Recent Updates Page 7 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Unknown's avatar

    minttyt 12:23 pm on March 7, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Power Analysis- Help 

    Hey all, this is the first time I am initiating a thread and it’s nice to know that there are other people sharing similar difficulties. So, I’ll get to the point. I am having some difficulties getting my head around statistics and methodology.

    I have read a lot of books and decided on my methods but the road-block is choosing the appropriate statistical test and the sample size. I am thinking about conducting survey with simple random method and then do regression analysis as it would be most suitable as per my research. But how do I do the power analysis and choose the sample size? How to I justify it? It’s really confusing to me.

     
    • davidbergeviin's avatar

      davidbergeviin 6:23 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey minttyt, I can understand how confusing it is to justify your research and statistical methods. If you want to select a sample size, then you can just find an online calculator for that. If you Google ‘online power/sample size calculator’ then you will find a whole load of different ones, so you should find one to suit!

    • terrywellch's avatar

      terrywellch 6:03 am on March 9, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I used an online power calculator, the one at
      http://www.danielsoper.com/statcalc/ and also the one at
      http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm.
      I was using it for a correlation sample size calculation, I’m not sure if it does sample sizes for every different kind of analysis.

    • minttyt's avatar

      minttyt 4:47 am on March 11, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Are these calculators efficient? And there’s no formula in it. I think if I use them, it won’t be that conclusive you know? Using a proper formula for the matter can be more valid. Can you refer me any book or paper regarding the same?

    • terrywellch's avatar

      terrywellch 11:42 am on March 14, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Sure, this is the first PDF I got on sample size formulas. Here’s the link:

      Click to access PD00600.pdf

      The formulas available on other sites are similar as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know any other books for calculating sample size, maybe you can ask your librarian? That might help

  • Unknown's avatar

    dolliejgandy 5:25 am on March 7, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Thesis Research Proposal- Corrections! 

    Hello everybody,
    I constructed my thesis research proposal on management related topic where I’ll be analysing the impact of new technologies and social networking on the customer’s relationship in hotel industries. But it needs to be corrected and I am in a desperate need for help!

    I have studied the background on the related topics.

    I have analysed the methods adopted by other researchers

    From the previous researches, I have estimated that technologies and social networking can strongly influence the CRM in hotel industries and they can be used to boost its growth

    The teachers who read my proposal said that the topic was below the standards of a PhD course. It lacked the critical analysis and a lot of studies have already analysed the impact of these two variables in the hotel industry. They asked me to present a better argument. Any advice on the matter would be sincerely appreciated. Thank You!

     
    • sophiaw740's avatar

      sophiaw740 5:47 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      What is your topic? Maybe they want something fancy? Try revising it. And the think the best way to present your literature review is in the form of a concept matrix. It is a tabular form of data that explains the concepts in a research and what all has been discovered by researchers on those concepts. It basically summarizes the complex aspects of knowledge that can be easily understood.

    • alexoliphaant's avatar

      alexoliphaant 11:51 am on March 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Critically analysing the previous study is essential to find the gap in that research domain. If your examiners are saying that there is no critical analysis and it means that you haven’t criticized the previous studies of your research domain. Well, it shouldn’t be that difficult. Read the literature again, point out their methods and then describe their limitations. Explain what where the researchers lack at, what methods would have been better implemented, stuff like that. And yeah, literature in matrix is quite effective. Good luck!

    • dolliejgandy's avatar

      dolliejgandy 6:11 am on March 9, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey thanks for the replies! My topic is “Internet technology and social media as tools in CRM.” I have read about concept matrix but can you critically analyse the previous studies in a matrix? I mean, aren’t we supposed to just present the concepts and the work done in those domains?

    • alexoliphaant's avatar

      alexoliphaant 11:49 am on March 10, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Of course you can critically analyse the literature review in the matrix form. The only difference that I feel in using matrix is that it’s more presentable. And your topic looks too broad, try to use words like “assessing impact” and “analysing”. Also, in which industry are you going to study these tools? Mention the name! The topic should be precise yet give elaborative!

