I TOTALLY agree with this! With mine, what originally started as a PhD in Criminology is fast becoming multi-disciplinary as I am borrowing methods, ideas, theories from Criminology, Sociology, Psychology and Education !! Making an original contribution to knowledge is the aim, and if that doesn't allow you to create a truly unique piece of research, then I don't know what would?!?!

Hey, just wanted to say you are not alone! myself, and so many other people i know currently working towards a PhD experience this day in day out!

I thought passing my transfer panel last week would give me the motivation and the drive to really crack on and get some good work going... but all ive managed to do is read some articles that are vaguely connected to my topic. Actually sitting and writing i find extremely difficult, and have always felt i need to be in the right frame of mind or mood... but lately it feels like these are never going to happen and i will be forever stuck in this limbo-land of half finished work!

I too am currently trying to find ways to move past this, and pretty much force myself to finish writing!

I have found speaking to others who have (recently) finished their PhDs helps - - as they all seem to say the same thing - - just get it finished to an ok standard, doesnt have to be extensive or perfect - - that can all come later when you have your dream job!

So sorry, other than that, no real tips from me, just someone saying that im experiencing this also and you are not alone :)

Just wondering what everyone's opinions are of this?

I am just going into my third year of full time phd study, over the past year i have been working as an hourly paid lecturer at my university, which i have thoroughly enjoyed and hoped that i could continue in september. However, as there is no guarantee of this position being renewed, and it only runs early october - June, i was hoping to get a more permanent / full time position.

i do exactly this with word! so much easier i find !

not sure if my personal experience will aid in your decision-making, but just wanted to share my experience...

I am a full time phd student in social sciences (criminology), and going into my 2nd year i felt entirely overwhelmed at the prospect of having to conduct fieldwork and data analysis (having never done so before). I asked around at my university, to see if i could get some experience.. one of my supervisors was working on a project, and had a full-time RA employed, conducting the qualitative data analysis for her. So i shadowed the RA, learning how to conduct thematic analysis of interview transcripts. It was just voluntary, work experience, but invaluable to my personal development and learning. The RA left, and so on the next project, i was offered the RA position, but only on a paid, but temporary 6 month contract. I am just coming towards the end of this temporary contract, and have been assured that going forward there are likely to be other opportunities for RA work.

I will admit, a few months ago, i was actually considering dropping out of my phd, and applying for a full time position as a RA... imposter syndrome and all that, anxiety and worry that the phd was too big a feat for me, and i was quite content in simply assisting someone else's project. I talked this over with my supervisor and she basically said i would be silly to give up the phd, and there would be plenty of opportunities once i had finished, should i want to continue with RA work.

Seems to me like it doesn't really matter at what point you are in your academic career, if something interests you, then go for it.

I normally use Word -- stick with what you know! And recently won an award for my poster!

Going into my 2nd year of phd study in criminology; focusing on the relationship between 'the family' and youth crime. Heavily immersed within the social constructionist framework, and very interested in the construction of certain terms and how it enables us to understand the complex relationship between 'the family' and youth crime. However, have been told I now need to be seriously thinking about how I intend to research this topic, and start working on my methodology chapter of my thesis.

Problem being - I have never conducted any fieldwork before (serious case of imposter syndrome going on right now!)

I would very much like to conduct focus groups as I think this could be an interesting way to discuss topics with young people, surrounding 'the family' and family life.

However, it feels like my tutor is trying to warn me away from this, and into individual interviews. Personally, I'd feel more comfortable in the focus group situation as I have skills applicable to this - having been a Scout leader for several years and having run group discussions with the young people age group (10-14) similar to that of my intended participants (10-17)

Any advice from people that have successfully conducted focus groups with young people on what could be considered sensitive topics?