qid int64 1 2.78M | question stringlengths 2 66.6k | answers list | date stringlengths 10 10 | metadata list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
31,069 | My department has gone paperless and uses Moodle to provide all information to students in an electronic format. With a paper based syllabus the expectations were cast in stone (okay ink on paper). Now that we are on Moodle, we can change the syllabus whenever we want. Today, we had a staff member change the word count... | [
{
"answer_id": 31075,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": true,
"text": "Fundamentally, I don't think this problem has to do with the shift to a paperless format. Even with a syllabus on ... | 2014/11/03 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31069",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/929/"
] |
31,079 | Firstly, I know that there are plenty of questions here like this one but hopefully this is not a duplicate.
I was born and grown up in Iran and belong to a religious minority (Bahai faith). As you know Bahais are not allowed to attend universities in Iran because of their faith. I was no exception and so could not st... | [
{
"answer_id": 31083,
"author": "Maarten Buis",
"author_id": 14471,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14471",
"pm_score": 7,
"selected": true,
"text": "Such information would be relevant. The real trick would be to keep such a paragraph short and to the point. A... | 2014/11/03 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31079",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/48863/"
] |
31,086 | I am applying to doctoral programs in the US.
Since I am not an English native speaker, I am wondering if it is okay to have native speakers help make my English perfect in my statement of purpose?
I ask so because I am concerned with that, since the committee definitely knows that I am not a native speaker in Engli... | [
{
"answer_id": 31087,
"author": "Dave Clarke",
"author_id": 643,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/643",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Of course this is a good idea. Plenty of non-natives write excellent English, and getting your work proofread by a... | 2014/11/03 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31086",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,096 | I am disabled and have to live with my family. I don't want to go into detail about my condition.My experience in the public education system here was less than happy, including being used as a pawn to fill roles in programs that needed funding. My education history is confusing, but essentially has left me with no cha... | [
{
"answer_id": 31105,
"author": "Anonymous Physicist",
"author_id": 13240,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/13240",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Your problem is that you did not get enough financial aid from your local university. I think the solu... | 2014/11/03 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31096",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23808/"
] |
31,116 | I was just wondering about this specific scenario.
Say someone was researching nature vs. nurture, but his experiments involved keeping babies in a controlled environment for the first 10 years of their life. His research is secret and he has ways to smuggle children for his research (don't ask how).
After 15 years, ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31122,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 7,
"selected": true,
"text": "Unfortunately, history has already forced this question upon us, and the answers are not entirely clear. The Nazis... | 2014/11/04 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31116",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23835/"
] |
31,117 | There is a professor at our school whose textbook I was using in class A (not taught by the professor). I've studied the textbook from cover to cover and have spotted about twenty typos (many of which are quite serious, e.g. make an exercise unsolvable). I wanted to TeX them into a list and send it to the professor yet... | [
{
"answer_id": 31121,
"author": "Nate Eldredge",
"author_id": 1010,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/1010",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "Unless the professor is a total jerk, I don't see any way this could hurt. My experience has been that academic... | 2014/11/04 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31117",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/7594/"
] |
31,129 | Is it better to wait a couple of years and publish in order to get to a prefered program or go to any program that would accept me?
Sorry in advance for the length of this document. It is in part about writing down and refining my ideas, and inner turmoil, in writing. Thanks for your patience.
So, publish now and go t... | [
{
"answer_id": 31140,
"author": "Alexandros",
"author_id": 10042,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10042",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Although @Niko and @xLeitix are spot-on that your plan is not feasible, I will try to elaborate more, so to cla... | 2014/11/04 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31129",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23846/"
] |
31,139 | I am a full time researcher at a research institute, we are part of a university, but the institute does not have students, just researchers. I mostly have assistant researchers and interns that are undergrad. I am thinking of bringing on a final year highschool student who is really promising and has been winning some... | [
{
"answer_id": 31144,
"author": "Matthew Leingang",
"author_id": 5701,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/5701",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "You're giving the student an extraordinary experience compared to her fellow applicants, so it's natural fo... | 2014/11/04 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31139",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12718/"
] |
31,174 | I am applying to doctoral programs in the US and I am wondering: is it common for applications to be filtered before they reach the hiring committee?
In the typical selection and admissions procedure for doctoral students, what happens after the deadline for applications has passed? | [
{
"answer_id": 34504,
"author": "StrongBad",
"author_id": 929,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/929",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "For US universities applications are almost universally prescreened for completeness and meeting any stated minimum r... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31174",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,175 | I am preparing an exam for a course I'm running. It's an engineering course; the exam problems require students to apply conceptual knowledge and quantitative skills taught in lectures and labs.
It's the first time the class has been offered, so I don't have a frame of reference from previous years. There haven't been... | [
{
"answer_id": 31177,
"author": "xLeitix",
"author_id": 10094,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10094",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "> \n> in a scenario like this, are there any methods or general rules for determining how long you can make the ex... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31175",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11365/"
] |
31,176 | This is a question from a newbie doing reviews for journals/conference papers.
What should one do if they are among the panel of reviewers for papers for a specific journal / conference, and you get a paper whose subject material you are not an expert in, or are not fully aware of, all the details around which the pap... | [
{
"answer_id": 31179,
"author": "Peter Jansson",
"author_id": 4394,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4394",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "First off, \"fully\" is a very relative word, somewhere between expert and novice which makes a specific answer... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31176",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/7267/"
] |
31,184 | I am applying to doctoral programs in the US, and I am wondering:
Is it advisable to name the keynote speaker of the local conference where I presented a paper recently?
