The Elements of Science : A Pocket Guide to Thinking Like a Scientist

For anyone working in the sciences, from aspiring research students to seasoned professionals, this book sets out every step of the scientific method in a pithy, easy-to-read, practical guide. Covering every component of this long-established process, it organizes them into a unique three-part workflow: pre-experiment, at the bench, and post-experiment. While ostensibly taught from a young age, many steps of the scientific method are ignored or skipped in contemporary research. Elements of Science walks you through each step in turn and underpins them with the pressing ethical concerns in each case. Following these steps and understanding their role in your processes is the surest route to making sure that your research is rigorous and reproducible. The book’s first part covers everything that you need to consider when forming a hypothesis and formulating an experiment, from initial observations to preparatory research. The second part deals with the bench work – conducting the experiment, recording the data, analysing the results and drawing your conclusions. Finally, the book rounds out a vital but often overlooked aspect of scientific impact: how to report your results clearly and compellingly. To avoid flawed design, interpret data with confidence, and conduct ‘good science’ reliably, the scientific method is a crucial tool in every scientist’s kit.