Useful Research Phrases

Useful Research Phrases and What They Really Mean
"It has long been known". . . [I didn't look up the original reference.]

"A definite trend is evident". . . [These data are practically meaningless.]

"Of great theoretical and practical importance". . . [Interesting to me.]

"While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to these questions". . . [An unsuccessful experiment but I still have to get it published.]

"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.]

"These results will be shown in a subsequent report". . . [I might get around to this sometime if I'm pushed.]

"The most reliable results are those obtained by Jones". . . [He was my graduate assistant.]

"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 occurs". . . [I don't understand it.]

"Correct within an order of magnitude". . . [Wrong]

"It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigations in this field". . . [This is a lousy paper, but so are all the others on this miserable topic.]

"Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to George Frink for valuable assistance". . . [Blotz did the work and Frink explained to me what it meant.]

"A careful analysis of obtainable data". . . [Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of beer.]

"It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"... [I don't understand it.]

"After additional study by my colleagues"... [ They don't understand it either.]

"It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"... [I quit.]

taken from under  Psychology Humor / Jokes

also see Psychology Jokes