  • Unknown's avatar

    brunoperryblog 12:12 pm on February 22, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Literature Review Stuck-Up 

    I am in a PhD program and can’t seem to write a literature review! It’s been 7 months since I enrolled in this program and maybe I am new at this, that’s why I can’t get it. But I am fed up! After selecting my topic and extensively reading different papers related to my field, I am told to prepare a draft on literature review (which I heard for the first time). My self-righteous guide didn’t bother to explain how to write an LR or what the heck that is! All I got to know from here and there was that, you write about other researches.

    Failure 1: I just took the abstract of other research papers and simply ‘put’ them in my draft, which was a super failure, no doubt.

    Failure 2: I re-wrote the abstracts (pretty stupid of me for which I got to hear my guide’s bickering for two painful hours!!).

    Failure 3: I included more references and instead of writing in paragraphs about one research, I wrote in sentences. For example, Mr. X stated this, Mr. Y stated that (advised by my guide and still the sicko rejected it).

    Failure 4: I divided the literature review into sections and did a little bit more explaining (my smart-ass guide wanted a critical analysis, without explaining it to me!!).

    Failure 5: So, I revised the document according to the ‘critical analysis’ and still got rejected!

    Why? Because now, that imbecile wants me to make a concept matrix and also, he wasn’t satisfied with my critical analysis! What the heck is a concept matrix? I am so damn tired of making revisions! What do I do?

     
    • davidbergeviin's avatar

      davidbergeviin 6:08 am on February 26, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am so sorry to hear this. Some advisors are just non-cooperative and yours is ‘stupid’, I guess. He should just tell you what he wants, instead of moving you around. Anyways, have you identified the different theories from your literature review?

    • brunoperryblog's avatar

      brunoperryblog 10:27 am on March 1, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Theories as in the findings of the researchers? What they proposed? That’s what you mean by theories, right?

    • davidbergeviin's avatar

      davidbergeviin 6:11 am on March 2, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Well, concept matrix is a way to present your literature review by displaying the different concepts interpreted by different researchers! For example, your research topic is something like, “evaluating the impact of social media on CRM”, a possible concept can be “social media has a positive impact on CRM”, then you need to present the ideas and methods that the other researchers have applied to evaluate the positive impact of social media on CRM. It has to be in a tabular form. I think I am unable to clearly explain it you, so have a look at the following link of a pdf. It might help:

      Click to access D-2008-10.pdf

    • robertmaxeey's avatar

      robertmaxeey 11:28 am on March 3, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I think your problem is your supervisor and not the literature review! And it’s the most common problem that we all share. Try making him understand, don’t just listen to him and make the corrections. If he has stretched your LR for this long, god only knows what he’ll do when you move onto research methodology!

    • brunoperryblog's avatar

      brunoperryblog 8:43 am on March 4, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I know that the problem is my overcritical supervisor, but that is something I can’t solve. So I abide by his rules, after all, he got my marks.

      @davidbergeviin what I learnt is that I need to identify the concepts from my research and write the discoveries of other researchers on those concepts. I did accordingly and mailed it to my supervisor. I hope he finally approves.

  • Unknown's avatar

    tappedward 12:11 pm on February 10, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    How research examiners go about examining a thesis? 

    Hey all! I am pursuing my PhD in Environmental and resource economics from Ohio State University, in Columbus, United States. I am at the last stage of my course. I submitted my thesis 3 months ago and I am waiting for my viva now and I am pretty nervous about my thesis too.

    • What if they reject my work?
    • How do the examiners make decision?
    • What ‘weight’ do they give?

    So, yeah, I am pretty curious and writing to simply ‘know more’!

