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  • matilda774 11:05 am on July 24, 2017 Permalink | Reply  

    How to write literature review chapter for thesis? 

    I have been searching and collecting references and resources for literature review chapter for past four weeks. My research is all about the stereotyping threats among the people belonging to age group of 20-35 years based in US. I visited the Michigan libraries to find reliable literature but because the topic is less explored, it lacks the adequate information. So, I have around 41 research papers only to study but I do not understand how I should write the review, shall I write the review author-wise or by the date of publication. My chair wants that I provide the research methodologies used by each of the authors I cite so I’m thinking to draft review of literature in tabular form which would keep each methodology or its relevancy sorted out. However, I don’t know if it would be a good idea or not. Help please!

     

    • Yusuf 6:53 am on August 25, 2017 Permalink | Reply

      I guess you should write literature review theoretically as well as in tabular form. Creating only a synthesized table alone would be much confusing because then there is no scope for explaining or criticizing the existing literature if needed. So, for that purpose only, I think you should write the review as per the publication dates as then you can actually describe the evolution of the knowledge or concepts discovered. Here is a good
      resource http://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/get-assistance/writing/specific-types-papers/writing-literature-review. This is a detailed guide using which you can conveniently draft review chapter.

    • Samantha 2:57 am on August 27, 2017 Permalink | Reply

      In my opinion, opt for both tabular as well as theoretical format. It is essential to take note of that your review ought not be just a portrayal of what others have published In the form of summaries, however should appear as a basic exchange, indicating knowledge of varying speculations and methodologies. It should be an amalgamation and analysis of the applicable published work, connected consistently to your own particular purpose and justification.

    • Zishan 11:59 am on August 28, 2017 Permalink | Reply

      According to me you should go for the tabular format. You can include different columns to highlight the pros and cons of the studies done. Reasoning being, it will save time of the reviewer and will give the better understanding about the work done in the past and the current area of study.

    • Ellis 6:02 am on September 1, 2017 Permalink | Reply

      In my suggestion, to make a literature review informative, analytical, it is necessary to identify the areas of controversy and help formulate questions that need further research. The most common method used is in the theoretical format. This goes for both primary research projects and secondary data analysis research projects. A good review is described by the author’s ability to assess and critically analyze the significant work in the field.

  • tappedward 11:26 am on March 15, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Rejected PhD Thesis! 

    Hello Everyone
    Last time I posted, I was waiting for my Viva. But unfortunately, my thesis got rejected so I got a lot more to worry about now.
    To put it broadly, the comments of the examiners were something like these:

    1. The hypothesis are not well supported by the literature
    2. Not well development of the questionnaire and research methods without the linkage of the literatures. There is no clear explanation of the sample size
    3. Chi square should not be used for ordinal or scale type data. Correlation test or regression should be used. The reliability tests should be detailed
    4. Conclusion is fairly formed but due to the hypothesis the value of this chapter is low

    Now what do I do? I am so worried, I can’t even sleep. I can do the corrections, yes, but the analysis? I can’t do that all again. I really need some advice now.

     

    • sharonbaneey1 7:12 am on March 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Sorry to hear that, but its kinda normal. There are only few who get it all ‘right’ in the first go. Just do whatever you can, and talk to your professor or supervisor about what should be done of the analysis part. I think u’ll have to redo it all again as the comments clearly state that Chi-square test is wrong. How much do you have to make the corrections?

    • dolliejgandy 9:31 am on March 18, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am so demotivated due to my rejected proposal, I can only imagine what you must be going through! We got no option, but to research and make the god damn corrections. Though, I am planning to take a professional help.
      Good luck to you!

    • tappedward 5:27 am on March 23, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @dolliejgandy Are professional services trust-able? Whom are you referring to?

    • dolliejgandy 8:00 am on March 28, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @tappedward: I haven’t consulted a professional yet, I am still looking for a trustable one as there are so many online services available. Though, I have heard about Dissertation India from a friend who opted for an editing service and he claimed that the work is pretty decent. So, I will interact with them and only after going through their policies will I think about hiring them. Are you too looking for online help?