The keynote speaker is a well-respected expert in my field, and I thought of mentioning his participation in order to highlight the merit of this co... | [
{
"answer_id": 31185,
"author": "aeismail",
"author_id": 53,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/53",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "If the conference is well-known enough, then it isn't necessary to name the keynote speaker, because the conference will... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31184",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,195 | At the class quizzes or at the mid- or final exams, I can see that some students are too anxious and nervous. They are not really weak students but too much anxiousness brings their efficiency down and they even may fail their important exams. In one of our important exams I could see that a student was that much nervo... | [
{
"answer_id": 31196,
"author": "Penguin_Knight",
"author_id": 6450,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/6450",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": false,
"text": "I appreciate the gestures but I don't generally agree with the stated actions:\n\n> \n> I try to calm them do... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31195",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/15723/"
] |
31,197 | I am applying to US doctoral programs.
I have decided to mention especially four papers in my statement of purpose, so I have to present them in my writing samples. As a consequence, my writing samples take almost a hundred pages. Nevertheless, I make them into one pdf file.
Then my concern is if lengthy writing samp... | [
{
"answer_id": 31222,
"author": "Roger Fan",
"author_id": 20375,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/20375",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I would not put more than one in a writing sample, and I would even attempt to avoid that at all costs. If they ... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31197",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,199 | I am currently a referee for a paper.
One of the authors of the paper had written an earlier paper,
which I will refer to as the "original paper,"
and the paper which I am now refereeing is an extension of the original paper,
which I will refer to as the "extension paper."
I have found that large portions of the exten... | [
{
"answer_id": 31201,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "The answer depends on the relationship between the papers, and I'm not sure which applies based on the information... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31199",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8802/"
] |
31,200 | Is there a potential problem when an academic supervises a Ph.D. student in a very specific area in which someone close to them is *also* active and working (and supervising Ph.D. students who are publishing in that area) at a *different institution*? What if the two students are producing very similar work, at the sam... | [
{
"answer_id": 31202,
"author": "ff524",
"author_id": 11365,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11365",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "It's not considered a conflict of interest for an advisor to personally work in a field similar to his/her students'... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31200",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248/"
] |
31,209 | For more than 6 weeks now, I have been attempting to contact a post-doc or their (former?) PI to request access to *either the source code or software* of a tool that was published in BMC Bioinformatics. The authors did not provide the source as a supplemental file, but assure the reader in the article that it will be ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31210,
"author": "Danny W.",
"author_id": 21704,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/21704",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "I think contacting the editor of the journal is your best bet. Contacting grant agencies will most likely not warr... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31209",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/-1/"
] |
31,224 | I've seen that some math teachers design tests which punish errors with negative points.
Why do they assign negative points? What are some pedagogical reasons why teachers might do this? | [
{
"answer_id": 31230,
"author": "GeneMachine",
"author_id": 18248,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "It's to discourage guessing, and to avoid mark inflation.\n\nThere are many discussions of negative marking av... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31224",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23137/"
] |
31,235 | So a paper exists, it was published 3 years ago and had a novel algorithm (more or less, it's in the area of finite-difference time-domain simulations).
I've taken the algorithm and accelerated it by a factor of 100x (example, I don't have the true number), producing the same results in the end, but providing an oppo... | [
{
"answer_id": 31238,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 7,
"selected": true,
"text": "If I understand the question correctly, the dilemma is whether to just distribute the code or whether to also make... | 2014/11/05 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31235",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23924/"
] |
31,236 | I've heard that faculty usually gets paid for 9 months in the US and you need to use your own funding to pay for the missing 3 months.
Is this situation different in the UK and Australia? | [
{
"answer_id": 31237,
"author": "David Richerby",
"author_id": 10685,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10685",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "In the UK, you get paid 12 months a year. I'm not actually aware of any other country that uses the US 9-mo... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31236",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23925/"
] |
31,241 | To clarify, I am asking if it's professional to ask questions that while relevant to the subject/course, and are related to the topic, but have not been discussed in class, assigned as homework, reading, etc. and are also not related to any prerequisite class that the students should already know. I am also not asking ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31243,
"author": "Anonymous Mathematician",
"author_id": 612,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/612",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": false,
"text": "I don't see a reasonable answer beyond \"it depends.\" It depends on the question: some surprise quest... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31241",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/19914/"
] |
31,251 | I am a beginning researcher and am unsure as to the academic worth/usefulness for my career to publish with [SpringerBriefs](http://www.springer.com/gp/authors-editors/book-authors-editors/springerbriefs). Would it be seen as a vanity publication? | [
{
"answer_id": 31260,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Its not entirely clear from its website, but it appears that SpringerBriefs is not peer reviewed. At least, that'... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31251",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23936/"
] |
31,253 | In listing my master's thesis in CV I came across this problem: Should I put the name of my advisor in front of my name or should I put only my name (I have my advisor's name printed in my thesis) according to the US style? | [
{
"answer_id": 31261,
"author": "Niko",
"author_id": 23257,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23257",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": true,
"text": "I don't think you need to be too formal here. Just include whatever information you believe is relevant, for example:\... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31253",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,265 | I am a graduate student. My department head is manipulating data in his research papers and skillfully alters plagiarized text to avoid detection. I found this out while working with him on a journal article. Specifically, he modified data points (right in front of me) to dramatically increase our R^2 value, and then h... | [
{
"answer_id": 31272,
"author": "Cape Code",
"author_id": 10643,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10643",
"pm_score": 8,
"selected": true,
"text": "Your backing off reaction is the appropriate one: **cease any form of association with him right away.**\n\nThe d... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31265",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12402/"
] |
31,266 | Two months ago I submitted a manuscript to my advisor for reviewing and submitting to a journal. He didn’t reply to that and when I asked him about it, he said we should think about publishing after two months and we don’t need to rush. He didn’t even bother to look into my paper.