     
    • sharonbaneey1's avatar

      sharonbaneey1 9:15 am on February 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Well, I don’t know about your university policies, but in mine, external examiners are appointed to review our thesis. They are also provided with guidelines to help them review but I don’t really thing they do so. Who has the time to go through all the pages? They usually concentrate on the abstract, methods used, findings and conclusion, at least my guide does.

      But really, you should concentrate more on your viva. Sometimes if your viva is good, then you place a good impression on the examiners and they might not ‘critically’ review your thesis.

    • davidm34's avatar

      davidm34 11:05 am on February 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Go through your institution policies and practices. They all vary!

    • tappedward's avatar

      tappedward 7:07 am on February 13, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      My examiners are external and my supervisor says that thy focus on the findings of the research and how much it contributes to your domain. That’s about all I know.

      @sharonbaneey1 How should I prepare my viva?

    • sharonbaneey1's avatar

      sharonbaneey1 9:47 am on February 13, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Well, you need to be the’ expert in the room’ on your research topic. For that, re-read your thesis and keep track of all the latest technologies or new in your area of research. Be up to date with all the research papers that are being published since you have submitted your thesis and gain the additional knowledge.

    • terrywellch's avatar

      terrywellch 10:49 am on February 15, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      The examiners are usually chosen on the basis of their expertise in the field of your research work. As it’s basically about impressing them, study their contribution in the field. You’ll get to know about their knowledge and anyways, the papers written by them will be related to your field, so it won’t be a waste of time.

    • robertmaxeey's avatar

      robertmaxeey 11:51 am on February 15, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      When I was in my viva, the examiners were totally onto me, they asked everything man. And not just asking, they literally probed on everything I said or ‘didn’t say’. Like they asked the limitations of my study and I only mentioned the usual ‘time constraint’ and what a mistake it was!! They counted off every single limitation there could be in this world! why did you choose this method, how will you justify it, why didn’t you go with this approach? The 1-hour-exhausting-frustrating-bite-my-nails viva killed me, but I did pass, though not with good marks :(. Anyhow, it was a relief, pheww!

      What I understand is that, it all depends upon the state of mind the examiner is in! A piece of advice: Viva is about defending your thesis or dissertation, so carefully consider what and how you are going to defend and what you will concede to. Also, don’t hide your limitations, like never!

    • tappedward's avatar

      tappedward 6:06 am on February 17, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @Robertmaxeey Sorry to hear about your marks. Other than thoroughly reading my research, what else can I do to impress my examiners?

    • robertmaxeey's avatar

      robertmaxeey 11:11 am on February 17, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Focus on your contributions, practice on how you will explain them in a clear manner. Don’t be silent, and you’ll be good to go. And yeah, try to have fun, the moment won’t last for long!

  • Unknown's avatar

    alexoliphaant 11:17 am on February 2, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Write-up Paralyses 

    I wanted to ask for some advice on the process of dissertation writing. With my engagement, marriage and lots of travelling during my environmental PhD, I have only written 10 new pages this entire semester! I am certain my University is going to kick me out if I don’t complete my dissertation before May of 2016!

    My dissertation has six chapters namely, introduction, literature review, research methodology, analysis, results and discussion, conclusion. I am done with the first and second chapter and have been writing research methodology for as long as I remember! I can’t seem to figure out the problem, maybe it’s due to so many interruptions, with my marriage and all. But now, when I sit down to write, I am blank, like I am so tensed, I can’t even write! Is it normal to get struck by a paralyzing writing anxiety?

    If anyone has a similar kind of problem with writing and could advise me on the same, I would really appreciate it!

     
    • sophiaw740's avatar

      sophiaw740 4:58 am on February 3, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, I am writing up too! Although I am not facing the kind of problem you are but maybe I can help you get out of this writer’s block. But first, tell me, do you submit individual chapters or the complete draft to your supervisor? Because if you submit chapter-wise then it will take more time as the supervisors usually takes time to check.