    • tappedward 6:15 am on April 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am making the possible changes but I am not confident about it. I am thinking of taking a professional editing service. It would be helpful if someone can suggest me a trustful editor.

  • Dr S Loretti 5:27 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    What next after PhD? “Horizons beyond academics” 

    What if research was your passion but academics is not? Is ending up as an academician the only possible destiny after a PhD?? Well, probably not. Here are some other avenues that you might want to explore if academics is not your cup of tea.

    1. Micro-business owner: you may sell a product or maybe a service. Of most importance will be your networking and communication skills if you wish to make it big in business. You may even think of helping out research graduates as a consultant. This might scratch the itch for doing meaningful work.

    2. Novelist: After your research, you will have mastered the art of writing. If you think fiction is where you belong, you can probably try out writing a novel. Your analytical abilities that you develop while researching will be an added advantage here.

    3. Politician : This avenue is particularly attractive when you have a taste for politics and serving public. The world has turned knowledge intensive and thus your expertise in a field is likely to be beneficial. You may even decide to work for a politician if not becoming one yourself.

    4. Public servant: Most public servants undertake a PhD to get promoted. The ability to read, write, analyze and teach that you acquire with your research are likely to help you climb the ladder of ranks rather quickly, because ultimately it will all add up to your efficiency. The only characteristic you need to possess is the commitment to work for the public.

    Let us know if we can add something to this list. We’d be glad to publish your opinions.

     

    • Lucas 5:35 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      I think becoming a freelance writer is also a good option. Writing you thesis will help you develop excellent writing writing skills. Why not write for a living?

    • V.Kumari 11:42 am on March 28, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      The post is just apt for those who usually find themselves asking question “what is the use of PhD”. I think PhD requires a lot of efforts from you from the point you start framing your title of research to submitting your thesis. Throughout this journey you not only explore solutions to problems but “how best you were at finding those solutions”. It helps you explore your skills, and gives a better understanding about the world around you. And knowledge never goes redundant. It always adds to qualities while facing day to day issues in life. In short it gives you a pragmatic approach towards life.

    • Hasmiq 6:26 am on March 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      I appreciate your post Dr.Loretti, academia is not the only avenue for a Ph.D. , till the time ph.D. gets completed, the scholar become mature enough to understand thy area of interest and accordingly move ahead with the career of own choice.
      Apart from the areas you specified, I would like to throw light on certain other areas that can be of interest to a scholar, and can help him look beyond academia.

      1. Research analyst: A research analyst basically gathers the information relevant to the company and then analyses and formulates in such a way that it is helpful for the company and is understandable as per the needs of business. A Ph.D. Scholar gets a great insight of analysing the things during his research, so this experience can be carried forward and used for a flourishing career of a research analyst.

      2. Consultant: A research scholar can very efficiently analyse the problem, find different techniques to resolve different parts of the problem and suggest best methods to solve the problems. This quality can be carried forward as a thriving career and can be very beneficial for both the individual and to the person he is providing his services to.

      3. Ph.D. Consultant: It is rightly said, knowledge increases by sharing. Pursuing ph.d. Equips an individual with deep knowledge of the subject of his research and also gifts them the hunger to learn new things everytime. This knowledge can bring a new option to them in context of choosing their career.Therefore, Becoming a subject matter expert and providing consulting services to the budding scholars as a freelancer is a very exciting and interesting career option.

  • Dr S Loretti 5:16 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    Beyond Supervisors 

    What to do when your supervisor doesn’t seem to be as supportive? who do you turn to?

    Your friends and colleagues are a good option and the recent trend is blogging! Why are blogs and forums so popular these days? Because they fill the void in a student-supervisor relationship. Here’s how online media can be your knight in a shining armor!

    1. Workable advice

    Online communities, forums and blogs are available 24×7 to solve all your practical questions. What should an RM look like? What statistical tool should you choose? How to start writing? and anything that is related to your PhD can be discussed on these platforms. While your supervisor may have other things to attend to and not be available all the time, you can reach out to these platforms for all sorts of help.

