A graduate student is almost done with his dissertation when he is informed that twenty years ago someone did a very similar project and already demonstrated what he had hoped to be the first to discover.What basic step of the scientific method could have saved him from this problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reviewing the literature involves conducting a thorough search of existing research in the specific area of study to determine what has already been done and what gaps in knowledge exist. This basic step of the scientific method could have saved the graduate student from investing significant time and resources into a project that had already been completed, had he conducted a thorough literature review prior to beginning his dissertation.

A Graduate Student Is Almost Done with His Dissertation When