Experiment!

Experiments are the most effective way to learn about the world.By cleverly interfering with something to see how it reacts we areable to find out how it works. In contrast to passive observation,experimenting provides us with data relevant to our research andthus less time and effort is spent separating relevant fromirrelevant information. The art of experimentation is often learnt by doing, so anintuitive understanding of the experimental method usually evolvesgradually through years of trial and error. This book speeds up thejourney for the reader to becoming a proficientexperimenter. Organized in two parts, this unique text begins by providing ageneral introduction to the scientific approach toexperimentation. It then describes the processes and toolsrequired, including the relevant statistical and experimentalmethods. Towards the end of the book a methodology ispresented, which leads the reader through the three phases of anexperiment: 'Planning', 'Data Collection',and 'Analysis and Synthesis'. Experiment! * Provides an excellent introduction to the methodology andimplementation of experimentation in the natural, engineering andmedical sciences * Puts practical tools into scientific context * Features a number of selected actual experiments to explorewhat are the key characteristics of good experiments * Includes examples and exercises in every chapter This book focuses on general research skills, such as adopting ascientific mindset, learning how to plan meaningful experiments andunderstanding the fundamentals of collecting and interpreting data.It is directed to anyone engaged in experiments, especially Ph.D.and masters students just starting to create and develop their ownexperiments.