How much time to devote to research?

In summary, the amount of time you should spend on research per week varies depending on factors such as your research project, experience level, and other commitments. Most scientists spend between 40-60 hours per week on research. It is recommended to allocate a significant amount of time for experimental design and data collection, as well as literature review. The time needed for analyzing data also depends on the complexity of your data and methods. As a scientist, it is important to strike a balance between research, teaching, and administrative duties.
  • #1
Quark_Chowder
19
0
http://www.chemistry-blog.com/2010/06/22/something-deeply-wrong-with-chemistry/" [Broken]

It's a tad old, but it's from CalTech. Should we grad students and posts docs really be spending 95% or more of our waking lives in the laboratory?
 
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  • #2
It's a joke, and no, research is perhaps your job, but you needn't make it your life.
 

1. How many hours per week should I spend on research?

The amount of time you should devote to research depends on several factors, including your specific research project, your level of experience, and your other commitments. As a general guideline, most scientists spend between 40-60 hours per week on research, but this can vary greatly.

2. How much time should I allocate for experimental design and data collection?

Again, this will depend on your specific research project and its requirements. However, it is generally recommended to spend a significant amount of time on experimental design and data collection, as these are crucial steps in the research process. This may involve several hours per week, or even full days, depending on the complexity of your project.

3. Should I prioritize time for literature review?

Yes, it is important to allocate time for literature review as it is a critical aspect of research. This involves reading and analyzing relevant literature to inform your research question and methods. It is recommended to spend a few hours per week on literature review, but this may vary depending on your research project.

4. How much time should I dedicate to analyzing data?

The amount of time needed for data analysis will depend on the complexity of your data and the methods you are using. It is important to allocate enough time for this step, as it is crucial for drawing accurate conclusions from your research. This may involve several hours per week, or even full days, depending on your data set.

5. Is it better to devote more time to research or to teaching/administrative duties?

This will vary depending on your specific role and responsibilities. However, as a scientist, your primary focus should be on research. Teaching and administrative duties may also be important, but it is important to strike a balance and prioritize your research to ensure its success.

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