Hello all,

The more I think about my research, the more I feel like it is not worthy of a Phd. It is not filling a gap, nor challenging old assumptions. It is just about applying a hypothesis to a different geographical area to test the strength of this popular hypothesis. Plus, the fact that my supervisor is not an expert in the field, but knows somewhat about it, means that I am not getting a true picture of the worth of my research.
I am so scared of failing this!

Hello,


While casually talking to one of my supervisors, I learnt that they're conducting a new research and from the description, it is basically my thesis but applied to a different case study! I can't believe I was not thanked for having inspired this as it is quite obvious: it is not in their field of research, they have not focused on this before, but after having shared my ideas, the supervisor is doing something rather similar! I did not say anything when it was conferred to me, I was so shocked that it was casually dropped like that, without mentioning where the inspiration came from! I realise that because it is applied to a different case study, I cannot accuse them of plagiarism (and I have not published my research yet, but they will do it before me).
How to tackle this sensitive issue?I don't know what I want to achieve from this, but basically, I am mad that they will publish it before me, and I will look like I was the one who was inspired by my supervisor's research! Grrrrr....
Thanks

Hello,

I am about to begin the first draft of my first chapter, and guess what? I have not managed to write anything, but half a sentence since yesterday, when I decided to start writing.

I have a plan for my chapter, I roughly know what I want to say, but I cringe at the words I write! I think of something to write, then I tell myself that it is not of a good quality because it is rather superficial, and therefore, I delete and am left with a blank screen!

I have a deadline soon, but I can't seem to be able to write! I am scared! How to overcome this belief that everything I write is bad, and start writing?

Pjlu, I am worried because I wanted to use a particular method, but it is now looking like I won't be able to... Yet this is the method that my supervisor specialises in, and the reason why I chose him!

i did. I liked it, but not the fact that we are left in suspens as to what will happen.

Thanks for your messages.

Do you know why I am being lazy? Because I am soooo confused! When I feel like I have no idea where I am going in my research, I put off work. 4 months in, and I still have just a very rough idea of what I want to do! I still can't work out how to analyse what I want to analyse, where to get the data from, and what literature to read!

I want to cry! I think I need a meeting with my supevisor, but then I will look like I need too much guidance!

Hello all,

I feel like since I began my Phd since October, I have not been very serious with it. Is all lost? If I start from tonight onwards, can I make up for the lost time?
Thank you!

Hello all,

So I have finally settled on a topic and potential case studies a few months into my Phd.
BUT, whilst I have located the literature directly relevant to my research question, I am ignorant of most things.
I do not know much about:
-the geographical location I have chosen (I mean, the politics/history/societies/culture of the countries that comprise it). When I had the choice to study them as an undergrad and a postgrad, I was not interested in them yet.
- the language! Although I am taking classes and I am not a complete beginner.
- the broad field of my research (I am looking at a subset of this field, but of course, I have to learn about the other parts - it would simply not make sense otherwise).
-literature on fields related to mine (my research is a subset of a field which in itself is part of a much broader area of study).

I am panicking because there is no way I can read all these things! Even if I stick to the major theorists -there are so many things to cover!
I am considering spending the first year as just acquainting myself with these fields and producing my own comprehensive literature reviews of these fields. What do you think?


I am feeling like an ignorant person! My current knowledge is so superficial, it is unbelievable!

hello all,

I am in my first year Phd and I just realised just how poor my time-management is! I want to read, there motivation is there, BUT I feel like the 2/3 weeks deadline given to me by my supervisors is way too short to submit written material. I am a VERY slow reader and I am nowhere near done to submit my next piece for next week. I am so frustrated. They won't like the fact that I cannot stick to deadlines, but I simply cannot read a reasonable amount within their timescale.

Am I being too slow though? How much should I be expected to be able to read in a day? Is 3 journal articles a day too little?

Thanks.

Good evening everyone (if you are in the Uk, that is!)

I have been admitted onto a Phd programme in politics, but I have no idea what my research will be about! My potential supervisor kindly helped me draft my research proposal, but the problem is that now, I am totally confused about what I will be investigating! I feel so grossly unprepared and dread the day when I will be starting the Phd!

What can I do now? Is it possible for me to change topic and come up with a new one (within the same geographical focus)? How can I approach my potential supervisor on my reason for amending everything?

Many thanks.