The research pathway
We've been talking recently about "the research pipeline" and visualizing as just that; a pipe. After talking with a bunch of OWW users and other members of the research community, I've come up with what I think is a more accurate description: the research pathway. This pathway is a series of rotaries you travel around and through on your way to the next idea.
Let's visualize the process.
Most research begins with an idea or a question. To investigate the idea you form a hypothesis, test it, then draw conclusions based on analysis of your data. These conclusions influence the next idea or question.
In order to test the idea, you enter "research and planning" the first rotary in the research pathway. While circling around this rotary you learn what you need to know in order to translate your idea into testable form. You talk with your PI or your peers; you read papers and other literature; you examine experimental protocols. As you continue circling in this pathway you refine your original idea (or ideas). You also begin formulating hypotheses and designing experiments to test them.
With your experimental plan in hand, you exit the research and planning pathway and enter the experimental pathway.