Translations of phrases often seen in dissertations and scholarly articles
Posted by Clark Venable on 11/22/2005
- "It has long been known" ... I didn't look up the original reference.
- "A definite trend is evident" ... These data are practically meaningless.
- "While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the
- questions" ... An unsuccessful experiment but I still hope to get it published.
- "Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study" ... The other results didn't make any sense.
- "Typical results are shown" ... This is the prettiest graph.
- "These results will be in a subsequent report" ... I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded.
- "In my experience" ... Once.
- "In case after case" ... Twice.
- "In a series of cases" ... Thrice.
- "It is believed that" ... I think.
- "It is generally believed that" ... A couple of others think so, too.
- "Correct within an order of magnitude" ... Wrong.
- "According to statistical analysis" ... Rumor has it.
- "A statistically-oriented projection of the significance of these findings" ... A wild guess.
- "A careful analysis of obtainable data" ... Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass iced tea.
- "It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs" ... I don't understand it.
- "After additional study by my colleagues" ... They don't understand it either.
- "Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions" ... Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms.
- Adams explained to me what it meant.
- "A highly significant area for exploratory study" ... A totally useless topic selected by my committee.
- "It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field" ... I quit.
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- Helpful Phrase Dictionary for Readers of Dissertations and Scholarly Articles
A dictionary for those uninitiated in reading scholarly dissertations and articles, provided by anesthesiologist Clark Venable (who's obviously read a few too many.) quote Translations of phrases often seen in dissertations and scholarly articles "It
