Transcript research methodology

“How to succeed in doing a PhD:
personal experiences”
A PhD is a journey of discovery & fun
Professor Ghassan Aouad
Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation
[email protected]
Sense of
Achievement
06/83
BSc
09/87 06/91 02/92
MSc PhD RF
Time
This is my life (TMP 14)
02/99
Chair
RID
05/03 08/06 07/08
HoS Dean PVC
http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/fe/watershd/mtgpresent/FE%20How%20to%20succeed%20as%20a%20PhD%2
0student%20(final%20version)_files/frame.htm
How to succeed
as a PhD student
Prof. Jeff McDonnell, Richardson Chair
College of Forestry, OSU (Oregon State University)
Perfectionists
•Ones with difficult personalities
•Ones who cannot take or handle criticism
•Non-creative
•Ones without the fire in the belly
•Ones lacking a sense of humor
Prof. Jeff McDonnell, Richardson Chair
College of Forestry, OSU
Why are you doing a PhD?
Is it for the title?
Do you like research/
academia?
Better future prospect
To support your
teaching
To get some
promotion
Out of curiosity
Funded project
To please your family
Forced to do it
What is your Strategy?
(Need to have an
overall picture)
Good PhDs
Reflections
(Amanda and Ghassan)
Robust Methodology
Clear aim, objectives, hypothesis,
research Questions
Good data collection and analysis
methods
Comprehensive literature review, Critical
Analysis
Well presented, Interesting findings
Strong Validation, Good reflections
Good use of appendices
Confidence, Other researchers will use
as a reference
Work already published
Good PhDs
•Original findings
•Appropriate structure of chapters (flow)
•Writing style (exciting)
•Evidence based
•Well scoped (focus)
•Intellectuality and creativity are evident
•Strong theoretical underpinnings
•Researching a phenomena
•Refereed journal papers as references
•Contribution to knowledge clearly described
Weak PhDs
• Weak methodology
• Ambiguity in defining the aim, objectives,
research questions
• Weak data collection and analysis
methods
• Superficial literature review
• Superficial analysis
• Badly presented (spelling)
• Findings are not clearly reported
• No validation
• No reflections
• Bad use of appendices
• Bad Performance at viva
Weak PhDs
•Arrogance and ignorance
•Other researchers will not use as a reference
•No publications before viva
•Predicted findings
•No structure (flow)
•No excitement in the writing style
•Opinion based (unsupported statements)
•No scope, all over the place
•No intellectuality or creativity
•Weak theoretical underpinnings
•Reporting on a piece of software
•Conference papers and reports
•Contribution to knowledge is not sufficiently
addressed
Start
Research
Process and
Milestones
Identification
of the PROBLEM
LITERATURE
REVIEW
(Information from Existing knowledge)
“THE GAP” and “THE RATIONALE OF RESEARCH”
What is your contribution to knowledge?
Definition of the
AIM
Establish
Objectives
and Hypothesis
Develop
Research Plan
Development of
model/
frame work / and Evaluation
Write up
Conclusion
Identification of
the research population
Identification of data
to be collected
Quantitative
Identification of means
of data collection
Questionnaires,
interviews, survey
Identification of means
of data analyses
Content analysis
Thematic analysis
NViVo or SPSS
Contribution to
existing knowledge
Contribution to
existing knowledge
Qualitative
Never give
up
Get
published
Keep
Reading
Get
organised
Focus
Mentoring
Relationship
with supervisor
Networking
Good
Methodology
Directions
Dealing with
problems
Rigour
Ownership
Encouragement
Think out of the
box
Key Findings
Defending
Your PhD
Passion (Determination, Self discipline
Motivation)
Preparation (problem
identification, develop
a strategy)
PhD Mock Viva
Publications
Polish and proof
read your thesis
The 9 (or 12)
Ps of PhD
Success
Productive relationship
with supervisor
Plenty of
Evidence and originality
(data collection,
analysis and validation)
Planning (time,
process map,
research map)
Philosophical
Stance
(Research
Methodology)
Published Literature
(especially Refereed Journals
theoretical underpinnings)
My PhD in a paragraph
My PhD covers an interesting topic, it has a clear rationale for doing
the research and a well defined focus. It is supported by strong
theoretical underpinnings through a critical and comprehensive literature review
and a robust research methodology. The research aim, objectives,
questions/hypotheses are well articulated and the research sample is representative.
