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In a panic about finding participants
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Well I'm not sure where this panic and depression came from (again), but I feel it may have something to do with worrying about finding enough participants for my study. I'm trying to recruit a hard to reach population. Has anyone else had experience of this and what happened? Thanks :)

First publication
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Quote From HaloChanter:
Thanks tt_dan! Well I must admit, it was an 'interesting' introduction into the publication process. For the past two months I had virtually written it off as I hadn't heard anything for months on end after the R&R. I was moaning to my supervisor, and he suggested dropping them a very curteous line asking for a rough update. And walah - I received the formal acceptance.

Now I've gone from being very excited this morning, to be extremely anxious this afternoon about the world scrutinising my work - eek! But hey, I guess if you don't put yourself out there and hear what people think, then you can never improve your ideas, or on the other hand gain validation.

My supervisor is quite chuffed as I'm only half way through my PhD, so to have one in the bag feels great, especially for Humanities.

Thanks again.


Great news! :) When it comes to your viva too it will help to have something published already. I was moaning the other day that I have had no response from a journal for two weeks....but judging by your experience it can take them a while!

Supervisor presenting my paper at conference? - Help
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Quote From sam29:
If he/she is your supervisor then in my opinion it is his paper to. Anything I produce I consider my supervisors as co-authors whether they were involved directly or indirectly. Just my opinion though others will disagree with me. Remember it is in your supervisors best interests to see you do well so trust thier judgements and that they aren't out for themselves only


I disagree with this....unless the supervisor is a named author. If not, then it's the students work regardless if the supervisor has read it and offered feedback. I also do not see my supervisors as coauthors on anything other than what has been directed contributed to. A PhD is all about the student showing him/herself as becoming an independent researcher - so, when it comes to your viva and you have 4 papers published all with your supervisors names on I would be very suspicious the student has had too much 'help' or interference.

PhD interview
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Some I was asked were: Why have you chosen to/what led you to apply for this PhD? Can you explain your research experience? Do you have experience of recruiting participants and, if so, how did you go about it? For the PhD you have applied for, what methods do you envisage using? How will you keep youself motivated and on track? Tell us about your undergraduate research project.

Is it only me or...?
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The easiest way is to find recent journal articles relevant to what you want to study and check their limitations and future areas for research in the discussions. If you get 3 or 4 that were published in 2012 or even 2013 you could start to build up a picture of what is missing in the literature. That's what I did, was easy :)

Please Help Me in My Research by Filling a Questionnaire!
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Completed :) Good luck!

Working at home
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When I started my PhD I thought I would have to be there every day.....well I'm there once or twice a week and when at home I stay in bed a lot. I really miss the structure of proper employment. If you're inclined to be a lazy person (like me) then a PhD will bring the worst out in you lol! Having said that, it's also very isolating and depressing. I had depression most of last year and staying at home by mysef only made things worse, but it's a hard thing to kick. On a good note, I really enjoy my afternoon naps :)))

Hit a low period
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Thanks for your replies. I have to say I'm feeling much, much worse at the moment compared to when I last posted. I've been very low and have thoughts of killing myself, I know it's very serious now. I want to quit, but the thought of doing so and the shame/humiliation involved is overwhelming. I just want to crawl away and hide all day and think the PhD is causing a large part of these feelings. Guess I'm just not cut out for this.

Hit a low period
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Hi all.

Haven't posted for a long while, but I feel like I've hit a bad patch. You know, that time when you think what's the point of putting myself through this for a PhD? I'm panicking about not being able to find participants and also that the research methods I'm planning to use are all wrong :-( I'm one year in now and feel like I should be so much further along. Any words of encouragement and how you got through a similar time would be greatly appreciated (up)

Help. Financial worries. Not passed PhD 1st year and really worried.
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I really feel for you :( I have a feeling I may not pass either (dreadful year...ended up in hospital). It's such a shame you weren't given better supervision, and this is a failling of the university who has to take at least 50% of the blame for you not passing.

I used to work as a benefits advisor and there are many you can get! Get yourself down to your local citizens advice bureau asap or ring your local councils benefit advice line. Don't wait either as it can take a while for some benefits to start being paid.

Hope this helps. Please keep us updated on how you are.

A Magic Love Recipe...in a sense...
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Thank you for making me realise I'm a bunny boiler. I'll go be depressed now.

Decided to quit my PhD
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I really admire you for having the courage and strength to quit something you are not enjoying. I feel the same as you about my PhD at the moment but I'm too scared to quit even though I know it would be the best option.

What did you do in your first year of a PhD?
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Thanks for all your feedbacks :) Feels reassuring that I'm on target it seems!

What did you do in your first year of a PhD?
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Well I'm curious as to what other people did in their first year really(write any chapter, conduct studies....etc). I have my upgrade coming up which will mark the first full year of PhD study and I don't feel I have done much at all!

To do a PhD or not
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She clearly thinks you have a lot to offer as a PhD student so take the compliment :) But it is your life after all so do what you think will make you happiest. I'm doing a PhD right now and will not stay in academia at the end of it - i'm enjoying the process of it and learning more about myself and my abilities. I think a PhD can always be usful in other jobs/careers as it shows just how much dedication and commitment you can give to something - very desirable in todays job market!