My thesis has become a nightmare that I am living, I cannot even concentrate on anything this thesis sucks all the time of my life. I just want to get done with it my guide keeps rejecting my thesis and I have become fed up with this whole process itself. I cannot understand what should […]
Continue reading My thesis has been rejected multiple times
Just a few days ago, I read a blog by a student from Walden University sharing his experience of being a research student. He scared the hell out of me saying that thesis defense is probably one of the toughest and challenging tasks if compared to other milestones in research. And every 10 out 50 […]
Continue reading What exactly happens during a thesis defense?
Hey guys! I am currently writing down my thesis statement but I am unable to articulate myself. I have written and discarded my draft for over 10 times. My research area is Euthanasia. Is it that my research topic is slightly controversial that I am unable to write a convincing thesis statement? I am unable […]
Continue reading Thesis Statement Writing Help!
If he is telling you that your thesis statement is not precise or crisp, it is possible that you might
be giving too many details of what exactly you mean. Please check if your thesis statement is not
merely a detailed chain of the research idea or problem you will deal with throughout the rest of
your paper. Examine the difference between these two thesis statements:
In this paper, I would like to discuss the relationship between the moral fables and early
childhood.
Moral fables narrated to the minds of young children play a significant role in shaping their
mindset during the childhood which further keeps on evolving until the teen age. Can you spot the crispest one? Instead of only making the statements in the introduction of your thesis, it would be more compelling if the idea you are dealing with is mentioned much before. For clarification of any doubt, you may contact me at [email protected]. I would readily help you out.
Agreed with Manette. You must avoid making simple statements using generic language. You must explain what you intend in apt words. You should never assume that this thing is obvious for the reader to understand your intentions. So, ensure that the choice of words and sentence structure clearly reflects the essence of your thesis.
Firstly, i would like to tell you, the topic that you have selected is good. It is unique and not so many people prefer to work on such area of research because it can sometimes be controversial and hard to defend. Since this will not be a problem with you because, you must have thoroughly gone through and well researched about your topic. This is definitely a plus point for you. One thing to be kept in mind while writing a thesis statement is, it should be clearly understandable by the readers. Do not include too many loops, keep it straightforward and crisp.
What I have understood from your question is, you are a bit skeptical about your topic that you have selected. That is why you are facing troubles in preparing your first proper draft of your thesis. In my suggestion, take a break of a day. Give time to your brain to freshen up and then start it afresh. I think, this technique will help you in jotting down your thesis statement. No need to panic. I hope you will do well.
Hi all. I have really a weird issue with my citations, and I don’t know where can I find an answer to it so here I am posting my question in the hope of getting the right advice. During the research, I found a very useful blog post by the student on a university blog […]
Continue reading Should I remove the invalid citation from reference list?
This would be called negligence from your supervisor’s part. He could have advised you earlier to be careful while citing internet-only sources, that means, the sources which are not available in print form and especially when you cite a blog post. These kinds of stuff you see are not considered carrying credible value. Even I can’t advise you upon this. Sorry, I think you must consult the doctoral committee!
Hit hard at the last moment? Lesser time, tons of work still pending…this is how the PhD life goes. Reviewing the literature will surely cost so dearly to you. Being said, delete the reference and the section where you put argument or information or simply a description addressing the citation. Try to substitute with some recent psychological theory or key findings, you can also replace it with some interview-like thing as in you consult a student and then discuss your research questions or something and then quote this interview. This is I guess the best option to go for. At this time, you need to find a reliable source and a strong evidence or theory.
You may get help in tracing the required citations and references from any professional. I found this US-based firm which can assist you in resolving the citation issues https://www.dissertationrevision.com/ . Go through the website once, you will find the required information!
No other option is available for you…you must remove it otherwise the integrity of your thesis would be under the radar of criticism. Try to find some other source similar to what earlier you got. As you said, your research is related to high school students and psychology, so perhaps you can go that university and get access to the student magazine or publications. At times, these are helpful because some of the student services actually raise the student-related issues that are faced by the student population in almost every sphere. Visit the university once, may be you find any solution over there.
I just started with my Ph.D this february. Unluckily, my supervisor ditched me and moved to the States. I don’t care, however. He was hardly of any help. No matter how much effort I used to put, I always got a poor feedback. I don’t regret poor feedback but if I’m doing something wrong, then […]
Continue reading Mentors and Supervisors
As you said, your previous supervisor criticised all your efforts, it’s better if you choose someone who gives you constructive criticism. Someone who helps you in rectifying errors. I guess that’s the most important thing. Rest it’s up to you because no matter what you’ll have to show patience with your supervisor. There’s no way of escaping it!’
I had the same problem. I still can’t imagine how I survived with him for 5 years. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky like you to get rid of him but fortunately I did manage to get done with my PhD. All credit goes to http://www.thesisclinic.co.uk/ to assist me all the way till the end. I think you should choose someone who is passionate about your research topic and is willing to go out of his way to help you out.
