Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
subsequent and last chapter focuses on the concept that science advances and is cultivated not
only via presentation and publication of results, but through conversations about themes and
trends in the discipline, with a vision for the direction of the discipline towards the future.
Chapter 17 takes the reader through additional steps necessary to bring a project from its
early stages through to presentation and/or publication. The art of doing library and data-
base research is discussed in detail, and new database search engines and bibliographic soft-
ware of use are listed. Following this discussion, the chapter outlines how to present posters
and papers at scientific conferences and how to publish original research in peer-reviewed
journals. It provides tables listing conferences and journals accepting work in skeletal biology
as a starting point for the industrious researcher.
To conclude the volume, Chapter 18 presents an overview of recommendations for begin-
ning researchers in addition to current trends and important considerations for research in
skeletal biology. The conclusion ties everything together by emphasizing the direction in
which research in skeletal biology is traveling
d
increased collaboration with other disci-
plines, standardization and validation of method application, and development of popula-
tion-specific standards, all from a biocultural standpoint.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
We recommend that this topic be incorporated into the curricula of first semester graduate
level biological anthropology theory and methods courses, research methods courses, or
advanced undergraduate seminars covering the above topics, including independent study.
It can be used as a complement or precursor to other texts such as
Katzenberg and Saunders
(2008)
and
Stinson et al. (2012)
.
Beginning students who are trying to identify which specific area of skeletal biology
piques their interest most should read the topic in its entirety. Students who have already nar-
rowed down their area of interest somewhat should read the chapters in Parts I and IV. Given
that each chapter in Parts II and III is designed to stand on its own as an introduction, liter-
ature review, and “how-to” for methods in that specific area, they should also read the chap-
ter(s) that correspond to the area(s) they have chosen for their research effort in these two
middle sections.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As researchers who once wore the shoes of neophyte graduate students, we want you to
learn from the information and case studies presented in this volume as they illustrate the
diversity of the shared knowledge and experience of the contributors and within skeletal
biology in general. There can be a great deal of uncertainty when choosing to pursue an
advanced degree. You are probably already aware that a lucrative job is unlikely, and that
this is the reality for a research-based career in anthropology. However, you are studying
human skeletal biology because in all likelihood, you are amazed by the elegant complexity
of the human skeletal system and what it can tell us about our shared past. Each of the
contributors to this volume is living proof that following one's passion is possible. We there-
fore invite you to begin your own journey via exploration of the topics in this volume.
