Full Description
This book explores what a PhD is and the challenges and rewards of completing this journey. There is no one way to complete a doctorate but there are a number of wrong ways, like having your ego flattered into it or because you can t think of what else you would like to do. This book is about what is like to submit yourself to the process of doing a doctorate. It is about how is feels to be a research student; the elation, the guilt, the isolation, the self-doubt, the loneliness. It also describes the practical issues such as choosing a topic, finding funding, writing a research proposal, different methods of research, the literature review, academic writing, the question of truth in research, the relationship between student and supervisor, maintaining a clear focus, and the viva examination. Lucy Russell Accessible and well-written, this guide will be invaluable reading for anyone thinking about, embarking on or completing a PhD.
Contents
Introduction; Chapter 1: Can you write a prescription?; What is a PhD?; Why do a PhD?; Chapter 2: A penny for your thoughts; Writing a research proposal; Finding funding; Chapter 3: Pen to Paper; Writing your thesis; Writing for different audiences; Chapter 4: What is a 'paradigm'?; The language of The Academy; Chapter 5: Questions, questions... Does truth exist?; Can there ever be a completely objective piece of research?; Situating yourself in the research; Chapter 6: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?; Writing the methodology - it underpins the thesis, but do you write it as a 'map' to follow, or do you sketch where you've been when the journey is complete?; Chapter 7: Quiche and Boiled Cabbage; Letter writing, interviewing and transcribing; Chapter 8: Have you got 20:20 vision?; Maintaining a clear focus and avoiding blind alleys; The role of the supervisor; Chapter 9: Don't leave hostages to fortune; The Viva Voce.
