Planning Research

This concise yet comprehensive guide describes in detail a successful method for planning and writing about proposed research and management projects. Intended for use by a wide variety of individuals in life sciences, environmental sciences, and management, the volume offers indispensable, step-by-step advice for any student or professional undertaking a research project.

John C. Gordon focuses first on the importance of thinking carefully and writing down a research plan, describing each component of such a plan and explaining why it is important. In subsequent chapters he shows how to describe research or management problems, how to write clear objectives, the importance of the hypothesis, how to deal with schedules and budgets, how to communicate completed plans, and how to prepare grant applications. Gordon concludes with an insightful chapter on the social significance of scientific research.
"This book details methods for producing high quality scientific research that is fundable and that will stand up to scrutiny from those who might wish to dismiss the results."--Laura Meyerson, University of Rhode Island test
--Laura Meyerson
Gordon helps take the mystery out of science and research planning and replaces it with an appreciation and understanding of the logic and systematic approach to discovery that characterize good research.--Stephen D. Hobbs, Oregon State University--Stephen D. Hobbs
"Like Strunk and White's Elements of Style, this book is a must-have volume, in this case aimed at students and professionals involved in research."--Margaret Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops--Margaret Lowman