The Unwritten Rules Of PhD Research

Description

Returning in its 3rd edition, this bestselling book on the process of PhD research provides friendly, engaging, and realistic advice on how to complete your doctorate. Updated throughout, the book will guide you through the basics as well as covering aspects that other books don't usually mention, including: • What a PhD is really about and how to do one well • How to decipher what your supervisor actually means by terms like 'good referencing' and 'clean research question' • How to design, report and defend your research The authors offer an accessible, down-to-earth, and insightful account of the whole PhD process. Their advice addresses how to avoid some of the pitfalls en route to a successful submission. Key features: • Thinking about your career from the outset of your PhD (rather than at the end) • Tips for “sniffing” a paper to make your reading quicker and more efficient • Understanding cultural differences in research • Networking for research success • Sensible guidelines for using social media in your research • Guidance on project management – especially important for part-time students The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research is essential reading for anyone considering a PhD, embarking on one, or stuck in the middle and unsure where to turn. It will tell you things many students wish someone had told them before they started. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Preface to the first edition What's new in this edition ? Acknowledgements 1 | So, what is a PhD? How to get the best from this book What is a PhD ? Cabinet-making - the PhD as a 'master piece' Cabinet-making skills Instrumental and expressive behaviour Necessary skills Criteria for a PhD: some reassurance 2 | The many shapes of the PhD Phases Waypoints Different models of study Different models of supervision Different models of theses The student contract 3 | PhDs as master pieces The dissertation (and viva) as master piece Independence does not mean isolation How skills are embodied in the research programme and dissertation Developing and documenting skills How to become an international researcher 4 | Supervision and project management The role of the supervisor The role of the student, or managing expectations Getting the most from supervisory meetings Effective debate Establishing a good relationship Prevention is better than cure Cardinal rules Strategies for when things go wrong Project management 5 | Networks and networking Building a network Tools for networking First contact – cold calls Social media Opportunities via social media People you should remember to include in your network 6 | Reading and sense-making Why read? The need to read critically Finding the right references: where do I start? Review articles Not all resources are created equal Online searching Other sources of information ‘Sniffing’ a paper When have I read enough? Organising the literature Using material from the literature Keeping an annotated bibliography Enjoy reading 7 | Paper types Data-driven papers Methods papers Theoretical papers Consciousness-raising papers Agenda-setting papers Review papers Position papers Paper types: conclusion 8 | Research design Designing empirical studies: three key steps Methodology Types of research and research focus: machetesand magnifying glasses Ethics Tales of horror and how to avoid them The three ignoble truths (with apologies to the three noble truths) 9 | Critical thinking Research as a discourse The nature of critical thinking The role of theory Style, epistemology and rigour More about evidence Giving structure to thinking 10 | Writing structure and style Finding the plot Structural components of a dissertation Academic style: an example Academic style: sending signals Avoiding the wrong signals Dissertation FAQs Academic style: summary 11 | The process of writing Removing distractions Getting started on writing Surprising yourself Finding a focus Keeping going Obstacles Allow time for reflection, review and housekeeping 12 | Writing for publication Different forms of writing Journal papers as an example The submission and review process Authorship agreements 13 | Presentations Content Form First Impressions Other handy tips 14 | Conferences The conference process: a novice’s perspective The organisers’ viewpoint Miscellaneous good advice Getting the most out of networking at a conference 15 | The viva Stories of nasty surprises Behind the scenes The day of the viva Preparing yourself Handling revisions The viva: hints, lists and things to remember 16 | Sabotage and salvation: Or, developing habits for success Reputations Destructive habits Time, sensible planning and useful displacement activities Constructive habits Professional etiquette: respecting working relationships 17 | What next? Career goals Academia or elsewhere ? Academic career types Various other things Identifing opportunities Writing a CV Applications and cover letters Job interviews 18 | Closing thoughts Some useful terms Some further reading Index