    2. Emotional Support

    Most students will not find it comfortable to discuss emotional issues with their supervisor and thus suffer silently. Mental health crises is common in PhD students. In times when you lack motivation or feel depressed, online platforms serve as the perfect agony aunt! Your issues and comments are anonymous and nobody will judge you. Rather, you are likely to get sound advice from people who’ve been there done that or who are facing similar challenges. You may freely discuss awkward questions, and issues beyond academics.

    3. An accompaniment, not a replacement

    While online platforms are enlightening, they cannot replace supervisors completely. Supervisors, ideally, are supposed to guide and mentor you. They are not exactly super-humans who would know everything and do everything right, but they are experienced, and most importantly, they’re human. Online communities may compliment the role of supervisors in a student’s life but not eliminate the need for!

     

    • Jeffary 5:40 am on March 30, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      It is a common case with most of us when we are in lack of positive support from our supervisors. But there are a number of assistance for you. Yes you can go through online forums, post your queries and get the suggestion. Ensure that you visit verified sources for help. Even there are so many blogs which can help you in steps how to proceed with your work. There are platforms which help you through visuals as well . like you may refer to wiki how and you tube.

  • Dr S Loretti 8:00 am on February 1, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    What is a “bad” thesis? 

    If you thesis has any of these elements, its probably a bad one and you are most likely to face rejection.

    1. A repetition of previously presented work.

    2. Inadequate or vague theoretical framework.

    3. A conclusion inconsistent with the introduction or vice-verse.

    4. Largely descriptive implying only a mere data collection exercise.

    5. A confused methodology.

    6. Absence of confidence and assurance in writing.

    7. A clumsy presentation.

    Absolutely avoid all of these to save yourself from rejection!

     

     

     

    • Cindy 5:30 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      My supervisor keeps telling me i lack expression in writing. How do i improve my writing? please help. I do not want my thesis to be rejected!

  • Dr S Loretti 12:03 pm on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    PhD scholarships : 5 places to focus 

    Here are 5 PhD scholarships to look out fr. They are from the around the world and have varying deadlines. Keep a track of each one if you’re aiming at a funded PhD.

    1. University of Otago, /new Zealand

    2. DFID (Department of International Development), United Kingdom

    3. Macquarie University, Australia

    4. Canadian universities, Canada

    5. University of Southern Queensland, Australia

    Check the eligibility conditions on the official website of each university. Most universities entertain foreign students but may limit the eligibility to nationals of certain specific countries. Most of them are available every year, so if you miss out the deadline this year you can probably aim atfor the next year.

     

  • davidm34 9:57 am on January 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    PhD stress? Sit down and relax! 

    Everybody makes mistakes. Things go wrong at times. After all we are all humans!
    Sometimes the mistake is obvious and you recognize it easily. But sometimes, the solution is not so apparent. What do you do then? give up? repeat the same steps?

    • TAKE TIME TO THINK

    Focus all your attention and think! This can be particularly difficult under stress and you may be tempted to waste your time away, but this is what you need to do. Slow down, spend some time with the problem and get back in action.

    • THINK TWICE

    Don’t rush for the solution that just came to your mind. This solution may only be one of the possibilities. There may be a good 2nd option, or a third! Immediately getting into action with the first possible solution may not be such a good idea however tempting it may seem.

    Happy researching fellow members!

     

    • Nathaniel 5:22 am on January 30, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      David, I am really stuck. I prepared my proposal and got it accepted from my supervisor. I mentioned i will collect primary data through a survey. Now i am not able to carry out that survey with HR managers since I am not getting access to such people. What do i do?? Seems like I’m back to square one!

      • davidm34 6:49 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink | Reply

        Nathaniel, don’t worry. You are not the only one encountering this issue. It is not uncommon to face such hurdles. Important is that you resolve it and don’t treat it as a roadblock.
        Prepare an alternative strategy that suits the proposed research objectives and make sure that the plan is well thought and workable. With a concrete plan in hand, see your supervisor. Explain to your supervisor about all the efforts you made to carry on as planned and why certain things could not work out. I am sure your supervisor is rational and understands how things work.
        Don’t panic and get down to work!

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