I have also had my research in the media although in my case it was newspapers not tv.  I was very very fortunate that the research was described fairly well. I am also aware that this is not the case for the majority of researchers.  In fact, many researchers shy away from the media because the media twist/misinterpret research. In my area (psychology) there is also a lot of distain for people who appear on the tv (for example, as a big brother psychologist) so the academic community does not encourage others to promote their work.  So, a lot of the time it can be our fault that we're not communicating our research as well as we should do. Ben Goldacre writes really really well about this (and, as an added bonus, is very very yummy.  If anyone has his number, please do let me know!) and is well worth a read (and an ogle).

I'm 24, I would like to think that my PhD is just the very start of my career.

Take care

A

Oh! and cancel EVERYTHING for 8 days. literally. Then, on the 3rd of June, hand it in and go to the nearest pub/cafe/shop and get a massive glass of wine/disgustingly chocolatey cake/crazy beautiful thing you don't need (or preferably all). Then go home and sleep for a couple of days. After that, the next phase of your life starts!

Aodhán - from your other posting it looks like you have to do this for your thesis resubmission. Of course you can do it! You have very clear goals set out. Write exactly to those goals and don't change anything else!!!

Yes.

I know lots of medics who have gone on to PhD without an MSc. However, the ones who have done an MSc/MMed/MRes have found the whole process easier and submitted faster.

A

Hi All,

Thought you might be interested in this journalistic (i.e., no research!!) piece on Imposter Syndrome from this weeks Nature.

http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/2009/090521/full/nj7245-468a.html

Take care

A

When people bitch and moan to me about their jobs which they hate and they work long hours in (generally if they work past 5.30!!!) and say how lucky I am to just be a student I ask them why they are not doing a PhD. Seriously, if what we're doing is so great, why aren't they doing it? Normally they get all uncomfortable.

Generally though, I only get those kinds of comments from acquaintances. My friends just see it as a massive undertaking which means I cancel nights out at last minute once a month or so!

Try to stay calm!

A

I got a 2.1 (64 - so not very impressive) and a pass at MSc (again, really not impressive). I have a University studentship. I was told my enthusiasm got me the PhD.

There are hundreds of us with a less than impressive educational track record so don't even worry about getting a first. Especially as there's really not a lot you can do about it at the end of your final year! Go have some fun.

A

Only got two seconds to respond!!!

My friend who is very political in her philosophies thinks it's terrible not to do participant checking. I kind of agree but I don't do it because the way I analyse my focus groups attempts to contextualise and experiences can change hugely and therefore peoples opinions can change (I'm quite into phenomenological research).

So, don't worry too much if it's too much hard work. You just need to justify it and there's plenty out there written on it.

Take care

A

Hi Mathkitty

Congratulations for resurrecting the thread!

I'll try and check in a bit more again but I'm in data collection at the moment.  So, today, I will be finishing the quality assessment for my literature review, going for a swim, then heading towards my research site for data collection this afternoon.

A

Hi Mothlene,

I'm so sorry to hear about your horrible experience.

I had a similar experience although they weren't unpleasant to me and I felt all of the criticism was valid (to a point). The issue I took with my upgrade was that I was asked one question in the whole thing. A single question. And when I tried to answer someone else started talking. We left feeling that as the criticism was fairly mild and there was no real problem with the design of my phd I'd get upgraded. I didn't. I am currently in limbo (my original upgrade was March 08) waiting for them to actually read my THIRD revised upgrade report (which incidentally is 3 times the word limit for my department). The whole thing really really winds me up because the amendments they have asked for are so stupid and I've done them anyway. I've really jumped through hoops for them and then they add more to the amendments. All of my amendments are about what will make up my first chapter, the literature. So even though I'm half way through and all my data collection will be complete by July I am still technically registered as an MPhil student.

I'm not sure that my story is particularly helpful but I wanted to share with you that you're not alone. I'm here with you (although still a step behind as I haven't upgraded!) and I know at least one other person in the same situation as me. Once this ridiculous process is complete I will be raising the matter within the department as even the head of research degrees said to me that the guidelines just aren't comprehensive enough to deal with the MPhil. I suggest that you at least raise the issue of not being allowed to answer questions and defend your work.

Take care

A

Hi,

1) Not exactly the same situation as it was more of a mutual "splitting up" than "dumping" but my first supervisor has stepped back to become my third and a new primary supervisor stepped in (don't want to give too many details as it would definitely identify me).

2) I was massively gutted (so was he) when we finally realised that Prof A was going to have to step down. He does still work on my project in the form of helping me with my writing (but nothing to do with interpretation of results or dealing with data etc).

3) Is there any reason why you can't split up what your supervisors are responsible for? Prof A is my writing supervisor, Dr C (my new primary) is the research supervisor who deals with pretty much everything, Dr B deals with the shape of the thesis, the story I'm telling.

4) I can't really help you with this...sorry.

I want to add that the way your sup dealt with this was really insensitive and not very professional but try to move past it.

Take care

A

Hi,

For statistical knowledge I use Gravetter and Wallnau. Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences.

For SPSS I use the most AMAZING book. I really really can't recommend it enough. It takes you through tests step by step. Nicola Brace SPSS for Psychologists. I use the third edition which I bought in 2007 (after a PhD student recommended it to me for surviving my MSc). I would also recommend making friends with a lovely statistician and not worrying a huge amount about understanding the hardcore maths. Just try and get a feeling for what the tests do, why you use that test and the assumptions the data must meet.

Can't help with the structure of the thesis. Have read some but can't remember them.

Good luck.

A

I would try talking to either the International students officer at your university or Students Union. OR, try the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

What you're asking is a legal issue and although people on here may be able to help you it's more likely you need to talk to someone who can deal with the intricacies of your legal case.

Oo, and CAB don't charge as far as I am aware.

Good luck with the viva.

A

Hi,

As a way out it might be worth checking your department/uni regulations. At my Uni we're not allowed to submit before 2 years 9 months (if you do finish before this it has to sit on the shelf until the appropriate submission date comes around).

Good luck saying no.

A

p.s I suspect they will pull you up on your timetable in your upgrade.

I like to write to questions.

Ie.

What is the problem?
What do we already know about X?
Y? etc etc etc
What don't we know?
What do I aim to do?
How could I do it?
How will I do it?
Why will I do it like that?
What are the advantages of this technique?
What did I do?
Who did I do it with (participants/cells/etc etc etc)?
...continue for the rest of paper...

Remember to always think of it as a reader - i.e., what do you want to know when you're reading papers. Also, look at papers who have done similar things and consider using a similar structure to them.

Good luck

A