Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.3
Linear diagram of
the unit operations of food
research as composed by
Carlos Margaria
Idea generation
Problem definition
Critical evaluation of literature
Method selection
Experim ental design
Data collection
Processing and analysis
Knowledge dissemination
We will come back to each of these points as we progress through the topic. Each of
the next eight chapters will be devoted to one of the following unit operations of
research:
2. Idea generation
3. Problem de fi nition
4. Critical evaluation of the literature
5. Method selection
6. Experimental design
7. Data collection
8. Processing and analysis
9. Knowledge dissemination
We will go into each operation in depth. Although it is easy to think of research as a
linear process (Fig.
1.3
) it is more likely to be cyclical (Fig.
1.4
) and thus never end-
ing. We will approach the process in the order found in the linear diagram. Do not
feel bound by convention. You may wish to start with Chap. 9 on knowledge dissemi-
nation and work backward to tackle the chapter you feel most comfortable with first
or to focus on the operation that is giving you the most difficulty at this point.
