Eps. 92 Pas Kali Bah - Judul atau Data Duluan?

Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Iransyah, a young statistician and lecturer from BPS North Sumatra, discusses the challenges of writing a thesis or dissertation. He shares insights on how students can overcome the stress and fear associated with research. Dr. Iransyah offers practical advice on choosing research topics, the importance of proper data collection, and the role of thesis advisors in guiding students. He also emphasizes the significance of persistence, backing up data, and maintaining a positive mindset to succeed in academic research.

Takeaways

• 😀 The fear and stress around writing a thesis is common among students, with some even feeling that their work is as simple as 'crispy chicken' instead of a serious academic task.
• 😀 A key challenge faced by students is the pressure to succeed and the mental blocks that come with it, which can hinder their focus and productivity.
• 😀 It's important for thesis advisors to guide students constructively, pointing out mistakes and offering solutions, rather than just marking corrections without providing context.
• 😀 File naming conventions for thesis revisions often lead to confusion, and it is suggested to use dates as part of the file name (e.g., 'revision_0909') for better organization.
• 😀 Backing up data is essential, as losing a laptop or hard drive could result in the loss of years' worth of work, emphasizing the importance of multiple backups.
• 😀 When starting a thesis, don't rush to choose a topic or title. Instead, focus on a subject you're interested in and study existing research to help refine your direction.
• 😀 Students should avoid picking a thesis topic before ensuring that sufficient data is available. Without data, the research process will face significant setbacks.
• 😀 Writing a thesis is easier when students first identify the variables they want to study, then look for data, rather than trying to create a topic first.
• 😀 The process of writing a thesis should start with gathering references and journals to inspire ideas, leading to the identification of variables and a clear research direction.
• 😀 Changing the mindset around thesis work is crucial. Students should view it as an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, focusing on the process rather than viewing it as a daunting task.

Q & A

What is the main challenge students face when writing their thesis (skripsi)?

The main challenge students face is the fear and stress related to writing their thesis, which can lead to mental blocks and difficulty focusing. This fear often makes the process seem overwhelming, as students worry whether they will be able to finish successfully.

How does the mindset about thesis writing affect students' performance?

A negative mindset about thesis writing, where it is seen as a daunting task, can prevent students from making progress. This mindset creates unnecessary stress and makes students overly sensitive to challenges, which negatively impacts their ability to focus and complete their work.

What is the role of the thesis advisor (Pembimbing) in the process of writing a thesis?

A thesis advisor plays a crucial role by guiding the student through the process. They should not only point out mistakes but also provide constructive feedback, such as suggesting improvements and helping the student understand where things went wrong. This support helps maintain the student's motivation and mental well-being.

Why is the habit of naming thesis files (e.g., 'revisi final fix') problematic?

Naming thesis files like 'revisi final fix' or 'revisi final fix fix' can cause confusion and make it difficult to track revisions over time. A better approach is to date the revisions (e.g., 'revisi 09/24'), which makes it easier to organize and avoid errors due to mismanagement of files.

What advice did Bang Ir give about backing up thesis data?

Bang Ir emphasized the importance of backing up thesis data on multiple devices or storage mediums. He shared a story about a friend who lost all their thesis work because it was stored on a single laptop, highlighting the need for regular backups to prevent such catastrophic data loss.

What is the recommended approach for starting a thesis or research project?

The recommended approach is to first explore a topic that genuinely interests you, without worrying about the exact title. Read several relevant journals to deepen your understanding, and only after gathering enough knowledge, proceed to define your research variables. The title and methodology should come after ensuring that data is available to support your research.

Why is it important to check the availability of data before finalizing a thesis title?

It is crucial to check the availability of data before finalizing a thesis title because selecting a title without understanding whether the necessary data is accessible can lead to wasted time and effort. If the required data is unavailable, the student may be forced to change their entire approach, leading to delays and frustration.

What is Bang Ir's advice for managing time and expectations while writing a thesis?

Bang Ir advises students to start thinking about their research topic early, even before they have the formal thesis proposal. This allows them to gradually accumulate knowledge and insights over time, which will make the thesis writing process smoother. Starting early also helps avoid rushing at the last minute.

How did Bang Ir manage to complete his S1, S2, and S3 degrees on time?

Bang Ir managed to complete his degrees on time by having a clear idea of the topics he wanted to research from the start. Throughout his studies, he continuously gathered references, discussed his ideas with his professors, and kept refining his approach. This allowed him to be prepared when the time came to write his thesis or dissertation.

How can students shift their perception of thesis writing from a stressful task to a more enjoyable experience?

Students can shift their perception by approaching the thesis as an opportunity to explore something they are passionate about. By focusing on the learning and discovery process rather than the fear of failure, they can enjoy the research process. It is also helpful to communicate openly with their advisors to receive constructive feedback that makes the work feel more manageable.