This book is the result of my taking a course in writing study plans from
Carl Stoltenberg in 1964, and then trying to teach such a course at three
different universities for more than thirty years. It is intended to be a
primer for those who haven’t done much, or any, scientific research. The
focus is on thinking carefully and writing a plan before starting to attack
the research in the laboratory or field. I have learned continually from
the students in my course and from the various people who have helped
me teach it. I dedicate the book to all of them, and particularly to Carl
Stoltenberg, John Beuter, and Bill Farrell, all mentors and colleagues.