An investigator starts research in a new field with faith, a foggy idea, and a few wild experiments. Eventually the interplay of negative and positive results guides the work. By the time the research is completed, he or she knows how it should have been started and conducted.

Summary

This quote highlights the process of scientific investigation. It suggests that when embarking on a new research endeavor, investigators often start with a belief or a vague understanding of their field and conduct unconventional experiments. However, through a continuous interplay of negative and positive outcomes, they gradually refine their approach. By the end of the research, they gain a deep understanding of how the study should have been initiated and carried out from the beginning. It reflects the iterative and evolving nature of scientific exploration, where initial uncertainties are resolved through a process of learning and adaptation.

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