Customer Reviews

An Introduction to Scientific Research

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Any one who has done scientific research at the Graduate or Post-Graduate level will appreciate this timeless Introduction to Scientific Research. The book offers much practical advice. Topics include: Choice and Statement of Research Problem; Searching the Literature; Scientific Method in detail; Design of Experiments; Design of Apparatus; Execution of Experiments; Analysis of Experimental Data & Error Analysis. The part on computer use is dated, but otherwise the book is one of the best of the few references on the subject of Scientific Research.

The best and the most practical book I have ever seen about general aspects of carrying out scientific research. Author logically starts with choosing a topic for ones research project and ends with article publication. Though author discusses mostly experimental aspects of a research work, I have found it applicable for the field of computer simulations as well.

I also have successfully used this book for designing and teaching undergraduate physics labs. It is an endless source of examples. Some material, such as data and error analysis, can be even ``incorporated'' as a part of regular lab manuals.

After reading this book I came to the conclusion that researchers and scientists should read this book once to conduct efficient research. This book can also help new researchers, who are planning to start research. This book is mainly based on Professor Wilson's experiences during his entire research carrier. It can be helpful to all researchers in all fields. It contains real illustration, which can occur during, before or after conducting research. The language of this book is really simple. Any one who has done scientific research at the Graduate or Post-Graduate level will be grateful for this eternal Introduction to Scientific Research. The book presents much sensible advice. Topics include: Choice and Statement of Research Problem, Searching the Literature, Scientific Method in detail, Design of Experiments, Design of Apparatus, Execution of Experiments, Analysis of Experimental Data and error Analysis. The part on computer use is out dated, but otherwise the book is one of the best of the few references on the subject of Scientific Research.

One of my favorite books. A very useful and (often) interesting introduction to scientific research. I finished my Ph.D. in engineering a few years ago, and wish I had come across this book before I had started work on my degree. The first few chapters cover basic information on scientific research that many probably learn by trial-and-error or, if they are lucky, from a good mentor: how to develop a research problem, what questions you should ask in doing so, differences between pure and applied research, practical guidance on the scientific method, and experimental design, for example. There is a large chapter on the design of apparatus, which may be useful to some, but will probably be a bit tedious for many. A chapter on execution of experiments has a lot of practical suggestions. Later chapters on sampling, data analysis, measurement errors, and probability provide relatively clear descriptions of statistical principals that are regularly applied by scientists, and information that can inform experimental design and data analysis. Some material in this book is hopelessly outdated (but entertaining to read), such as much of the chapter on literature searches (for fun, check out the description of a punched card system for developing a sortable index). If I find myself in charge of a research lab in the future, I will certainly make this book available to my students.

A little dated - the section on punchcard computers certainly is no longer relevant - but fun to read and full of excellent advice. It has definitely helped me be a better experimentalist.

I am a practising scientist of many years. If I could categorize where my essence, judgement and knowledge as a scientist comes from, I would say that I acquired a part of it through formal education, a lot more from my everyday work (and my many mistakes) and a vastly larger portion from informal talks and interaction with my colleagues. Having this book at hand near me is like having a summary of the most important things provided by all these three "schools" in one short volume. It is true that it is almost 60 years old but the vast majority of the information contained here has not become dated, but rather the contrary, is a reminder of what good research practices were, are and will always be. The clear exposition, lots of witty comments (this book is even fun to read!) and the more than convenient price make this book one of my treasures. Go and get it!

Before I bought this book, I think this book is about the philosophical account on the scientific research. After I bought this book, then what? I was very disappointed, this book is just about the practical application of experimental design in scientific research. Thus, the more apt title for this book is "Application of Experimental Design in Scientific Research".