I feel very anxious and have written ... | [
{
"answer_id": 34413,
"author": "Community",
"author_id": -1,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/-1",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think this very much depends on the field you're in and your relationship with your advisor.\n\nUsually before a gra... | 2014/11/06 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31266",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23964/"
] |
31,293 | Prior to transferring to another university, I attended a college in a different state with a renown reputation for integrity and academic rigor. The year before I left, I enrolled in a course that was taught by this new professor. It was the only 8:30 a.m. course that I eagerly woke up for- the professor would literal... | [
{
"answer_id": 31294,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": false,
"text": "Past a certain point in their career and education, I think it's hard for somebody to ever clean off the stain of... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31293",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23932/"
] |
31,295 | In primary and secondary school in the US, some teachers will adjust homework so that it is a better match for students. For example, a teacher might give a strong math student more advanced math problems, while a weaker student might be given more remedial work.
I am currently teaching some 100-level undergraduate co... | [
{
"answer_id": 31298,
"author": "user2813274",
"author_id": 19914,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/19914",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "While I am sure different universities will have different policies, the ones I am most familiar with would re... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31295",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/600/"
] |
31,296 | Is there a common standard for the title hierarchy of research positions in the English language? Excluding people who do research such as students or professors, but purely researchers. Something in engineering such as, Jumier Pronfevmar and Senior Programmer.
I have heard of these, and in what I assume is a hierarch... | [
{
"answer_id": 31300,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "In America, at least, outside of university professor ranks there is no standard hierarchy. You will often, howev... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31296",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12718/"
] |
31,302 | I am trying to publish a paper. This was the result of a summer's work in my spare time while working 40 hour weeks in a non-math related job. I received an email response from the journal that neither said the paper was rejected or accepted: I have been asked to revise and resubmit. I was given feedback by a reviewer ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31303,
"author": "Brian Borchers",
"author_id": 4453,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4453",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Being asked to revise and resubmit is very common and you should not be discouraged by this but rather make t... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31302",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23991/"
] |
31,315 | In this several times up-voted [answer](https://academia.stackexchange.com/a/27311/10643), it is suggested, among other things, that 'if someone using an image [...] that they do not own (it) is inappropriate and should be first reported to the PI of the paper and, potentially, the publisher if no action is taken.'
In... | [
{
"answer_id": 31327,
"author": "Flyto",
"author_id": 8394,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8394",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "The concepts of plagiarism and copyright are largely orthogonal.\n\nPlagiarism is about taking credit for somebody els... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31315",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10643/"
] |
31,320 | So as people have probably seen by now, the UK is stuck in a [marking boycott](http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2014/oct/29/marking-boycott-why-are-academics-protesting-about-pensions), which has started to directly affect myself as a final year student.
I have not personally been affected too ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31322,
"author": "Moriarty",
"author_id": 8562,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8562",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think it's a given that everyone at the university is well aware that the students aren't happy about the implica... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31320",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23291/"
] |
31,323 | I am applying to doctoral programs in the US, and, because I have two breaks in my studies as what shown in my transcripts, I want to find somewhere to explain these.
But I am concerned with that if I simply put this short paragraph explaining my breaks in studies somewhere in my application package as a supplemental... | [
{
"answer_id": 31326,
"author": "Oswald Veblen",
"author_id": 16122,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/16122",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "This would be fine. One fundamental point of the personal statement is to allow you to comment on anything u... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31323",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18107/"
] |
31,328 | Four of my Japanese teachers are, as you would expect, Japanese, and they all speak English fluently. But now and then, there will of course be slip ups: I often see small grammatical errors in one sensei's handouts. They don't affect the quality of the communication, but is it appropriate to point out these errors to ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31336,
"author": "Eric",
"author_id": 20424,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/20424",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "It depends on how much interest she has expressed in being corrected or trying to improve and how close your relations... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31328",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14302/"
] |
31,330 | Usually, when I send an email to a teacher/lecturer, I always start "Dear `Mr. Atwood`" and end with "Regards/Best wishes (etc.) `Leo`". If I have to send a followup email after they have replied, I omit the opening and closing sections entirely, and just write my message. Is this considered rude? Would you prefer that... | [
{
"answer_id": 31334,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "I personally prefer to always use opening and closing conventions in my emails, just as I would a letter. It cost... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31330",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14302/"
] |
31,337 | I use pdf files, generated with Beamer/LaTeX, and whatever pdf viewer is available on the computer I am presenting on. While I like the Beamer/LaTeX/PDF combination better than PowerPoint type applications I am not particularly happy with its ability to embed media (sounds and videos). Further, common PDF viewers (e.g.... | [
{
"answer_id": 31344,
"author": "Compass",
"author_id": 22013,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22013",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "From a web developer perspective, the only issue I can see is compatibility. If the provided computer does not prov... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31337",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/929/"
] |
31,364 | Being early in my academic career, I don't yet get many paper reviews. Until recently, I had reviewed two papers in two years, and rejected one invitation to review. My last review was completed some 10 months ago.
Two weeks ago, I agreed to review a paper. Since then, I have received two more invitations. In total, i... | [
{
"answer_id": 31367,
"author": "RoboKaren",
"author_id": 14885,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14885",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "The journal editor (in chief) may not, but boards of editors have overlap and word does often spread that \"X@Y ... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31364",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/1033/"
] |
31,365 | I am a final year honours student (UK) who has come across a little bit of a predicament. About eight years ago when I was a teenager, I was undertaking a University course that I did not complete because of personal related issues. There was a lecturer that I did not get on very well with at the time because of this w... | [
{
"answer_id": 31382,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Anybody who has taught and *likes* teaching knows that one of the biggest rewards is seeing your students grow. F... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31365",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24035/"
] |
31,374 | A chapter in my dissertation has not been published in an archival conference. I am writing a paper based on the chapter for a conference that does double-blind paper review.
The paper will include pretty much the entire chapter, which presents a method, and will perform additional analysis of the method. The analysis... | [
{
"answer_id": 31377,
"author": "Anonymous Physicist",
"author_id": 13240,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/13240",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Your goal is to publish. The conference apparently requires that review be double blind. I do not see ... | 2014/11/07 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31374",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/21371/"
] |
31,387 | I knew some college students in the U.S. who were <18 years old.
