More From Past Issues
Spotlight Quote! (Spring ‘91)
“Practice [in the language lab] is a better learning tool than manuals.”
-- A Wise Man
[Editor’s] Reaction: Amen.
Dictionary of Useful Research Phrases:
| “It has long been known...” | I didn’t look up the original references. |
| “A definite trend is evident...” | The data are practically meaningless. |
| “of great theoretical and practical importance” | interesting to me |
| “Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study...” | The results of the others didn’t make any sense. |
| “Typical results are shown...” | The best results are shown. |
| “A careful analysis of extant data...” | Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over my beer. |
| “Further results will be shown in a subsequent report...” | I missed my deadline. |
| “It is believed that...” | I think... |
| “It is generally believed that...” | A couple of other guys think so, too. |
| “It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of the phenomenon occurs.” | I don’t understand it. |
| “Correct within an order of magnitude...” | Wrong. |
| “While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to these questions...” | The experiment was unsuccessful, but I’m still hoping to get it published. |
| “It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field...” | See above. |
from Fall 1991, Winter 1992 & Spring 1993
Elsie’s Guide to Computer Viruses