      I think you are really stressed due to the time-constraint issue, and that is what making you restless and anxious and thus interrupting your writing! Well, you got nearly 4 months to complete your dissertation and I think it’s doable! So, first relax, talk to your supervisor and I am sure it’ll all work out.

    • alexoliphaant's avatar

      alexoliphaant 10:09 am on February 3, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Sophiaw740, I have to submit my dissertation chapter-wise. My supervisor is neutral, I mean she’s neither strict nor lenient, and I don’t even think she reads my chapters, so that’s not an issue. But, yes, time maybe as I am unable to write and I have limited time.

    • davidbergeviin's avatar

      davidbergeviin 4:32 am on February 4, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I am not officially writing up but soon I’ll sail in the same boat 🙂

      I have heard that writing is quite overwhelming and so I have been preparing for it. I am reading this book, ‘How to write a better thesis’ by David Evans and it’s really encouraging. The author has pointed out interesting tips for every phase of a thesis, such how to go on with abstract, what to include, what to exclude, different styles of writing, writing in chunks etc. You can refer to this book to get out of this ‘stuck-up’ phase, it’s easily available on Amazon.

    • alexoliphaant's avatar

      alexoliphaant 12:28 pm on February 5, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks for the responses guys. @davidbergeviin the book is too costly and funding is also a concern for me. Will the funding stop if I am unable to complete my dissertation on time?

    • davidbergeviin's avatar

      davidbergeviin 6:33 am on February 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I don’t really know much about funding, I guess it depends upon the scheme you took. If you have any doubts then clear them before hand, but funding or not, completing dissertation on time is crucial you know, at least for better marks!

      If book is out of the question, you can always find few tips on writing or how to write on internet. I came across few blogs the other day, about thesis writing, pointing out some tools that can be used. Check them out at:

      http://www.phdthesiswriters.com/write-your-phd-thesis-in-2-months/
      https://www.thesispal.com/blog/5-tips-for-masters-thesis-writing/

      I hope, they are of some use! Good luck to you!

  • Unknown's avatar

    davidm34 10:59 am on January 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    Editor for APA formatting of my thesis 

    Research is difficult, true, but formatting makes me run for the hills! I am currently in 3rd year of my EdD programme and finding it really difficult to format my thesis according to the APA guidelines. I have tried doing it myself, I have tried influencing my friends into doing it, I have ‘begged’ my advisor to help me out, but well ‘she’s busy’ and so are my friends. So, I am trying to look for editors that can solve my problem, but again, whom should I trust? I would really appreciate if someone could refer an editing service that is ethical and reliable.

     
    • sophiaw740's avatar

      sophiaw740 12:48 pm on January 14, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey David, I can understand what you must be going through. My thesis even got rejected due to formatting issues. I had to format my thesis in MLA format and it was completely out of my hand. So I too started looking for a formatting service. There are tons available online! But, you need to be aware of fabricated companies. I opted for online formatting services of 24×7 Editing and it turned out to be great! They took 3 days and I was good to go! I am sure they have editors who can format your document in several writing styles. You can contact them at: contact@24x7editing.com

    • robertmaxeey's avatar

      robertmaxeey 12:43 pm on January 27, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, why don’t you opt for the formatting services of “Edit n Publish”? Let me share with you my experience. A year back, I was stuck with my thesis due to poor layout and structure. My university was quite strict about the thesis presentation. The deadline to submit my thesis was close that I had no option, but to find an editor. What did I found? Countless formatting and editing websites on the internet! Identifying a genuine one was a task in itself. Like you, I didn’t trust these online services. What if they took my money and didn’t do the proper work?
      Here’s what I did, I consulted my seniors! You see, like so many online services, there are a lot of stuck ups like us too! So, I consulted with my seniors who also opted for editing or formatting services. That’s what led me to Edit n Publish and this is me advising you to trust your thesis with them! They formatted my thesis on time and there prices were reasonable too depending on the length of your thesis. I would highly recommend them. You can check out their website to know more: http://www.editnpublish.com/

    • davidm34's avatar

      davidm34 12:41 pm on February 1, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      @robertmaxeey Whom should I contact in Edit n Publish? How many days will they take to complete my work? And what if they didn’t do my work properly? Will they refund my money?

