Doing science : design, analysis, and communication of scientific research /

This new edition of Doing Science (1st ed., CH, Sep'01, 39-0274) would be a perfect resource for courses that some graduate departments offer beginning researchers on how to initiate, conduct, and report on a research project. It would also be a valuable addition to the libraries of both seasoned and novice researchers. Valiela (Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole) covers a wide range of topics including formulating a research hypothesis, devising the questions that need to be answered to prove or disprove it, and collecting data. The treatment of data is covered in depth with chapters on analyzing statistics, preparing graphs/tables, and comparing data taken in multiple trials. The author explains how to construct a research paper and a paper for publication in reviewed journals, give talks, present poster demonstrations, and write grant proposals based on the results obtained. He includes a chapter of case studies from previous experiments. The book ends with a discussion of scientific ethics and the public perception of scientists based on sensationalized accounts of misleading, false, and fabricated results. This work is highly technical and presupposes a good knowledge of the mathematics associated with data manipulation. A list of sources and further readings end each chapter. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic audiences, upper-division undergraduates and above. C. G. Wood formerly, Eastern Maine Community College