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This book is an in-depth guide to effective scientific research. Ranging from the philosophical to the practical, it explains at the outset what science can - and can't - achieve, and discusses its relationship to mathematics and laws. The author then pays extensive attention to the scientific method, including experimental design, verification, uncertainty and statistics. A major aim of the book is to help young scientists reflect upon the deeper aims of their work and make the best use of their talents in contributing to progress. To this end, it also includes sections on planning research, on presenting one's findings in writing, as well as on ethics and the responsibilities of scientists.
List of contents
Introduction.- Science.- Hypotheses, Theories and Laws.- Scientific Statements: Their Justification and Acceptance.- Measurement.- Experimentation.- Scientific Method and the Design of Research.- Uncertainty, Probability and Statistics in Research.- Research.- Ethics and Responsibility in Scientific Research.
About the author
Dr. Peter Pruzan is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Management, Politics & Philosophy, Copenhagen Business School (CBS) in Denmark. He was born and raised in the United States, holds degrees from Princeton (B.Sc.), Harvard (MBA), Case-Western Reserve (PhD), and the University of Copenhagen (Sc.D.). He is a naturalised Danish citizen. Peter Pruzan has been the president of a successful, innovative, international consultancy and held professorships at the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and CBS. He spends roughly half of each year abroad, primarily in India, where he mentors PhD students on Research Methodology.
Summary
This book is an in-depth guide to effective scientific research. Ranging from the philosophical to the practical, it explains at the outset what science can – and can’t – achieve, and discusses its relationship to mathematics and laws. The author then pays extensive attention to the scientific method, including experimental design, verification, uncertainty and statistics. A major aim of the book is to help young scientists reflect upon the deeper aims of their work and make the best use of their talents in contributing to progress. To this end, it also includes sections on planning research, on presenting one’s findings in writing, as well as on ethics and the responsibilities of scientists.
Additional text
“The target audience for Research Methodology is clearly young researchers in the natural sciences, although even seasoned investigators would benefit from the insights … . a book that covers a great many fundamental topics in research and is also enjoyable reading. For this, Professor Pruzan is to be congratulated. I think Research Methodology should be required reading for every student embarking on a research-oriented career.” (David B. Glick, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Vol. 124 (5), 2017)
“The book is just plainly interesting from both a philosophical point of view and in its considerable practical material, a breadth of material not found elsewhere. … Research Methodology is a remarkable book which I highly recommend to both PhD students and working scientists. It is clear, well written, and thought provoking.” (Martin A. Uman, Journal of Research Practice, Vol. 13 (1), August, 2017)
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"The target audience for Research Methodology is clearly young researchers in the natural sciences, although even seasoned investigators would benefit from the insights ... . a book that covers a great many fundamental topics in research and is also enjoyable reading. For this, Professor Pruzan is to be congratulated. I think Research Methodology should be required reading for every student embarking on a research-oriented career." (David B. Glick, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Vol. 124 (5), 2017)
"The book is just plainly interesting from both a philosophical point of view and in its considerable practical material, a breadth of material not found elsewhere. ... Research Methodology is a remarkable book which I highly recommend to both PhD students and working scientists. It is clear, well written, and thought provoking." (Martin A. Uman, Journal of Research Practice, Vol. 13 (1), August, 2017)