The data collection, analysis and validation phases are comprehensive and
appropriate. My PhD is original and it makes a serious contribution to knowledge and
it has already been published in top rated refereed journals and conferences. It is
written in an exciting, flowing and convincing style and the conclusions clearly meet
the research objectives. I am proud of my PhD, not just because of the product
(thesis and title), but also because of the process (I am now a trained researcher).
My PhD opens many doors for me, it gave me confidence and strengthened my
analytical skills, it has also helped me to find a good job.
Good Methodology: Basic Definitions
Paradigm: “An integrated cluster of substantive concepts,
variables and problems attached with corresponding
methodological approaches and tools…”
Epistemology: one of the major branches of philosophy,
most often contrasted with ontology. Epistemology is
the study of how we know what we know. The branch of
philosophy that deals with the varieties, grounds, and
validity of knowledge.
(Thomas Kuhn, Wikipedia, Oxford English Dictionary)
Good Methodology: Basic Definitions
Ontology: derives from the Greek ‘ontos’ (‘being’ or ‘what
exists’) and ‘logos’ (‘rational account’ or ‘knowledge’).
From the philosophical perspective, ‘ontology’ is
synonymous with ‘metaphysics’ as classically
conceived. It is an account of being in the abstract’. The
science or study of being; that part of metaphysics
which relates to the nature or essence of being or
existence
Methodology: the science of methods. The branch of
knowledge that deals with method and its application in
a particular field. Also, the study of empirical research
or the techniques employed in it. A body of methods
used in a particular branch of study or activity
(Thomas Kuhn, Wikipedia, Oxford English Dictionary)
Good Methodology
We all bring (often implicit?!) assumptions and path
dependencies to our research!
What knowledge is – ontology
How we know it – epistemology
What values go into it – axiology
How we write about it – rhetoric
The process of studying it – methodology
(Sexton 2002)
Dimensions of research philosophy: Bringing it all
together! (Sexton, 2002)
Realism
Idealism
A commonly
An Idealism
unknowable
Realism
Interpretivism
Epistemology
experienced external
reality
perceived in
An unknowable
A
commonly
reality with predetermined
different
ways by in
reality perceived
Positivism
experienced
external
nature and
structure
individuals
different
ways by
A search for general reality with
predetermined
individuals
laws and cause-effect
nature and structure Ontology
relationships by
rational means
A search for explanations
of human action by
understanding the way
in which the world is
understood by individuals
Value neutral
Research is value
free
and objective
Value-biased
Research is valueladen and subjective
Locating some common methods
Positivism
Interpretivism
A search for explanations
of human action by
understanding the way
in which the world is
understood by individuals
Ontology
Epistemology
A search for general
laws and cause-effect
relationships by
rational means
Objectivist
approaches
Experiment
Case study
Action research
Ethnography
Subjectivist
approaches
http://www.documentingexcellence.com/stat_tool/reliabilityvalidity.htm
Personal Experiences from
some PhD holders
Some Stability
The 2nd 6
months
A lot of confusion
The first 6
months
The 2nd year
Good Productivity
Looking Back
The final year
+ few extra
months
Impatience
Anxiety
Confidence
My Own Experience
“DO”
Define a POA (plan of action) from day one!
Find a topic that you are really interested in
Work with your fellow PhD students
Work closely with your supervisor to get full support
Undertake a thorough and critical review of the literature
Present papers at conferences and publish in high quality
refereed journals so as to improve your writing skills and obtain
early critical comments from external reviewers and peers
Take over – PhD ownership is important
Write and keep on writing, it cements your thoughts
Reward yourself when significant milestones are achieved
Be confident (not arrogant)
“DO NOT”
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Prolong your PhD
Take long breaks ( it is difficult to start again)
Depend 100% on your supervisor
Be forced down a specific theme / methodology route just
to fit in with the supervisor's interests
Think the supervisor knows everything
Have poor time management
Lose focus or direction
Let any third party or your supervisor control your PhD
Plagiarise
Underestimate the writing up period
Ignore the importance of meeting your supervisor on a
regular basis
Take criticism negatively, but as a challenge!
Dr Bingunath Ingirige’s PhD Experience
“A PhD is 80% thinking and 20% doing” (May 2000)
YOU ARE SHOWING AN
IMPROVEMENT FROM LAST
TIME. BUT THERE IS A LOT
MORE TO DO!!!!
