Lessons of research, by a researcher, for the researchers.
The 46 observations listed below may encourage the new researchers to see the funny side, Ph.D.'s to reminisce the good-old-tough-times and the guides/supervisors to think - been there, done that!
Doctorate - the most coveted educational qualification is an indicator of one's research potential and attributes. The thesis and original publications elaborate on the accomplishments of the researcher; however, they fail to unveil the researcher's attitude to handle failure, patience to perfect results, and undeterred ethics.
Every researcher learns and adapts to quite a few unexpected lessons, despite their well-planned journey from problem to solution. Influenced by 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours (from God Never Blinks) by Regina Brett, I have tried to pen-down something similar to reflect on a researcher's life. I call it observations rather than lessons.
Let's begin the observations.
You will feel the same even after getting your doctorate (Spoiler Alert!)
Take your time and choose your research 'problem.'
Prefer a fancy research title with details over a cryptic one.
Guides are not evil; they are standardized that way – to correct.
Grow a thick skin & rent a poker face (recommended for research review meetings).
You will miss the deadline, however, don't make it a habit.
Limit your objectives, but be clear on goals, outcomes, and deliverables.
You will go wrong – more than once!
Everything happens for more than one reason. Figure it out (that's why you are in research).
Never gamble with samples.
Don't rush to publish. There is no fastest-finger-first in research.
Identify the knowledge gap. Improvise. Invent. Patent. Publish.
Appreciate your work table. Clean them.
Nothing is sacred as your lab record.
You are NOT the only one on this planet who is doing 'this' research.
Don't ever blame god. God has no control over your stupidity.
Telepathic labels are yet to hit the market. DIY.
You will take more time to format the index than write an abstract.
Don't compromise on standard and control.
You may (not) win a poster award, however, you may score 500 likes for poster selfies.
People notice your posture (first), attire (second), attitude (third), and probably then your knowledge (Stand tall!).
Never miss an opportunity to unlearn. New learning starts with you.
Punctuations are your besties– never mess with them.
Avoid comparing an 'advanced' method to an 'obsolete' technique. Think next-level!
Six months of your work will go waste - accept it!
Keep writing and updating your draft.
There is no page limit for the thesis. I do think 75 is a cool number.
An unwashed lab coat is not your lucky charm.
Be original intentionally. Never plagiarize unintentionally.
Don't refer yourself.
Figures and tables tell you a story better than a paragraph.
Stick with your results - they are yours.
Presentation (always) Rules. Avoid heavy content, rainbow colors, haphazard animation, and roller-coaster transitions.
Jargon & clutter won't impress the crowd.
Limit acronyms. DNF!
No one knows your research better than you, not even your guide.
You can end with a hypothesis.
Don’t just stare, but feel the research article. Run your hand over the printouts, make a mess by scribbling over it, and highlighting words.
When you read an article, list: (a) what they did? (b) what they got, and (c) what you could have done differently?
Excel in Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
Always treat your peers when you get an unexpected result.
Before you celebrate: repeat, collate, calibrate, and confirm it (thrice).
Don't get hung up on the prefix before your name.
Research doesn’t mean only publication.
You are going to earn much more than a certificate (Bonus Alert!)
Dear researchers, hope the list motivates you to pen-down your unique observations. Don't forget to acknowledge, it is a good thing (46)
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