In which countries must college professors be cleared (background-checked, certified, fingerprinted, etc., like U.S. K-12 teachers) to work with minors? | [
{
"answer_id": 31389,
"author": "Anonymous Mathematician",
"author_id": 612,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/612",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "Any special requirements or background checks regarding working with minors are a matter of employer po... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31387",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/9425/"
] |
31,390 | Are there any formal degrees that offer training in tools for detecting plagiarism? Or on understanding fair-use, proper attribution of sources, and avoiding plagiarism?
Are there career options which focus on exposing plagiarism? | [
{
"answer_id": 31397,
"author": "Davidmh",
"author_id": 12587,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12587",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Computer Science has the tools for it. It is finding local correspondences in a large database, allowing for some ... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31390",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24064/"
] |
31,393 | It might be possible here in India too, I haven't researched on it, but in one movie I have seen the guy is studying mathematics in MIT but his future plan was to study medicine at Harvard. I kept wondering how could he do that.
Here at India at 11th class we have to usually choose either Mathematics or Biology and th... | [
{
"answer_id": 31398,
"author": "BrenBarn",
"author_id": 9041,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/9041",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "At least in the USA, yes. The US education system allows the individual student a great deal of freedom in the choi... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31393",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22773/"
] |
31,394 | I exchanged an email with a professor on Thursday and he asked me if I am available to call him on a specific time next Monday. I replied the email to confirm the time but no reply from him. Therefore, I resent the email on Friday to re- confirm that he knows that I will make the call. However, no reply as well. So I a... | [
{
"answer_id": 31395,
"author": "Davidmh",
"author_id": 12587,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12587",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Sure. You have booked a time, make the call. If you want to be sure, ask him over the phone if it is still a good ... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31394",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24065/"
] |
31,404 | Im getting my degree this year (in june presumably) in physics. And while I was getting it I was at the same time getting a degree in mathematics. (By degree I mean completing undergraduate studies in both of those things, I'm from Spain and I'm not sure about the equivalence...).
Now, I dedicated to physics full-time... | [
{
"answer_id": 31412,
"author": "BPND",
"author_id": 17639,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/17639",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "Many universities will demand a full transcript of your academic history, so, in that case, you will need to attach bo... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31404",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24073/"
] |
31,405 | For committing a crime considered very severe in the U.S. and in some countries (hence the 5-year minimum sentence), but not as severe (but may still lead to imprisonment) in many other countries? He does not have any record of academic dishonesty or anything like that; in fact, he had a solid record of publications an... | [
{
"answer_id": 31409,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 7,
"selected": true,
"text": "A five year prison sentence would damage an academic career in at least two major ways. The obvious way it would d... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31405",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22267/"
] |
31,406 | I have co-authored one paper with Professor A, PhD student B and PhD student C. B left the best impression on me as the most friendly, productive and hard-working. Now, I want to do a joint paper again. Same as last time, the subject is not in A's area of expertise (nor B's or C's), though it's highly related, but I am... | [
{
"answer_id": 31407,
"author": "Always Asking",
"author_id": 23610,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23610",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "It is absolutely fine to not work with A and C as long as\n\n1. all the work and ideas in your paper are your... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31406",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22267/"
] |
31,419 | I want to introduce the findings of a case study in my report, but it has four authors and I would like name them in when introducing it.
What would be the best way to do this, or is the below perfectly acceptable?
>
> Andria A, Siel S, Derek B and Humerd C provide an interesting insight in their case study...
>
> ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31421,
"author": "GeneMachine",
"author_id": 18248,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "For more than two authors, it's generally the norm to say something like \"As Ancreu, *et al*. (2014) discuss,... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31419",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/19797/"
] |
31,426 | I recently came across a post (that I won't disclose because it contains the professor's last name):
Attendance in this course was regularly low, so the professor used a one-question exam to punish students who weren't attending a class. Those who weren't in class would have obviously failed this exam, and those who w... | [
{
"answer_id": 31427,
"author": "GeneMachine",
"author_id": 18248,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "I think that this is unprofessional, and is leaving the institution open to all sorts of action (up to and incl... | 2014/11/08 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31426",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/15360/"
] |
31,440 | I am an undergraduate level student planning to put out a research paper for publication. The second author is a PhD student who has helped me to do much editing (including re-writing my entire paper into a concise and expressive form, and also the numerical simulation part). I think he helps me a lot. My friend sugges... | [
{
"answer_id": 31442,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "Others may differ in opinion, but I personally think that gift cards are a poor choice for expressing personal gra... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31440",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24089/"
] |
31,445 | What is the idea behind giving a student a grade? It might sound like a funny question but I'm serious.
I ask because in my previous question about [disputing a mark](https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/30569/when-and-how-should-you-talk-to-a-professor-if-you-think-you-deserve-a-different), it's hard for me ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31446,
"author": "Oswald Veblen",
"author_id": 16122,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/16122",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Grades do many things, and there is no general agreement which of those things is the most important. A few ... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31445",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23316/"
] |
31,451 | I am an undergraduate student in the hard sciences, and am thinking of pursuing a research career after graduation. I am also quite politically involved on the left, and have political articles published online. I am critical of many governments (including my own) and corporations, and of many of the applications of te... | [
{
"answer_id": 31455,
"author": "410 gone",
"author_id": 96,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/96",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "It will very much depend on the country you intend to work in.\n\nIn Britain, academia has long been a home for radical... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31451",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/6071/"
] |
31,465 | I am an undergraduate and am new to paper writing.
I have been writing papers with professor A at another university since I was in high school. We are writing a paper together for an upcoming conference (which is pretty big).
