THE PROJECT If You Don't Define the Project, the Project Will Define You One of the first and toughest questions researchers must nswer to foster success in the lab is: what do i have to accom- plish? This requires you to understand your purpose to the larger task at hand. If your research is self-directed, the answer will most likely differ from that for someone working as part of a team effort or answering to an immediate supervisor or experimental designer. Ask them(or yourself) what the ultimate goals are and what constitutes a successful outcome. Establish what constitutes compelling evidence. By projecting ahead it becomes much easier to characterize the nature of the desired This approach allows for problem reduction and reasonable task planning. The greatest mistake one can make is to react hastily to the pressures of the research by jumping in unprepared By starting with the big picture, the stage is set for working back ward and reducing what might otherwise appear to be a daunting undertaking into a series of reasonably achievable tasks. This exercise also establishes the criteria for making the many deci- sions that you will face during the course of your work Which Research Style Best Fits Your Situation? Certain decisions will have a profound impact on the nature and quality of your efforts. Some scientists favor deliberate attention to detail, careful planning and execution of each er periment. Others emphasize taking risks, skipping ahead and plunging in for quick results. You might want to consider which approach would best satisfy your superior(s)and colleagues. Each of these"styles"has its benefits and risks, but a well-balanced approach takes advantage of each. Sometimes it is essential to obtain a quick answer to a question before committing a sub- stantial amount of time to a more diligent data-collecting phase Be sure everyone involved is in agreement and then plan your activities accordingly Do You have the essential resources? Evaluate your circumstances with a critical eye. Look at your schedule and that of your collaborators. Is everyone able to devote he time and energies this project will demand with a minimum of distractions? Check your facilities; do you have access to the materials and methods to do the job? Do you have the supportTHE PROJECT If You Don’t Define the Project, the Project Will Define You One of the first and toughest questions researchers must answer to foster success in the lab is: What do I have to accom￾plish? This requires you to understand your purpose to the larger task at hand. If your research is self-directed, the answer will most likely differ from that for someone working as part of a team effort or answering to an immediate supervisor or experimental designer. Ask them (or yourself) what the ultimate goals are and what constitutes a successful outcome. Establish what constitutes compelling evidence. By projecting ahead it becomes much easier to characterize the nature of the desired outcome. This approach allows for problem reduction and reasonable task planning. The greatest mistake one can make is to react hastily to the pressures of the research by jumping in unprepared. By starting with the big picture, the stage is set for working back￾ward and reducing what might otherwise appear to be a daunting undertaking into a series of reasonably achievable tasks. This exercise also establishes the criteria for making the many deci￾sions that you will face during the course of your work. Which Research Style Best Fits Your Situation? Certain decisions will have a profound impact on the nature and quality of your efforts. Some scientists favor deliberate attention to detail, careful planning and execution of each ex￾periment. Others emphasize taking risks, skipping ahead and plunging in for quick results. You might want to consider which approach would best satisfy your superior(s) and colleagues. Each of these “styles” has its benefits and risks, but a well-balanced approach takes advantage of each. Sometimes it is essential to obtain a quick answer to a question before committing a sub￾stantial amount of time to a more diligent data-collecting phase. Be sure everyone involved is in agreement and then plan your activities accordingly. Do You Have the Essential Resources? Evaluate your circumstances with a critical eye. Look at your schedule and that of your collaborators. Is everyone able to devote the time and energies this project will demand with a minimum of distractions? Check your facilities; do you have access to the materials and methods to do the job? Do you have the support 2 Franciskovich