Shortlist some supervisors. Then ask some candidates who have been supervised by him previously. Ask them about their supervisors. What were their experiences? Were they helpful/crazy etc etc? This is the best way to make out who’s going to be worth it. Good Luck!
Hi, I need to make revisions in my thesis, which I am doing the second time now. I definitely made mistakes the first time and so my supervisor is quite pissed at me. No room for mistakes, he says. Anyways, I am used to his chitter-chatter, but I do want to make it right and […]
Continue reading DIY for correcting thesis
Thesis corrections is basically proofreading or editing the complete document. As you have done it before, maybe you left out the proper structural flow in your thesis. So I suggest you rather go through it all again, but, only after a break. See editing requires concentration and you can’t do that with a tired brain. So take a time off and do your editing chapter wise.
Hey all, I have been visiting this site quite often but I have never posted anything. I just wanted to share my concerns with someone, so here I am. Spoiler alert: this is a depressing post. I am a PhD student in 2nd year of research and I think I am hit by the ‘second […]
Continue reading Hit by PhD Blues
Well, it’s nothing new if you are feeling ‘second year blues’. The only advice I can come up with is Attend Workshops, Seminar or Conferences! Maybe if you meet other researchers and interact with them, you will feel motivated! We all experience isolation and lack of motivation in this world of academic research. So, you are not alone.
Don’t worry, it’ll all come out in the wash!
I can totally relate with that, although I started feeling demotivated in the first year itself. The thing is that our field is quite hectic, with lots of tensions. It’s full of rejections and complications and I got so worried that I was unable to work. At that point I didn’t know that the stress of work is the reason behind my ‘blues’. I didn’t work, I didn’t go out much, I was a lazy person and just fooled around, you know? My supervisor kept asking for updates and I always had some reasons to explain and ignore. This lack of determination made everything worse, the work got piled on and I started stressing out more. Even after that, I couldn’t concentrate. Things got really shitty, my supervisor called me up and literally threatened me that he’d get me out of the program! And as I didn’t work at all, I had no idea how to get on with my research, how to start. I had made my supervisor so angry that there was no point in asking for his help. In desperation, I started looking for an agency that would do my work. I got in contact with a guy named Brijesh and his company called Dolly Projects who took 30 thousand rupees from me to develop an algorithm and implement it on Matlab. Initially, it was a relief, as the work was off my back. But then, it turns out that the guy is as stupid as anybody can get. We came up with an algorithm together, all he had to do was write the code and implement and he couldn’t do that properly. Well, he has done something, but it’s not correct. Every time, I run the code, I get different results and simulations. I am pretty much stuck again, all the money wasted, he wouldn’t refund it. Anyway, I am starting to do it myself now, be it wrong, at least I have shown something to my supervisor.
Conclusion: Only you can help yourself!
That’s one hell of a story Maya, and not with a pleasant ending. I don’t want to go through that. Sure, I thought about hiring someone too but that’s not ethical, is it?
I don’t care if it’s ethical or not, as long as it keeps the tension at bay. It’s all about perspective. Any ways, I am not suggesting that you should do the same.
Hello everyone. This is the first time I am posting anything. The reason for this initiation is my exhausting, time consuming PhD and my swollen belly! So, I started my PhD in chemical science 3-4 years ago and I think I’ll complete it the next year, with the way things are going. I didn’t really […]
Continue reading Advice on write-up and pregnancy!
Hi Diana, the first thing I’d like to say is, DITTO! I am 5 months pregnant and I am writing up too. I can totally relate with your situation, though it’s a bit different from mine. For me, being pregnant was an obsession and I thought that the PhD time will be perfect as you don’t have to go daily for work (it’s less tiring than a job). I can have a baby, take care of it, and after few years look for a job.
I didn’t imagine the ‘exhaustion’ to be so ‘exhausting’ though. And the hormones, God, I feel like I am 18. I am pissed off on everything, crying on small things and taking a lot more tension that I need to take. I am gonna advice you (what I advise myself) that take deep breaths, eat chocolate cookies and relax. You won’t be able to concentrate on writing, until and unless your mind is at peace. And how can you fast-forward the whole process, is by taking help from a friend. I made my husband write the second chapter for me (in exchange of cooking breakfast for him, daily). Maybe you can get someone to write a portion of your thesis?
Hello Jillian, Thanks for replying. I am so glad that there is someone who can understand my situation.
I don’t think I can trust anyone with my thesis-writing. My friends do offer their help but they aren’t experts in my subject. Moreover, only I know my research, so how can anyone else write up for me?
I do all the relaxing things, and recently I have started writing on the kitchen counter, which seems to work. Good thing though, that my lab work is over, thank the gods for that!
I have had it enough!! I gave 4 years of my life to this blood sucking PhD program in the Faculty of Law and the only thing I got in return is 100,000 words of rejection! 4 years back I enrolled in the PhD program at Monash University, Australia. With freelancing (as my side work) […]
Continue reading What is a good thesis?
So your examiners said that your thesis is bad, but just rejecting your work on this basis is no reason at all. Your examiners must have given you some input about what’s wrong, right? What were their comments? Maybe if I know them, I can help you out.