I have been also writing a paper with professor B at my current institution for the same co... | [
{
"answer_id": 31470,
"author": "Bob Brown",
"author_id": 16183,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/16183",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": true,
"text": "Yes, it is acceptable, particularly since the author lists will all be different. Go for it! \n\nOne word of warn... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31465",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/-1/"
] |
31,475 | As a software developer just starting out in research (working for a lab) I have this idea of a software application which is meant to target a specific need: specifically to help users query data using specific and novel methodologies (navigation languages and autocomplete methods).
Anyway, I know that ultimately I w... | [
{
"answer_id": 31490,
"author": "GeneMachine",
"author_id": 18248,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Your first step should be an extremely thorough search of the scientific literature, in order to explore what'... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31475",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12847/"
] |
31,476 | I have a paper that was presented at an NRC workshop and was not peer reviewed. Moreover, although this work is accessible at an NRC website, it is clear from reading the literature that search engines do not discover the paper and no one is aware of its existence.
Is it ethical to submit this paper to a peer-reviewed... | [
{
"answer_id": 31478,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Different journals have different standards for what counts as prior publication. For example, most computer scie... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31476",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24116/"
] |
31,483 | Is there any research/study/survey that looked at what percentage of papers submitted to a conference or journal have been previously rejected in the same or another venue?
I am mostly interested in the computer science field (machine learning) and English-speaking venues, but I am curious about other fields and langu... | [
{
"answer_id": 36817,
"author": "ff524",
"author_id": 11365,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11365",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I haven't found anything in computer science, but this has been well-studied in other fields.\n\nFor example, one st... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31483",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/452/"
] |
31,484 | I am taking a course with a major final project. I was looking for a topic when my co-advisor noticed this. He suggested that I do a project related to my master thesis, and I agreed since I didn't know what I was going to do. He suggested that we do a certain design in half between me and a colleague of mine during a ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31527,
"author": "Peter Jansson",
"author_id": 4394,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4394",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Communication is needed and you need to communicate to your co-advisor your feelings rather than second-guessi... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31484",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18244/"
] |
31,495 | What do you do when you have a conjecture, and you run experiments that confirm your conjecture, but you are unable to provide a formal proof (perhaps because it's too complicated)? Do you name them as conjectures or observations or... what?
This is in the context of a CS theory paper. | [
{
"answer_id": 31497,
"author": "Pete L. Clark",
"author_id": 938,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/938",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": true,
"text": "In mathematics and TCS (which is really a branch of mathematics), if you don't have a proof, you don't have a the... | 2014/11/09 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31495",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10297/"
] |
31,505 | I am applying for a university scholarship program, and as part of the application I have to write some essays but I don't understand what they want exactly in the first essay. The question is written like this:
>
> **Household information and Statement of Need**
>
>
> Describe the challenges you have faced in your... | [
{
"answer_id": 31511,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "It's hard to know for certain without knowing more about the particular scholarship that you are applying for, bu... | 2014/11/10 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31505",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24128/"
] |
31,507 | *Background: I'm writing a master's thesis with APA citations.*
In one paragraph, I cite two unrelated pieces of information that happen to come from different chapters of the same textbook. It's obvious from the chapter titles where in the book the second piece of information is located, but it's not obvious where th... | [
{
"answer_id": 31510,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "If the chapters are part of a unified work (e.g., a textbook or monograph), then it's appropriate to use one cita... | 2014/11/10 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31507",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/17850/"
] |
31,545 | Is there such a thing as an interdisciplinary PhD, where the student chooses the fields, courses, etc.? If so, which U.S. universities offer such a thing? | [
{
"answer_id": 31565,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "In general, every Ph.D. is officially within some formal department, or other program, and a Ph.D. student will n... | 2014/11/10 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31545",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/9425/"
] |
31,567 | In my statement of purpose, I am using certain arguments by scholars of my field (IR). Will it be advisable to use referencing, or might it be to my disadvantage as an unnecessary attempt to boast on my knowledge in that field. | [
{
"answer_id": 31565,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "In general, every Ph.D. is officially within some formal department, or other program, and a Ph.D. student will n... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31567",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24166/"
] |
31,568 | I am planning to apply for tenure track academic positions, and I already got 3 letters from people who I have worked with during my PhD, including my advisor.
Do you think I should seek out letters from my former supervisor (masters) and a few that I have published paper with during my master's program? Does it add v... | [
{
"answer_id": 31595,
"author": "Louis Iselin",
"author_id": 11631,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11631",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Start by looking at the type of academic position. What skills does the position demand? Who can best speak t... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31568",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10297/"
] |
31,576 | Diploma mills sell degrees at any level, ranging from bachelor to PhD. The way I see it, the sole purpose of getting milled diplomas is to deceive others. As such, I expect the consequences of getting caught to be sufficiently severe.
I wonder if there are known cases of people getting prosecuted for using such fake d... | [
{
"answer_id": 31579,
"author": "GeneMachine",
"author_id": 18248,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18248",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "See here for one case:\n\n<http://www.employeescreen.com/iqblog/fake-degree-leads-to-arrest/>\n\nAnd here's th... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31576",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/7173/"
] |
31,582 | I have a tendency to overcategorize things when writing a paper. Currently I’m working on my thesis and I’m concerned with my level of subchaptering. Right now I’m already down to x.x.x.x and I fear going down a level deeper would look bad. I think it adds to the overall clarity of the paper to categorize everything an... | [
{
"answer_id": 31583,
"author": "Peter Jansson",
"author_id": 4394,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4394",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "Many, if not most, journals specify a maximum of three levels. In a book where the chapter is the top level, fo... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31582",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24172/"
] |
31,588 | I have been studying hard for the past year and a half (it's my second year of Computer Science) while not getting remotely close to the desired results. I passed my first year with a 7.2 GPA (5 (failing grade) - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 (best)) which is very low given that I want to master in applied maths or an area revolv... | [
{
"answer_id": 31592,
"author": "mhwombat",
"author_id": 10529,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10529",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": false,
"text": "Don't panic. The fact that you're still enthusiastic about your studies suggests to me that you can likely fix th... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31588",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24182/"
] |
31,590 | I am currently at a conference in the US
and I will be reimbursed by my adviser.
