A three-layered process of documentation A three-layered process of documentation: (1) First, there is the field notebook. This is where the actual numbers are recorded, together with passing observations relevant to the interpretation of these numbers. Paper is still proving more durable than electronic data. (2) The journal is a parallel record to that of the notebook—a daily account of events, thoughts, and observations. (3) Last of the three strata, then, are the publications. Traditionally, in science, these are articles in academic journals leavened with chapters in books. To be successful, a young scientist need aspire to no more than these two forms of output together with their oral versions at interminable conferences and meetings of learned societies. There came a time in my scientific development, however, when other forms of publication became important: magazines articles, and writing books. Roger Kitching, A Reflection of the Truth notetakingrecords
The illustrated guide to a Ph.D. An Article by Matt Might matt.might.net Show image 0 Show image 1 Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge. By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little. By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more. With a bachelor's degree, you gain a specialty. A master's degree deepens that specialty: Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge. Once you're at the boundary, you focus. You push at the boundary for a few years. Until one day, the boundary gives way. And, that dent you've made is called a Ph.D.. Of course, the world looks different to you now. So, don't forget the bigger picture. Keep pushing. knowledgescienceprogressresearch