Reading Tips

Reading is a crucial component of research. The only way to begin learning the field that encompasses your research is to read... a lot.
Here are some do's and don't's for reading the literature:

• Read regularly and often (goal: minimum of 3 papers/week).
• Try to pinpoint the one or two key punchlines of the paper; what is the most important plot and what does it mean?
• Reflect on how you think the paper fits in the context of your thesis and write a few sentences to this effect.
• Write down questions and ask them (e.g., during 1-on-1 meetings with your advisor, during GEG meetings, during discussions with your GEG teammates).
• Do not get bogged down in details; i.e., do not spend a lot of time rereading the same paper and trying to take detailed notes.
• The goal is not to memorize a huge number of facts, but rather to begin building a broad understanding of the reoccurring big-picture themes, and to know where to find results/methodologies that relate to your research.

Additional handouts:
[Guide To Reading Critically (pdf)](Wiki/Reading_Writting_Docs/GUIDE TO READING CRITICALLY.pdf)

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Writing Tips

For all sections of a scientific report/paper/summary apply the following essential rules of good writing:

• For each paragraph you write, ask yourself what want to communicate.
• Outlines help you organize your thoughts.
• Be clear, objective and as concise as possible.
• All sections need a topic paragraph; all paragraphs need a topic sent.
• Staying focused on the primary objective of your research project/question will help you write clear and concise topic paragraphs/sentences.
• Use an active voice; I prefer present tense (except for sections on observations).

Additional handouts:
Outlining (pdf)
The Writing Process (pdf)

Here's a great write up from Juliane Delcanton on writing a strong proposal: External link