I was wondering what is a reasonable per diem spending for meals?
Of course I could ask my adviser directly,
but I feel bad doing so,
because I am afraid my adviser will think that
I am trying to spend the maximum amount possible.
I don'... | [
{
"answer_id": 31591,
"author": "Bill Barth",
"author_id": 11600,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11600",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "Ask your advisor. Your university is likely to have a maximum allowable per diem that is based on the city that ... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31590",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8802/"
] |
31,599 | I'm applying to doctoral programs right now and I'm having dinner tomorrow night with a professor and three of his grad students. I'm very hopeful to join this lab. I've spoken with the professor before and would like to focus my attention on the students. I've never done anything like this before.
Do you have any sug... | [
{
"answer_id": 31606,
"author": "Moriarty",
"author_id": 8562,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8562",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "To add to the Massimo's comment on not taking notes, yeah I think that would seem weird. If the conversation is abo... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31599",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/23630/"
] |
31,604 | I had submitted to a reputed computer vision journal. Both the reviewers (there were only two) marked it as "reject" with comments that alluded to the fact that they had actually "missed the point". It was interesting that the reviewers missed the point on two major levels, first on the actual aims and scope of that jo... | [
{
"answer_id": 31607,
"author": "Bitwise",
"author_id": 6862,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/6862",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "Chances are slim.\n\nIt is possible that the editor would ask for a third reviewer to look at the paper. If that rev... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31604",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10013/"
] |
31,605 | With an eye to finding the reasons behind [high journal subscription costs](https://academia.stackexchange.com/q/29923/452): do journals / publishers make outrageous margins, or are prices truly justified by the costs to run journals? In other words, how does their budget look like? | [
{
"answer_id": 31613,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Many of the commercial academic publication companies have [massive profit margins](http://libraries.mit.edu/scho... | 2014/11/11 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31605",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/452/"
] |
31,609 | I am applying to grad school and I asked one of my professors to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. He happily agreed. He submitted a recommendation and forwarded the confirmation email to me so that I can have look.
On the recommendation form there are some questions that asks the professor to select thi... | [
{
"answer_id": 31612,
"author": "Pete L. Clark",
"author_id": 938,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/938",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "Saying that you gave the first proof of Fermat's Last Theorem is too good to be true. (I.e., it is literally fals... | 2014/11/12 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31609",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18244/"
] |
31,615 | I have seen [some sites](http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/64C6D277/What-Is-the-Difference-Between-a-Thesis-and-a-Dissertation/) that distinguish a dissertation as what is written as the requirements of a doctoral degree.
[Others](https://www.englishforums.com/English/DifferenceBetweenThesisDissertati... | [
{
"answer_id": 31617,
"author": "Bill Barth",
"author_id": 11600,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11600",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "\"Work\" is just as good as either. There's no need for precision or rigor here. All three would be acceptable.... | 2014/11/12 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31615",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24197/"
] |
31,623 | At the end of each semester, usually a month before final exams, my school (in the US) distributes teaching evaluations. What people will read these? Do people only see these after the final grades are posted? | [
{
"answer_id": 31636,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "While this may vary significantly from institution to institution, my understanding is that, in the US at least, ... | 2014/11/12 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31623",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/600/"
] |
31,625 | I am enrolled in an on-line graduate course (US public university). I do not live near the campus, so I cannot attend office hours (which aren't even offered).
For 3 months, I've been working on a research paper for the course. At regular deadlines, I've submitted my progress electronically, however, the instructor's ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31640,
"author": "user3209815",
"author_id": 14133,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14133",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "First of all, I must say that I find it possible that your instructor simply doesn't care enough. The reason ... | 2014/11/12 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31625",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/600/"
] |
31,641 | Today I suddenly found that my email server requests a read receipt every time when I send emails. Since I am recently exchanging messages with a potential Phd supervisor, I wonder if this will make him feel that I am rude and annoying? I have already turned this feature off! | [
{
"answer_id": 31644,
"author": "Andrea",
"author_id": 24234,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24234",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "I do not think that this is rude. If it even mildly irritated him he might have mentioned it to you at some point. ... | 2014/11/12 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31641",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24065/"
] |
31,651 | I am finishing my Master's in mathematics in Germany and I'd like to apply for a PhD in Europe, preferably in the UK. Most departments recommend that students get in touch with potential supervisors prior to submitting a formal application. I am a little nervous about it and I would appreciate advice regarding the foll... | [
{
"answer_id": 31660,
"author": "Anonymous Physicist",
"author_id": 13240,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/13240",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "(1) Either is okay. Keep in mind you do not have to read an entire paper to determine if it is interes... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31651",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/21229/"
] |
31,654 | American military veterans funded under the GI Bill (and possibly under other VA administrated programs) can only receive funding for classes which are required for the degree. I can find lots of university websites that mention this requirement ([here](http://veteranscenter.utah.edu/gi-bill.php)'s a good example), but... | [
{
"answer_id": 31657,
"author": "Anonymous Mathematician",
"author_id": 612,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/612",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "It looks to me like it is more or less required by the [legislation](http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31654",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/25/"
] |
31,666 | I plan to do a PhD in Germany. I have read some material that said that:
>
> "The most important formal qualification for being able to do a
> doctorate in Germany is a very good higher education degree that is
> recognised in Germany"
>
>
>
"What is" or maybe should I ask "How much is" very good higher degree? | [
{
"answer_id": 31668,
"author": "aeismail",
"author_id": 53,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/53",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Basically, you need to have a master's degree. If that master's degree comes from:\n\n* A German university\n* A univer... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31666",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24258/"
] |
31,667 | In my research group, some time we use our funding to buy things required for our research. They can be pretty cheap (e.g. books) or quite expensive (e.g. machines).
