Review from previous edition This is an excellent book for learning how to approach the design of experimental and, indeed, observational work. It avoids the usual inclusion of statistical detail that turns many students off while retaining all the key issues that are necessary for planning studies that produce good science. I commend this book to all those who struggle to get students to think seriously about designing good scientific studies.

Higher Education Academy, Bioscience e-Journal, June 2006

I think it is splendid; it is the sort of short and concise text which students remember for a long time and which they hang on to long after the course is passed.

Bernt Walther, Department of Fisheries and Marine Biology, University of Bergen

A well-presented, clearly argued, concise and witty introduction to one of the most important topics in the life sciences.

Nick Royle, School of Biosciences, Exeter University