Sure they gave me input. They told me that I am not able to explain at the end of a thesis what has actually been argued in the thesis. BULLSHIT! Which is why I went to argue and here’s what they had to say: “Your thesis is SLOPPY, MERELY DESCRIPTIVE and LACKING CONFIDENT!”
Well, that pretty much sucks! Let me first answer your question. So, what is a good thesis? It’s a report of work which others would want to read, a compelling story, an educative and original document. Now getting on to your thesis, maybe your research is good but lacks description in terms of simplicity? I am saying that because you are a writer and maybe you worked too much to make it perfect. And your perfection may seem sloppy to them. So, try to make it simple by using simple words. Also, you can make it more descriptive by using more references of peer-reviewed journals.
I wrote 100,000 words! It is VERY MUCH DESCRIPTIVE! I don’t even think they have the time to even read the WHOLE document.
Hey, you are right, the examiners don’t just sit and read the whole document. My guide was friendly and he told me that most of the examiners just read your abstract, conclusion and bits-and-pieces from here-and-there. So try working your abstract and initial paragraphs of each chapter of your thesis.
You can try these books and papers to write a confident thesis, maybe they’ll be helpful:
1. Gruba, P & Evans, D (2001) How to write a better thesis, University of Melbourne Press, Melbourne
2. Kamler, B & Thomson, P (2006) Helping Doctoral Students to Write, Routledge, New York
3. Winter, R, Griffiths, M & Green, K (2000) The ‘academic’ qualities of practice: what are the criteria for a practice based PhD?, Studies in Higher Education, 25, pp. 25 – 37
Hey PriyuPhD, you said that the examiners mostly read only the abstract and conclusion. How can you really say that? Do you know how they make decisions? What do they really want?
Well, there is no straight answer to that. In Australia, examination happens by external peer review. They are often sent guidelines according to which they review the thesis and make recommendations. However, it totally depends on the examiner and his perception.
My examiners pointed out few mistakes like the LR needs to be extended, things like that, and what I felt from their comments is that they didn’t really put much thought on it. I knew the limitations of my research and hell, I could have pointed loads of mistakes! Just make some prominent changes or hire an editor or someone who can help you out.
Adopt this magic formula for developing a distinctive stance within an existing conversation, upon which you can base your research. The steps are as given below: I. Enter a broader conversation or controversy II. Refute an argument III. Refine the argument contradicted above IV. Reveal a scientific research gap V. Present arguments or theories to […]
Continue reading Magic Formula for developing a thesis
Marie Grover 12:03 pm on September 13, 2017 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Without scaring you any further, I would clearly confirm that yes thesis defense is actually the toughest challenges during our research. Here in UK (I pursued my PhD in law from University of Southampton ), we usually have two vivas – one with an internal examiner and another with an external one. I am not sure whether the same format is followed in other universities or not. So, make sure you are well acquainted with the format of thesis defense in your university. It usually lasts between 30 mins to 45 mins. Do not over exceed this time limit. As your panel would have already read your thesis by this time, they wouldn’t be interested in a word by word reading session of your thesis. They would basically want a concise overview. You will have to justify your research and result findings in a Thesis Defense. No need to act defensive. Maintain a calm and neutral composure – Be confident and not arrogant. Good Luck! You would Do Well!
DonnyShinn38 1:06 am on September 15, 2017 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It happens to every PhD student. When I was at your place, I was guided well by my seniors. Before appearing for the defense, make sure you have read your thesis word by word thoroughly. Keep yourself well informed with all the aspects of your research. Prepare in advance for potential questions your panel might ask and come up with up convincing answers or counter questions. Your slide presentation should work perfectly without any glaring errors. Do have appropriate illustrations. Speak well because your panel would judge you on that too. Avoid any grammatical mistakes and speak in a formal tone – no slangs permitted. At the end, note down all the comments suggestions of your panel and revise your thesis accordingly. If research life is your vocation, thesis defense is not a big issue. So, make research your passion and you would automatically do well. Hope I answered well!
kristan1542 6:02 am on September 17, 2017 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I won’t lie to you. Thesis defense is actually a difficult task. It totally depends on your performance, how confidently you present your presentation and how thoroughly you are versed with your concepts. Just keep the following points in your mind while presenting, do not panic, go through your research work properly, do not give the external reviewers a chance to point out questions that you will not be able to answer. I hope you will do well and all the best.
abbiehrv20215 6:05 am on September 19, 2017 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi, hope you are doing well. I’ll keep my suggestion small and simple. Thesis defense is a nerve wracking task and take a lot of time to prepare it, but it is not an impossible one. Different universities have different ways of conducting it and accordingly the rules are designed. But one thing is common, you are given 30-45 minutes of time to present your whole research work and followed by question and answer round, where all the professors from different departments and external professors asks questions about your work.And if you are not able to answer it, then you are in trouble. But this situation will arise when you are not fully prepared. I would suggest, make your presentation interesting with graphics and present it with full enthusiasm. Nobody will dare to give you low marks. All the best pal.