When the funded by the project is over, I wonder who will own those stuff. | [
{
"answer_id": 31670,
"author": "silvado",
"author_id": 3890,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/3890",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "The funding agreement or regulations by the sponsor will usually clarify this. In most cases, it can be expected tha... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31667",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12635/"
] |
31,672 | I recently asked two of my professors to write me recommendation letters and they promptly and kindly accepted to do that. It is now two weeks since then. I want to send “thank you” notes to them. Is it enough to send e-mails? I have heard that it is more polite to send a written letter by US post, but it is a little b... | [
{
"answer_id": 31674,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "Don't worry about it too much, just say thank you. In person or over email are both fine: getting a good recommend... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31672",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24263/"
] |
31,679 | I am told, by both a professor at my US undergraduate school and here at Stack Academia (for example, at [Implications of being accepted without funding to a computer science PhD in the United States?](https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/18755/implications-of-being-accepted-without-funding)), that I should not... | [
{
"answer_id": 31682,
"author": "Paul",
"author_id": 931,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/931",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": true,
"text": "Confession: I've tried this myself TWICE in the field of mathematics, so what I say comes from my own experience.\n\nYou n... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31679",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24274/"
] |
31,680 | As we reach the end of the semester, the students in my class are being asked to do their evaluation of my teaching, as is common at most universities. As with most evaluations that I know of, I have been given an opportunity to provide open-ended prompts for the students to respond to.
I would like to craft open-ende... | [
{
"answer_id": 34598,
"author": "Peter Jansson",
"author_id": 4394,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4394",
"pm_score": -1,
"selected": false,
"text": "I will provide a no-answer (which someone can delete if need be).\n\nIt seems you are primarily looking for f... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31680",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/7346/"
] |
31,681 | How best to present long equations in two-column papers?
I've tried splitting them in two or more lines along operators, but that still looks a bit weird to me, especially when parentheses have to be carried along across the lines. Also, I've considered stretching them across both columns, but that seems only an acce... | [
{
"answer_id": 31698,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "When I have had occasion to deal with obnoxiously large equations, I find that there are four strategies that do w... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31681",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/14133/"
] |
31,687 | Is it unethical to refer to solutions to assignment questions that have been asked at other universities before? The questions are the same word for word.
EDIT:
A lot many answers are very helpful. Most of them revolve around introspection and the classical definition of plagiarism. I agree with that. I know I am d... | [
{
"answer_id": 31688,
"author": "Compass",
"author_id": 22013,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22013",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": false,
"text": "Yes, it is unethical. Copying the answer from a solutions manual is considered plagiarism, even if it's from anoth... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31687",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22045/"
] |
31,694 | Can you please let me know how following TOEFL scores are usually judged on graduate (mainly master) admission if a) minimum requirement is 100 and b) minimum total requirement is 80 and minimum speaking requirement is 24?
Reading & Listening: 29
Speaking & Writing: 20
Probably I would not have the chance to provi... | [
{
"answer_id": 31697,
"author": "Xline",
"author_id": 8180,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8180",
"pm_score": 0,
"selected": false,
"text": "This largely depends on the school. Some schools have this as strict requirement others good profile may compensate lo... | 2014/11/14 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31694",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24289/"
] |
31,716 | I am in the process of submitting thesis corrections and attempting to add sufficient reference information for our school's Thesis Office. They are requesting that I add in the **editors** for Conference Proceedings.
Occasionally, I can find the explicit listing of editors for a conference (I am looking at Control Sy... | [
{
"answer_id": 31741,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": true,
"text": "The \"editors\" for a conference, such as they exist, would typically be the program chairs (if that position exis... | 2014/11/14 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31716",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8523/"
] |
31,718 | I'm applying for a master's program, and one of the required documents is a motivational letter, in which I should briefly expose the reasoning behind my choice of program.
I'm using a LaTeX template which has a nice place to put a logo, and I'm thinking about putting the university logo there. Is this allowed? Is it ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31721,
"author": "aeismail",
"author_id": 53,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/53",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "No, you should not put the university logo in the letter. You are **not** representing your university in an official ca... | 2014/11/14 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31718",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/21375/"
] |
31,733 | I've read a lot on what to include and not to include in a personal statement. I have some short specific in that regard.
* At my core, I think I want a PhD more than anything because I want to deeply challenge myself. Obviously, I have a passion for my field as well, but if someone asked me why I was doing it I'd say... | [
{
"answer_id": 31751,
"author": "Anonymous Mathematician",
"author_id": 612,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/612",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I doubt these sorts of statements matter very much. They are basically fluff and would presumably occu... | 2014/11/14 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31733",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/19655/"
] |
31,738 | I have a general inquiry regarding the impact of past misconduct in different courses of study.
To provide an example: if a student takes a course and is removed because of poor performance (or even if they are not removed and have had a warning) could this be used against him/her in a different course in the future? ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31740,
"author": "Brian Borchers",
"author_id": 4453,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/4453",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "Are you talking about academic misconduct (cheating) or simply poor performance? \n\nWith respec to to cheati... | 2014/11/14 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31738",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24322/"
] |
31,746 | At the moment I am involved in a neurobiology research trying to assess the feasibility of using emotional response to elicit distinct EEG (brain wave) patterns from the brain using static images. Distinct brain waves can be used as control signals to perform distinct actions traditionally done using a remote controlle... | [
{
"answer_id": 31748,
"author": "Pete L. Clark",
"author_id": 938,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/938",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": false,
"text": "First, do I understand correctly that a large part of your question is whether you should avoid discussing this ... | 2014/11/15 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31746",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/20070/"
] |
31,747 | Is it okay to mention in my statement of purpose for admission to grad school in math, that my undergraduate major is engineering because my parents wanted me to do it?
