Things about a PhD nobody told you about | Laura Valadez-Martinez | TEDxLoughboroughU

Summary

The video script discusses the PhD journey, emphasizing challenges often overlooked, such as feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unmotivated. It highlights the importance of thinking time, leaving out unnecessary research, and finding motivation through small achievements. The speaker stresses the value of keeping a research diary, self-assurance, and staying connected with peers and supervisors to combat loneliness. Ultimately, there is no one correct way to complete a PhD, and it's about finding personal strategies to succeed. The video provides insightful advice for navigating the complexities of doctoral research.

Takeaways

• 🎓 There are 740,000 PhD students in Europe, which is 2 out of every 1,000 adults.
• 📚 A PhD is about mastering a topic deeply and producing a thesis, typically 100,000 words long.
• 🤔 It's common to feel stuck at times, whether with writing, methodology, or ideas. Thinking time and reflection are crucial.
• 📖 There's always more to read and research, but it's important to stay focused and leave irrelevant material behind.
• 💪 Motivation can wane during the long, arduous process of a PhD. Tiny progress, even in unrelated activities, helps maintain momentum.
• 📝 Keeping a research diary is vital for tracking decisions and avoiding confusion, especially in complex, data-heavy research.
• 🔍 Writing syntax for quantitative research ensures the work is reproducible and helps find errors.
• ❓ It's easy to question the relevance of your work, but self-assurance comes from reading original sources and staying updated on the field.
• 👥 PhDs can feel isolating, but connecting with colleagues, supervisors, and even simple things like plants helps combat loneliness.
• 🕒 There is no one right way to do a PhD — everyone finds their own rhythm and approach. It's important to shape the process to your style.

Q & A

What is a PhD and where does the term originate?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a process designed to master a specific topic of interest. The term originates from the Latin word meaning 'to teach' and the Greek phrase 'love of wisdom.'

What is typically involved in the PhD process?

The PhD process usually involves writing a proposal that includes research questions, methodology, and justification of importance. The candidate writes a thesis of about 100,000 words, works with a supervisor, publishes in academic journals, and defends their work before an examiner panel. Some countries also require teaching and coursework.

What is the first challenge mentioned in the script and how can it be addressed?

The first challenge is feeling 'stuck,' whether with ideas, methodology, or analysis. To overcome this, it's important to give yourself time to think and process what you've learned, as thinking and reading take time.

What does the speaker mean by 'there is more' in the context of a PhD?

The phrase 'there is more' refers to the overwhelming amount of research, books, and methods to explore. It emphasizes the importance of narrowing down your focus and leaving some things out, as trying to cover everything can lead to losing track of the original research question.

How can a PhD student deal with a lack of motivation?

A lack of motivation is common in long-term PhD projects. The speaker suggests recognizing small progress as a way to stay motivated. Tiny achievements, like finishing small tasks or pursuing hobbies outside academia, can give a sense of accomplishment and keep the student moving forward.

Why is keeping a research diary important during a PhD?

A research diary helps track decisions, changes in methodology, and variables used. This is important because PhD work can be extensive and complex, making it easy to forget why certain decisions were made. A diary helps maintain clarity and prevents confusion.

What is the significance of writing syntax in quantitative research?

Writing syntax is crucial in quantitative research as it helps keep track of data manipulation and ensures that analyses can be replicated. It also makes it easier to spot mistakes and refine the research process.

How should a PhD student handle doubts about the relevance of their research?

To overcome doubts about the relevance of their research, PhD students should focus on self-assurance. This can be achieved by reading original sources to gain deeper insights and staying updated through conferences and academic journals to ensure they are on the right track.

Why is loneliness a common issue in PhD studies, and how can students address it?

PhD work is often solitary, leading to feelings of loneliness. Students can address this by getting involved in their department, talking to colleagues and their supervisor, and maintaining connections with friends and family outside academia to stay grounded and supported.

Is there a 'right way' to do a PhD?

There is no single correct approach to completing a PhD. Every student must find their own working style, whether it's following strict office hours, working late at night, or taking weekends off. The process is personal and should be shaped to match individual preferences and interests.