MacRitchie Scientific Research as a Career

1. Auflage 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4398-6967-3
Verlag: Taylor & Francis
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 131 Seiten

Describing the philosophy of the scientific method and the training and professional characteristics needed for a successful career, Scientific Research as a Career is a comprehensive "how-to" guide for the aspiring scientist. Based on the author’s experience both as a scientist in a research organization and as a university mentor, the book covers:

- The interaction between management and leadership principles and scientific research

- Qualifications and attributes usually required to become a successful researcher

- History, application, and prerequisites of the scientific method and scientific progress

- Exploration of the careers of pivotal and influential scientists

The author highlights the importance of networking and the value of forming contacts with colleagues, joining scientific associations, attending conferences, making presentations, and acting as chairs for conference sessions. He also touches on the many areas outside of "the science" that readers are likely to encounter during their career, such as mentoring, supervising research students, and managing a group. The book clearly delineates not only the challenges currently facing scientists, but also how to overcome them and achieve success in their careers.

Zielgruppe

General scientific community from students to researchers as well as professional and academic associations and corporations.

Autoren/Hrsg.

MacRitchie, Finlay

Fachgebiete

• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Naturwissenschaften, Technik, Medizin
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Berufliche Bildung Berufs- und Studienberatung, Karriereplanung
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Universitäten, Wissenschaftliche Akademien, Gelehrtengesellschaften
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Ausbildung, Jobs, Karriere: Naturwissenschaften, Technik, Medizin
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten, Studientechnik
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Berufliche Bildung Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten, Studientechnik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Motivation and Requisites for a Research Career
Early Interest and a Simple Research Problem
Importance of Combining Study with Experimentation
References

Scientific Training and Personal Development
University Qualifications
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees
Research Ph.D. versus Combined Research and Course Work
Imaginative and Regimented Thinking
The Ph.D. Preliminary Examination
Research versus Collecting Data
Oral and Written Examinations
Limitations of Statistics
Accuracy: Are the Results What Are Intended to Be Measured?
Where to after Graduation?
Main Areas for Employment of Science Graduates
Internships as a Precursor to Employment
Networking, Joining Associations, Conference Presentations
References

The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method, Empiricism, Induction
Karl Popper: Analysis of Early 20th Century Theories
Demarcation: A Criterion to Distinguish between Scienceand Nonscience
Myths as Precursors of Scientific Hypotheses
Exploratory Work Preceding Hypotheses
Growth of Scientific Knowledge
Dangers to Growth: Lack of Motivation for Inquiry, Misplaced Faith in Precision, Authoritarianism
How Scientific Research Can Be Put Off Track Deliberately
How Scientific Research Can Be Put Off Track Unintentionally
References

Attributes Required by Research Scientists
Citations as a Criterion for Research Value
Conceptual Thought Required to Form Hypotheses
Detachment
Perseverance
Ethical Standards—Plagiarism
Publication
Service: Peer Reviewing
Service: Serving on Awards Committees
Grantsmanship
Reference

The Impact of Managerialism
The Managerial Ideology
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO) of Australia
Reviews of CSIRO
Effects of McKinsey Review
Freedom of Expression in Science
A False Premise
Performance Criteria for Scientists
Influence of Managerialism on Scientists
The Risks of Corrupt Practices
Coping with Effects of Managerial Stress
References

Leadership in Science
Mentoring
Supervision of Research Students
Qualities Needed to Lead Scientific Research
Servant Leadership
The Inverted Pyramid
The Future
References

Insights from Notable Scientists
Marie Curie (1867–1934)
Charles Darwin (1809–1882)
Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958)
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642)
Dorothy Hodgkin (1910–1994)
Irving Langmuir (1881–1957)
Lise Meitner (1878–1968)
Gregor Mendel (1822–1884)
Louis Pasteur (1822–1895)
Nikola Tesla (1856–1943)
References

Future Challenges for Scientific Research
Two Areas for Change in Direction
Why Are Humans the Only Species to Have Progressed Culturally?
Why Present Funding Procedures for Research Are Unsatisfactory
Stifling of Creativity in Science Can Stunt Future Economic Growth
Suppression of Freedom Causes Stagnation of Knowledge
The Need for a Change in the Working Environment for Research
References
Index