Identifying a 'promising' topic for a psychology dissertation is widely recognised as one of the most important, challenging, and stressful parts of the research process. Students are required to work in a relatively unstructured way (compared with other modules) to independently identify a topic that is not only appropriate, of personal interest,…

A simple bioassay was designed for the detection of adenosine, a human metabolite involved in several physiological processes, on the basis of the functionalization of gold nanoparticles with DNA oligonucleotides selectively binding adenosine. The test was possible thanks to the selective and sensitive binding of adenosine by two DNA…

The one constant for all dissertations, and for all research for that matter, is the need to state the problem of the study based on the scholarly literature. Doctoral programs commonly require that students take a sequence of research courses that usually focus on how to carry-out a study. That is, the design, the methodology, and the…

We all think of a marathon as a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards). Throughout time marathon runners have pursued their longest goals by allowing their body to adapt to the new stresses through training. Training for a marathon takes intense preparation, dedication and skill. It is…

Graduate students must complete a research project to receive their degree. In addition to this basic requirement, the student may be required to submit a research proposal and application to the governing Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval prior to beginning the research project. This article describes the IRB process and offers tips…

Intended to assist library educators, vendor representatives, end-user trainers, and experienced searchers, this article examines typical problems encountered by students in learning online searching. Problems with database selection, search tactics, and using the search system are highlighted, and a sample online exercise and search request form…

This guide for doctoral students (especially those from minority groups) and their mentors examines the alliance between the doctoral student and his major professor (dissertation advisor). Mentoring is examined as an element of the doctoral process, including discussion of the roles of the mentor/protege in the alliance, the choosing of a mentor,…

Describes a packet of instructional forms to guide students' reflections on their collaborative writing group's process and progress. Reports that student self-reports at the end of the project reveal that group satisfaction did increase and that those groups that used the forms regularly found them useful. (RS)

The purpose of this guide, developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training (GREAT), is to outline a model process by which graduate programs can measure program success and that can be adapted to particular circumstances and priorities. The first sections of the guide examine the…