How to Get More Writing Done for UWA Honours and Masters students

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of a cyclical approach to the research and writing process, rather than a linear one. It highlights that meeting milestones is crucial for structure and motivation, but it can also create a misconception that research is primarily about gathering information followed by a rush to write. The script suggests that the real challenge lies in translating ideas into language, a skill that can be honed through regular writing throughout the research journey. It encourages researchers to write early and often, allowing for reflection and the transformation of ideas into articulate text, which is an essential part of the research process.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ Research journeys are often structured with predetermined milestones set by educational institutions.
• 📝 Common milestones include choosing a topic, conducting a literature review, writing a proposal, designing experiments, collecting data, and submitting the final work.
• 🏁 Having clear milestones and deadlines helps maintain motivation and provides a structure for the research process.
• 🤔 Merely meeting milestones can create a misconception that research is mostly about gathering information and then hastily writing at the end.
• 📚 The most challenging aspect of research is translating ideas into written language, which is a complex and iterative process.
• ✍️ Regular writing throughout the research process is crucial for refining thoughts and transforming ideas into language.
• 💡 It's beneficial to have multiple opportunities to test and refine ideas before submitting them for review or examination.
• 🤷‍♂️ The standard approach often overlooks the need for ample time dedicated to both writing and contemplation.
• 🔁 Viewing the research process as cyclical rather than linear can be more effective, involving writing, thinking, reading, researching, and then writing some more.
• 👨‍🏫 Supervisors often advise students to 'write early and write often' to integrate writing into the research process from the beginning.
• 📈 Regular writing includes experimenting with writing, processing new information, and continuously working on expressing ideas in written form.

Q & A

What are the typical milestones in a research journey as described in the script?

The script outlines milestones such as choosing a topic, conducting a literature review, writing a proposal, designing experiments, collecting data or doing archival work, and finally writing and submitting the thesis or dissertation.

Why are these milestones important for researchers?

Milestones provide deadlines to work towards, offer a structured path to follow, and help keep researchers motivated throughout their research journey.

What misconception does the script suggest can arise from focusing solely on milestones?

Focusing only on milestones can give a false impression that the research and writing process mainly involves extensive research followed by a rush to complete all writing at the end.

What is identified as the most challenging task for researchers in the script?

The most difficult work for researchers is turning ideas into language, as noted by Anthony Paré.

How does the script suggest researchers refine their thinking?

The script suggests that researchers should engage in regular writing throughout the entire research process to refine their thinking.

What is the significance of testing ideas before submitting them for review or examination?

Testing ideas before submission allows researchers to refine and solidify their concepts, making them more robust and ready for critical evaluation.

Why is it important to allocate time for thinking in the research process?

Time for thinking is crucial because it allows researchers to process what they learn, reflect on their findings, and develop a deeper understanding of their subject matter.

How does the script recommend viewing the research process?

The script recommends viewing the research process not as a linear progression but as a cyclic one, with repeated phases of writing, thinking, reading, researching, and more writing.

What advice is commonly given by supervisors regarding writing in the research process?

Supervisors often advise to 'Write early and write often,' emphasizing the importance of integrating writing into every stage of the research process.

What does the script imply about the nature of written texts?

The script implies that written texts do not emerge fully formed but are crafted and composed through a process of transforming ideas into language.

What role does regular writing play in processing what a researcher learns?

Regular writing helps researchers experiment with their ideas, process new information, and transform their thoughts into coherent language, which is essential for effective communication of their research.