•
•
•
•
being self motivated, positive attitude
setting your
own deadlines
What
challenges?
being ruthless with yourself
continuous discussions with peers and
maintain their interest in your work
• get the supervisor interested in your work
• access to companies
Sometimes I felt ….
Doing really well
I am going nowhere
and my level of interest, enthusiasm, and
motivation
PhD requires a significant shift
in your thinking!!!
•Get the PhD thinking going!!!
Linking and Narrowing Down – The funnel
• Why ?
focus
• Why not ?
• How ?
• What ?
• So What ?
Achievement of major
milestones / major areas
Research Problem &
research
questions
Research hypothesis
/ hypotheses
Individual / company
access
to collect data
Analysis
Substantial completion
of field research
Level of resolution
Overall Methodology
Contribution to
knowledge
Substantial
Write up
Overheard…….
“Sometimes I feel, why I
started it in the first place”
Can’t do it any more.
Please give me the
doctorate!!!
But, look at the bright side….
Generally speaking success rate is
very high
 A good problem identification underpinned by
a sound methodology will take you through
 Concluding
Read books suchremarks
as “how to get a PhD”, quite
earlier on in your process – gain insights
 No ‘silver bullet’ – but commitment and
endurance
 Several alternative paths available
Dr Richard Haigh’ s
PhD experience
Snow White and the Seven
Ph.D.
Students
At first you’re Bashful and
Dopey.
Two years later you’re sick (Sneezy),
tired (Sleepy), and irritable (Grumpy).
Finally, everyone calls you
Doc, and then you’re Happy.
Motivation
“I’m going to
make a real
contribution to
science”
give me the
Doctorate”
“Why did I ever
start this?”
Time
Your supervisor
Your supervisor may be your “best” friend - your success
is their success !
Unlike marriage, they expect (and want) you to leave, to
see you stand on your own feet - more like children?
The dream supervisor…
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
A good knowledge of the topic in year one
Interested in your subject
Excellent knowledge of research methodology
Provides feedback timely, fast and consistently
Promotes their academic and publishing contacts
Agrees to meet frequently
Second supervisor offers an alternative perspective but is not
fundamentally opposed to the first
Friends
Publish
Reflection
Sharing
Application
Curiosity
Reading
Recognition
Vision
Trust
Confidence
Enlightenment
Knowledge
Network
(Prof Vian Ahmed’s
PhD Experience)
Be part of a community if you can
PhD
PhD
Outcomes
Methodology
Underpinning
Theory
Heart
Mind
“Research with Passion is the True
Ingredient to Success”
•Passion for reading around the subject
•Passion for learning
•Passion for applying concepts
•Passion for analysing
•Passion for publishing
•Passion for writing
•Passion for being critical
!!!!!Enjoy it!!!!!
Spot the PhD
Believing in ourselves
Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.
Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave,
eats a bread it does not harvest,
and drinks a wine that flows not from its own wine-press.
Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero,
and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.
Pity the nation that despises a passion in its dream,
yet submits in its awakening.
Pity the nation that rises not its voice save when it walks in a funeral
boasts not except among its ruins,
and will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.
Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox,
whose philosopher is a juggler,
and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.
Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting,
and farewells him with hooting,
only to welcome another with trumpeting again.
Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years
and whose strong men are yet in the cradle.
Pity the nation divided into fragments,
each fragment deeming itself a nation.
Pity the Nation, Kahlil Gibran - The Garden of the Prophet (1934)
Working with Joy
And what is it to work with love?
It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your
heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.
It is to build a house with affection, even as if your
beloved were to dwell in that house.
It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest
with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.
It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of
your own spirit.
And to know that all the blessed dead are standing about
you and watching.
And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it
is better that you should leave your work and sit at the
gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with
joy.
For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter
bread that feeds but half man's hunger.
And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge
distils a poison in the wine.
And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing,
you muffle man's ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.
Kahlil Gibran - The Prophet
Thank you for listening
Any questions?
[email protected]
•Presentation will be made available if needed
•Good luck with your PhDs
•Always remember that a PhD is an opportunity for
you to be trained as a researcher
•Always remember, that you are not alone, hundreds
of thousands of PhDs are in the same position