The Processes Involved In Research & Scientific Writing

The Processes Involved In Research & Scientific Writing
It would be difficult to deny that the work done by an academic or scientist can contribute to one of the most fascinating and rewarding careers available. The time and opportunities to reflect on complex and important issues in depth are combined with the practical and theoretical adventures of active research. Standing at the cutting edge of new discoveries and technologies can be a considerable high in itself, and knowing that your efforts can benefit your colleagues, your students, the wider community that is your home and perhaps the world as a whole is an immensely gratifying sensation.

This does not mean, however, that the skyline of an academic and scientific career is cloudless. There will certainly be dull moments amidst the sunshine, and such moments will vary in nature from scholar to scholar. For many researchers slogging through all the data collected during a project will be unappealing and may even seem endless, especially if part of the goal is to categorise and arrange that data in order to enable effective analysis. The essential points to remember are that every decision is important and oversights and errors in judgement can result in a less than ideal or workable arrangement – one that will complicate or even hinder accurate and insightful analysis. It is therefore imperative to stay alert and engaged despite occasional bouts of ennui, so it can be helpful to take frequent breaks for stretching the legs and refreshing the eyes. Often the overwhelming pressure of so much chaotic information in need of order will dissipate with the new perspective and renewed energy a good sleep or an invigorating walk can provide.

Most scholars tend to enjoy the analytical aspects of their research, perhaps because analysis leads to new and sometimes unexpected ideas as it solidifies vital discoveries with persuasive evidence. However, many researchers do not relish the writing required to present those ideas and discoveries for publication and other forms of dissemination. There is no denying that writing can be a challenging task, especially when the content is complex and the standards are high, both of which generally apply to academic and scientific authorship. The process is not without its rewards, however, and these extend beyond the obvious satisfaction of successfully getting your work down on paper (or more accurately these days, on screen). The key is to view the task of writing as a productive part of the research process, and not only for purposes of dissemination, but also because it constitutes the final stage in which you can develop and refine your thoughts and conclusions before sharing them with readers.

It is far from rare for accomplished scholars to alter their thinking a little, sometimes even radically, while transforming ideas into text. Some ideas, for instance, may not hold up when an attempt is made to present them logically in writing and may therefore need to be abandoned or seriously reconsidered. Other ideas will soar, taking an author in surprising directions and ultimately to illuminating conclusions. Viewing your writing as an active part of the research and analysis process and opening your mind to the possibilities that arise as you write will render authorship a much more interesting and rewarding activity and very likely have a positive effect on your scholarship and its reception as well.