Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for books that assist graduate students in learning how to conduct research effectively, particularly in a scientific context. Participants express interest in resources that go beyond writing research papers for classes and focus on practical research skills, such as creating literature reviews for theses.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks recommendations for books that focus on conducting research rather than writing research papers for classes.
- Another participant expresses a similar interest, indicating a lack of resources during their own graduate studies.
- A suggestion is made to search online for resources related to being a good graduate student.
- A participant recommends "The Research Student's Guide to Success" by Pat Cryer, noting its broad applicability to various subjects.
- Another participant mentions "Advice to a Young Investigator" by Ramon y Cajal as a valuable resource, along with "An Idiot's Fugitive Essays of Science" by Truesdell, highlighting their differing tones and perspectives.
- A participant shares their experience with "Writing your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day" by Joan Bolker, noting its focus on the writing process rather than research itself.
- Links to external resources are provided, including a website and an article by Terence Tao, suggesting additional avenues for exploration.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the need for resources that focus on practical research skills, but there is no consensus on specific recommendations beyond those mentioned. Multiple viewpoints and suggestions remain present in the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Some recommendations may be more applicable to specific fields or educational contexts, and participants have not fully explored the breadth of available literature on the topic.
Who May Find This Useful
Graduate students seeking guidance on conducting research, educators looking for resources to recommend, and individuals interested in the research process across various scientific disciplines.