  • Unknown's avatar

    adamflindeers 9:45 am on January 6, 2016 Permalink | Reply  

    My Messed Up Research Proposal!! 

    I have made a mess of my research proposal and have no idea of how to make it right! Let me start it from The Start. I enrolled in a PhD program and chose a topic “Performance analysis of an inventive, efficient synchronization algorithm for distributed MIMO-OFDM based communication systems”. When I selected this topic, I didn’t really give it much thought and assumed that I’ll deal with it when the time comes. Pretty careless of me, true, but now the time has come and gone! I am stuck in the middle of my proposal because the point is, I don’t know what to PROPOSE! I have the existing literature, I know the shortcomings in this area but I don’t know a way out!! I don’t know how to build an algorithm that can be more productive and better than the others. So, what should I write in my methodology when I don’t know what to do? I probably have a week’s time to solve this riddle! Please Help!!

     
    • sharonbaneey1's avatar

      sharonbaneey1 4:58 am on January 8, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey! First of all, stop panicking as there is always a loophole. What I can understand is that you’re falling short of ideas. Well, how about, you pick any random algorithm and just change a part of it. For example, you pick up a well-known synchronization algorithm and propose to change the routing mechanism of that algorithm to make it more effective. It’s not necessary to build an entirely new algorithm; even small changes can make a huge difference. A proposal need not to be perfect, you can change your proposed methodology later if your solution seems infeasible. So relax and Good luck!

    • terrywellch's avatar

      terrywellch 6:22 am on January 11, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      I too faced some problems with my research proposal. It got rejected the first time and I was really disappointed, but then, I came up with an idea. Here’s what I did. I was literally on to my supervisor. I used to go to her daily and discuss every-single-doubt I had, I showed here every-single-changes I made. She was tired of me, true, but impressed by my efforts. My proposal got accepted the second time. I am not an expert, but your supervisor plays the most crucial role in your research, so I think you should seek his/her help. Maybe he/she can ‘propose’ something and get you out from the mess! And if your supervisor is not available then you can look up to anyone that can help you, even your parents.

    • adamflindeers's avatar

      adamflindeers 11:01 am on January 12, 2016 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Terry, I like your advice and I am working on it. I went to my guide yesterday and today also. I think he appreciates my efforts, maybe he can help me out!

  • Unknown's avatar

    morry1 7:50 am on November 17, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    How to handle your supervisor? 

    Can anyone help me regarding my Concept paper which is taking toll on me? I have this huge task of getting my concept paper approved by my supervisor, but somehow the guy doesn’t seem to understand that I am tired of taking reviews on it. Though he is very cooperative but whenever I present my concept paper with revisions, the only remark I get is that you should not beat around the bush. I am stuck in a very disappointing situation. Either it’s me who is a complete bimbo or him. Can anyone of you offer me a suggestion as to how to hit the spot and get through this challenge? Pls. suggest!

     
    • jackthomas01's avatar

      jackthomas01 6:28 am on November 24, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Morry, don’t get panicked. Even I was walking in your shoes last year when my supervisor didn’t seem to understand my situation. But then a friend of mine suggested me a strategy. He advised me to correct one section of dissertation in one go and then consult the guide if it is right or not. I used to interact regularly with my guide via skype chats. This strategy helped me and my supervisor get grasp of every section of my dissertation. I completed my dissertation by taking my guide into confidence and everything became a cakewalk for me.

    • Lucy Watson's avatar

      Lucy Watson 4:27 am on November 26, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      I think you should refer for some professional advice as well. You can refer to “dissertationpal.com” for seeking help on this issue. I got my concept paper written from them and they are really expert in providing work within the deadlines.

