[mapcar]

I am a strong advocate of this method.

However, I have to issue a statement of warning that when an idea doesn't pan out like written out, people will go to great lengths to fulfill their agenda (e.g., put undue pressure on their students to come up with the "correct" result). For computer science and mathematics, it may be more difficult to fudge results. But in experimental work or data analysis, I've seen students suddenly come up with a solution that fits their advisor's expectation.

There has to be some mechanism to guard against this; the most common answer is the moral character and integrity of the scientist, but psychologists and economists will quickly point out that there are gray areas where people are willing to cheat just enough to get their reward while preserving their conscience.

[phillmv]

This link came together at a good time because I usually get bogged down in the research stage. I always over research and then I lose hope and confidence in myself and mankind.