The art and science of record keeping

On the importance of proper record keeping during research

NOTE THIS: Ensure proper record keeping even as you do research.

Records management is like a staircase. You do not notice it until it is not there.

Keeping records systematically during research helps one achieve various objectives. It preserves data for future use. You may stumble upon something that may not be of immediate use, but would help you later. You have to keep the details in your files. Proper records of time schedules and activities are essential for the preparation of progress reports for satisfying your supervisor as well as higher authorities that hold the reins of funding.

 

Logbook

Such records may aid you when you are considered for a job by discerning employers in the future. It is a fine idea to maintain your own logbook that reflects what, when, how, and why you have done each item of your work. Major breakthroughs and special achievements have to be highlighted. Important discussions with experts and participation in meetings and your presentations have to be recorded so that they do not fade out with the passage of time.

 

What to do before you begin research

  Assessing one's aptitude and cultivating a persevering attitude are key requirements

 

TOUGH GRIND: A researcher might have to work long hours.

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.

- Galileo Galilei

The list of research institutions featured last week in these columns is only indicative and not exhaustive. You may get in touch with the institutions you have in mind and confirm that they currently promote research in the area of your choice, and that there are competent supervisors for your topic.

The proposal

Plan your work and work your plan

Various factors have to be borne in mind when one firms up one's research plans. Here are some of them.

  CRUCIAL FACTOR: In research, time is of vital importance.   

Every honest researcher I know admits he's just a professional amateur. He's doing whatever he's doing for the first time. That makes him an amateur. He has sense enough to know that he's going to have a lot of trouble, so that makes him a professional.

Charles Franklin

Kettering,

U.S. engineer and inventor.

Once you have chosen the institution for your research work, it is essential that you find a place nearby for your stay. Travelling long distances every day for a few years will prove to be a waste of valuable time. Again, you have to make sure of the facilities for communication offered by the research centre - phone, e-mail, post, etc.