Way to a "Science paper"

07/06/2012

OK here's a checklist to publishing in a glossy journal:

1. Read the literature extensively.
2. Identify a key "given" in the field that has never been accurately tested (yes, there are LOTS of them apples).
3. Design a PERFECT experiment to test the given dogma (PS from experience: Its almost certain that you will either find the dogma entirely wrong, or find major loopholes in it).
4. Believe in the data.
Unfortunately, implementing this four-point rule is harder than it seems (I'm still trying). Good luck!

Comments

Subhojit

07/07/2012 20:29

The other way of course is to have 23 supplementary figures in your paper, so the reviewers will just surrender with exhaustion...

The PI Blog

This blog exists because my wife seemed a bit tired of being the only recipient of my random pontifications on life and Science for many years; and gently encouraged me to vent in a blog instead. From time to time, I will put down thoughts that occur to me as I naiively stumble through a life in Science - bestowed upon me by accident (literally!). Please keep in mind that these musings are rather obvious things of little or no use to anyone, and are certainly not personally targeted in any way.