    • Michael's avatar

      Michael 10:56 am on November 27, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks very much Lucy. I was also looking for some help in this regard. I second you!!

    • morry1's avatar

      morry1 6:38 am on November 28, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey guys, thanks for all the suggestions. I am in constant contact with my supervisor now, I consult with him on every doubts and changes that I make, and it’s working!! He’s still critical but well, its better. So, Jack, your technique kinda works. Thanks!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Rosaline 11:10 am on October 24, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    Query regarding APA formatting 

    Hi, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in “Medical Waste Management in Florida”. I have written my dissertation and submitted it 2 times to my chair but always faced rejection. The major issue of my rejection is APA formatting. No matter what I do, I am not getting the format right. I have read several guidelines and online tutorials to understand the formatting but still I seem to miss on something. I am afraid I’ll fall into the ABD category!! I also thought about hiring an editor, but I am not too confident about their reliability and confidentiality. Can anyone please suggest as to what I should do to come out of this situation???

     
    • Thomas's avatar

      Thomas 10:15 am on October 28, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      When I was writing my dissertation I faced trouble in formatting the references. I am sure that you are aware of the two forms of referencing. One is known as in-text citations wherein the sources of information are mentioned in brief in the text of the dissertation. Second form is reference list which is found at the end of the publication. This list provides full bibliographic information of each source cited in the text.
      To get the referencing right I searched for some freeware software programs available for referencing. At the end, I used “citethisforme.com”. Using such online free software made my job convenient and saved a lot of time. It did wonders for me and I hope this will work for you as well.

      • Rosaline's avatar

        ritawatson1 5:33 am on October 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply

        Hey Thomas, the site recommended by you was really helpful. The reference section of my dissertation is now according to APA format. Can you please suggest any other free service for formatting tables and figures?

    • Steve's avatar

      Steve 9:09 am on October 29, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      APA formatting is not just about the references, but title page, abstract, main Body, and then at the end appears the references. I can know what u must be going through, as I have also suffered the same burns. I would recommend you to take some help from http://www.24x7editing.com/APA_formatting.html. They provide amazing services and within the promised deadline. M sure u won’t have to seek help any further once you reach them and the best part is that your work would also remain confidential.

    • Rosaline's avatar

      ritawatson1 4:57 am on November 7, 2015 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Steve, I would like to thank you for directing me towards 24X7editing. I was so stuck before; it made me sick. It’s been almost a week since I contacted them and now I have my APA FORMATTED thesis in my hand…!! Phew, its like I am on the surface again. They were quite understanding, and I am satisfied with their services. I have also given my edited thesis to my chair. Hopefully, it won’t come back now. Thanx again Steve!

  • Unknown's avatar

    Dr S Loretti 1:02 pm on March 31, 2015 Permalink | Reply  

    Your brain needs a break 

    Working consistently on your laptop for hours, struggling with drowsiness is not the solution to complete your research writing. The result won’t come out best even after putting your 100%. Because there is a limit to putting 100%. Your mind undergoes dormancy after a certain period of time , if you are focusing on the same thing for a longer time. You need some diversions. These diversions could be your favorite past time activities or even a short nap.

    Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty. Inculcate positive attitude. This requires a shift in perspective for those who are more naturally pessimistic. Problems are often a question of perspective. If you change your perspective, you may see your situation from a more positive point of view.”

    Good time management means quality work rather than quantity. Our long-hours culture is a well-known cause of workplace illness. Take some break for music, sports, going for a brisk walk, watching a movie or giving your best tweets.

    Have some “me time”. Keeping by all your thoughts of worry, relax, and think about your positive skills. Find out how can you overcome the obstacles instead of running on the unknown road aimlessly.

    Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and enabling you to deal with your problems more calmly.

    A problem shared is a problem halved. A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.

     

     

← Older posts

Newer posts →

c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel