Rodney Dietert (immunotoxicology, Cornell U.) and Janice Dietert make the case for several practices and guiding principles that support creativity and innovation science research. They emphasize increasing awareness of information patterns and "pattern jumping," ultimately to form better cognitive maps of information relevant to science research and to train the mind to see new or novel things. They recommend physical activities as well as traditional mental exercises as sources for pattern recognition training. Each chapter has exercises and tests. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Science Sifting is designed primarily as a textbook for students interested in research and as a general reference book for existing career scientists. The aim of this book is to help budding scientists broaden their capacities to access and use information from diverse sources to the benefit of their research careers.The book describes why the capacity to access and integrate both linear and nonlinear information has been an important historic feature of pivotal scientific breakthroughs. Yet, it is a process that our students are rarely, if ever, taught in universities. This book goes beyond simply describing the features of great scientific breakthroughs. It discusses the basis for accessing and using nonlinear information in the linear research context. It also provides a series of tools and exercises that can be used to enhance access to nonlinear information for application to research and other endeavors.Topics covered include focal points in scientific breakthroughs, the use of concepts maps in research, use of different vantage points, information as patterns, fractals for the scientist, memory storage and access points, and synchronicities. Young researchers need useful tools to help with a more holistic approach to their research careers. This book provides the useful tools to support flexibility and creativity across a long-term research career.
