How to Do Research: and How to Be a Researcher

This book provides an informal and concise account of knowledge acquisition in all its guises,from history to quantum physics. It draws on a broad range of disciplines to illustrate the principles underlying humanity's past and continuing acquisition of knowledge and considers the realities of carrying out research and the ways in which these continue to shape its progress. It is written in an accessible and engaging style and is for anyone embarking on a research project or beginning to think about a career involving research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Numerous textbooks delve into the realm of research methods, while an abundance of books cater to popular science and specialized texts cover a wide array of academic disciplines. However, few of these texts provide a comprehensive framework for a career centered around research, and even fewer attempt to offer a practical assessment of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the role of a researcher. In this book, the principles underlying humanity's ongoing pursuit of knowledge are showcased across various academic fields, ranging from history to quantum physics. These narratives recount the stories of ingenious and innovative individuals who have conceived remarkable ideas, as well as the interplay of personalities, politics, and power that have shaped their endeavors. By bringing together these diverse strands, this book offers an informal and concise account of knowledge acquisition in all its forms.

Having established the objectives and motivations behind research, the early chapters delve into the fundamental principles that underpin this endeavor. These principles, which can be traced back to the philosophers of ancient Athenian marketplaces, continue to exert a profound influence on the way research is conducted today. Drawing from a diverse range of disciplines, author Stewart takes the reader beyond the confines of the pure scientific method, which may suffice in physics or chemistry but fails to hold up in the fields of life sciences, let alone humanities.

Subsequent chapters explore the realities of conducting research and the ways in which these factors continue to shape its progress. They examine the roles of researchers, their personalities, employers, funding sources, publication processes, political influences, and power structures. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book is intended for individuals embarking on research projects or those seeking to rekindle their passion for research. It serves as a valuable resource for those in need of a refresher on the reasons behind their initial interest in pursuing research endeavors.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192868657