I was initially wrote my statement without including my motivation for undergraduate degree, however people said it seemed too abrupt. However, witho... | [
{
"answer_id": 31754,
"author": "Frames Catherine White",
"author_id": 8513,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8513",
"pm_score": 5,
"selected": true,
"text": "Do not say: \n\n> \n> \"I did engineering undergraduate because my parents made me.\"\n> \n> \n> \n\nW... | 2014/11/13 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31747",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24439/"
] |
31,757 | I am working in academia in a position that is similar to instructor. The job is great but I am working under a short-term contract system with last-minute renewal notice, so I am trying to move for a more stable position.
Since the positions I am looking for are mostly in other countries, my interviews are held by vi... | [
{
"answer_id": 31759,
"author": "Davidmh",
"author_id": 12587,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12587",
"pm_score": 1,
"selected": false,
"text": "Regarding institutions, I have gone through the regulations in mine (the Swedish equivalent of a national laborato... | 2014/11/15 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31757",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/15528/"
] |
31,768 | A [recent question](https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31764/what-to-do-with-teachers-who-think-their-subject-is-extra-special-and-gives-st) asked how students should deal with professors who "think their class is extra special". Putting aside the question of how good students are at judging what an appropria... | [
{
"answer_id": 31769,
"author": "Davidmh",
"author_id": 12587,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/12587",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": false,
"text": "Where I did my undergrad, students' complaints were common, and now the dean has a zero tolerance policy towards e... | 2014/11/15 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31768",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8/"
] |
31,772 | I noticed that some teachers announce the grade breakdown in the first class or in the syllabus, while some don't. What's the best practice? If giving the grade breakdown at the beginning is preferable, is it better to use an absolute or relative breakdown?
[Example of grade breakdown announced in the syllabus](http:/... | [
{
"answer_id": 31779,
"author": "user24349",
"author_id": 24349,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24349",
"pm_score": 2,
"selected": false,
"text": "I think it depends on the situation (assuming there is no official department or university policy on the matter... | 2014/11/15 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31772",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/452/"
] |
31,797 | Currently I am working on my Final Year Project. I have worked with the current supervisor for 4 months. In the first month, everything went smooth. Whenever I email a question to her, she will answer it within 3 days. However, as times goes by, she started to ignore my question. This happens from 2nd month onwards til... | [
{
"answer_id": 31803,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "Email is a terrible way to supervise work for both parties involved. It's difficult to ask a good question over em... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31797",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18108/"
] |
31,800 | After having a paper published, I submitted the preprint to arXiv, but with a different title.
Now, Google Scholar has identified the arXiv version as another paper, and by merging the two articles using the *merge* button, I cannot make the arXiv version appear next to the published paper when someone searches for it... | [
{
"answer_id": 31802,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "In my experience, when you use 'merge', Scholar will not return multiple listings in the main result. Instead, it... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31800",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24369/"
] |
31,807 | I understand the concept of (peer-)reviewing as helpful to guarantee a good quality result. Clearly it makes sense that journal articles are reviewed by someone before publication. Yet, what I am still unclear about is who the reviewers are? The focus of this question is not [who can peer-review articles](https://acade... | [
{
"answer_id": 31808,
"author": "xLeitix",
"author_id": 10094,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/10094",
"pm_score": 6,
"selected": true,
"text": "> \n> how to find out about the actual people having been involved the review?\n> \n> \n> \n\nBy and large, you can... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31807",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24376/"
] |
31,814 | Sometimes when I have been struggling on a problem set for a while, I'll post a question on StackExchange, openly acknowledge that it's homework, and ask for hints (not the full solution). Typically people give good advice and help me think about the problem in several different ways, and I end up learning a lot by ask... | [
{
"answer_id": 31815,
"author": "Dave Clarke",
"author_id": 643,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/643",
"pm_score": 4,
"selected": true,
"text": "This might depend on your university's policy on cheating and plagiarism.\n\nFor our university (though the precise... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31814",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24384/"
] |
31,817 | Online course providers like edX and coursera offer free courses, but you can only take/enroll the courses at specific times of the year (not any time). Why is that? If you just want to learn something (not for a degree in accredited institutions), it would be much easier if you could do it online anytime. | [
{
"answer_id": 31821,
"author": "jakebeal",
"author_id": 22733,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/22733",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": true,
"text": "Actually for both of them some courses are fully autonomous \"anytime\" courses, while others are restricted to be... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31817",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24386/"
] |
31,818 | I have been working on a particular topic for some years and I have 6-7 publications on different aspects of the same topic.
My supervisor wants me to write a summary journal paper that would incorporate the work of all these publications. Indeed, such a publication would highlight the contributions of the work and ma... | [
{
"answer_id": 31819,
"author": "ff524",
"author_id": 11365,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/11365",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "If you cite the earlier papers and the specific contribution of this summary paper is clearly stated (so that it is ... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31818",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24387/"
] |
31,823 | in my relatively short academic career, I've gathered that academic engineering seems to be more about creating ideas than actually iteratively improving a product using engineering methods. In my field, biomedical engineering, I worry that this is not enough because many biomedical ideas require immense funding that u... | [
{
"answer_id": 31824,
"author": "StrongBad",
"author_id": 929,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/929",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "The NIH seems to take the opposite view of you. The NIH provides funding for the training of a large number of biome... | 2014/11/16 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31823",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/24375/"
] |
31,835 | I am doing my master's and I am considering doing my PhD at a different institution. I asked my advisor for reference and he was fine with it. My co-advisor insisted on me staying. I tried to talk him multiple times to be able to leave on good terms before I started applying and he was very reluctant to me leaving. My ... | [
{
"answer_id": 31836,
"author": "Moriarty",
"author_id": 8562,
"author_profile": "https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/8562",
"pm_score": 3,
"selected": false,
"text": "You will finish your Master's before you leave, right? In that case, there shouldn't be any obligation for you to s... | 2014/11/17 | [
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/31835",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com",
"https://academia.stackexchange.com/users/18244/"
] |