title: Nonlogical factors in research: chance and serendipity.
abstract: Although successful biological research appears to be based on logical inference, on systematic accumulation of information, and on evaluation and hypothesis testing, many nonlogical, unpredictable factors may play an important role or even open new avenues of research. These may include emotional decisions, laboratory accidents, the impact of unanticipated external events, unplanned interactions with other scientists, and relationships with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Based on personal experiences, the impact of such nonlogical factors, if exploited fully, can be considerable.
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D012106:Research; D013850:Thinking