Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience

Neuroscience as a Multidisciplinary Field

Neuroscience is by definition a multidisciplinary field: some scientists study genes and proteins at the molecular level while others study neural circuitry.

Studying the Auditory System

A single topic such as the auditory system can be studied using techniques from genetics, imaging, biochemistry, or electrophysiology.

Developing Scientific Skills

A young scientist must learn how to read the primary literature and then develop their own experiments.

Overview of Research Techniques

This book offers that scientist an overview of mainstream research techniques, provides guidelines on how to choose one technique over another, offers tips on analyzing data, and provides a list of references for additional detailed study.

Supporting Experienced Scientists

This book can also assist an experienced scientist understand published studies conducted outside their own subfield.

Author and Approach

Written by Stanford University graduate students in neuroscience to provide a "hands-on" approach for other neuroscience graduate students.

Technique Comparison

Techniques within one field will be compared so that user can select best technique for their experiment.

References and Data Analysis

Chapters include references (key articles, books, protocols) for additional detailed study. Data Analysis boxes in each chapter help with data interpretation and offer guidelines on how best to represent results.

Guided Experiments

"Walk-through" boxes guide students through the experiment step-by-step.