Research that leads the field in new directions is often more worthwhile than replications of existing research studies. Thoughtful educators give serious attention first to identifying interesting and worthwhile research questions and then to selecting the methods and techniques that best fit the nature of those questions. First, good researchers are cognizant of the personal biases and assumptions that underlie their inquiry and, to the extent that it is possible to do so, they make these biases and assumptions public. In reporting research results, the researcher should provide the reader with a clear sense of how the data were collected, what data were used to make interpretations, and how the data were analyzed. That is, the claims made and conclusions drawn should be justified in some acceptable way.
Originality is another quality that sets good research apart from other types.
An original study is not necessarily one that has never been done before. Rather, originality can also result from looking at an old question in a novel manner, i.e. using a new technique of analysis, synthesizing evidence in a different way, or providing a new interpretation for old data. The submitter, who is normally the presenting author, is the only person with whom ASM corresponds. Complete mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses for the presenting author must be given in the abstract submission. If you should relocate before the Undergraduate Microbiology Education Conference, you must provide ASM's Education Department with your address change.