Smith, a chemistry graduate student, begins a laboratory research project. At the start, Smith discusses the project thoroughly with his thesis advisor, Prof. Johnson, who also provides relevant references for the student to read. Johnson, however, does not mention laboratory notebook practices.

Smith begins laboratory work and soon begins to obtain interesting results. Smith and Johnson discuss the results periodically, and Johnson’s interest increases. After about six months, at Johnson’s request, Smith begins to write up the results in the form of a preliminary draft for publication. The publication can later be expanded to make a thesis. In Smith’s draft, the raw data have been processed into graphs, tables, and text. Upon studying the draft, Johnson has a number of questions about the raw data and asks to see the Smith’s notebook. To his dismay, Johnson finds that no notebook exists; Smith has been keeping records on loose pieces of paper. The records are undated, and many can not be found at all.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS