time. Considering the possible changes that can occur during the course of a research project, it's risky to conclude that there exists any variable that doesnt merit a carefully documented control The Roles of Reporting When Should You report Your research results? In general, most project leaders and collaborators prefer to be kept informed, good news or bad. When your data are repro- ducible, discuss it with your research leader or senior colleague These meetings also provide an opportunity to check that your colleagues expectations for your research still coincide with If either party consistently appears surprised or misled, you might want to reevaluate the frequency and form of reporting As discussed earlier, few research projects proceed exactly as planned, and these changes might require a change in the nature and scope of your reporting What Are Your Expectations When You report Your Data? Like most of life's endeavors, a research project be is motivated by at least two very human desires. One desire is to uncover the truth no matter the outcome(the noblest case), while a second is to achieve our personal goals(the practical case) Research is not done in a vacuum and inherently contains biases. Consider these conscious and subconscious factors when you and your colleagues interpret data and offer conclusions Ideally there will be only one tenable interpretation of the data, but this is a rare outcome. Providing a fair treatment of he various interpretations in the report should lead to a dis- passionate discussion that produces a consensus next step if not a What Are Your Options When Someone Attacks Your data Interpretations, or Conclusions? The most common(and very human) initial response is to become defensive, to focus your energy on finding a weakness in your detractor's attack. A more productive route would be to welcome and embrace any contrary opinions. Pay attention to he details; make sure you thoroughly understand every aspect of their criticism. If you can objectively analyze your detractor's comments, the worst that can happen is for your research to be improved. One of the most productive phrases in the human vocabulary is the statement; "Maybe you're right, let,s thinktime. Considering the possible changes that can occur during the course of a research project, it’s risky to conclude that there exists any variable that doesn’t merit a carefully documented control. The Roles of Reporting When Should You Report Your Research Results? In general, most project leaders and collaborators prefer to be kept informed, good news or bad. When your data are repro￾ducible, discuss it with your research leader or senior colleague. These meetings also provide an opportunity to check that your colleagues’ expectations for your research still coincide with your own. If either party consistently appears surprised or misled, you might want to reevaluate the frequency and form of reporting. As discussed earlier, few research projects proceed exactly as planned, and these changes might require a change in the nature and scope of your reporting. What Are Your Expectations When You Report Your Data? Like most of life’s endeavors, a research project begins with and is motivated by at least two very human desires. One desire is to uncover the truth no matter the outcome (the noblest case), while a second is to achieve our personal goals (the practical case). Research is not done in a vacuum and inherently contains biases. Consider these conscious and subconscious factors when you and your colleagues interpret data and offer conclusions. Ideally there will be only one tenable interpretation of the data, but this is a rare outcome. Providing a fair treatment of the various interpretations in the report should lead to a dis￾passionate discussion that produces a consensus next step if not a conclusion. What Are Your Options When Someone Attacks Your Data, Interpretations, or Conclusions? The most common (and very human) initial response is to become defensive, to focus your energy on finding a weakness in your detractor’s attack. A more productive route would be to welcome and embrace any contrary opinions. Pay attention to the details; make sure you thoroughly understand every aspect of their criticism. If you can objectively analyze your detractor’s comments, the worst that can happen is for your research to be improved. One of the most productive phrases in the human vocabulary is the statement; “Maybe you’re right, let’s think 8 Franciskovich