. Other Means of Scientific Communication

Editorial Reviews

Many books cover research design and data analysis, and some discuss communicating findings, but Valiela (Boston U. Marine Program) demonstrates the importance of gathering these topics between two covers. The first half of the book covers the principles of empirical and deductive science, elements of scientific data and tests of questions, statistical analyses, and principles of research design; the second presents invaluable information about writing, speaking, and graphically interpreting scientific findings. The last chapter discusses current perceptions about science, postmodern critiques, and why it is in scientists' interest to educate the public about science and its limitations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"I recommend this book as a textbook to courses in universities all over the world."—Photosynthetica

"The last chapter of the book covers perceptions and criticisms of science and presents a summary of why the scientific community is often mistrusted. ... I would urge all readers to start with this chapter because it causes the reader to place the information of Doing Science in context. ... The book is extremely well written ..."—Journal of Environmental Quality

From the Publisher