Rhythms of Research

Rhythms of Research explores the intricacies of research methodology with a focus on improving threat detection, writing, information management, and communication in research. It emphasizes the importance of clear differentiation, structured thought, iterative processes, and narrative techniques to enhance effectiveness and fluency in research efforts.

Research Methodology Threat Detection Research Writing Information Management Research Communication Data Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Rhythms of Research

And their main takeaways

Thrunting Grounds

58 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Threat Detection Cybersecurity Forensics Network Security
  1. Not all observables listed in threat intel reporting should be labeled as 'IOCs', as many of them don't indicate compromise.
  2. The distinction between IOCs and non-IOCs in threat hunting can help make threat intel reports more actionable for organizations.
  3. Differentiating between internally-focused threat detection (IOCs) and externally-focused threat hunting (exothrunting) observables can enhance threat detection efforts.

Intelligence Failure in Threat Detection

19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Intelligence
  1. Analysis and operation both require prioritization, leading to risks of surprise and inadequate response
  2. Threat intelligence enables better prioritization to focus on effective detection and prevention efforts
  3. Compensate for risks of prioritization by asking hard, self-reflective questions about unlikely events

Achieving Research Fluency

58 implied HN points • 05 Feb 22
  1. Identifying questions and choosing methods are key in research fluency
  2. Fluent researchers work progressively, continuously revising and iterating
  3. Acquiring research habits like preparing and practicing lead to fluency over time

Tabular Thinking

39 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
  1. Thinking in tables can help with research habits like re-using good questions.
  2. Structuring knowledge in tables can help identify gaps and steer research.
  3. Representing information in different table formats can aid in understanding and adapting models.

Outlines

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
  1. An outline is a key tool for research writing, acting like a blueprint or recipe for the writer.
  2. An outline helps writers keep focus, organize content, and coordinate expectations in team writing.
  3. Good outlines should be iterated upon, have a linear flow, convey important messages, be minimalist, and use simple, clear language.
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Information Management

1 HN point • 05 Aug 22
  1. Using the concept of a Pokédex can help explain information management in research
  2. Good documentation in research allows for mutual learning, shared experience, and future recollection
  3. An ideal information management system should have essential features like formatting, references, search, tags, and optional features like tooltips, auto-summarization, and auto-analysis

Narrative in Research

0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 22
  1. Researchers need to actively shape perceptions by telling compelling narratives in their research work.
  2. Effective research communication involves making findings accessible and relevant to decision-makers.
  3. Utilize narrative techniques like ABT (And But Therefore) and Message Box framework to enhance storytelling in research communication.

Arrangements

0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
  1. Three main orders of presenting research findings are: chronology of discovery, chronology of occurrence, and logical foundation.
  2. Chronology of discovery involves presenting evidence and conclusions in the order they were arrived at during work.
  3. Logical foundation means organizing facts and conclusions in a way that makes them easiest to understand, regardless of chronology.

Querying in Research

0 implied HN points • 11 May 22
  1. Research and analysis involve querying various databases to find specific data and reach new conclusions.
  2. Improving query success can be done through orientation, intuition, creativity, common sense, organization, and data enrichment.
  3. Pivoting in querying involves continually adapting queries and goals based on what has been discovered to learn something interesting.

Informational Strata

0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
  1. Research products are structured in layers
  2. Differentiate between layers to separate fact from conjecture
  3. Qualify statements with confidence and probability descriptors