For general confidence building I found Marissa Peer's confidence book very good - it includes a CD I believe. I get very nervous about public speaking (presentations etc) and found it really helpful for that. I used to read the book and then listen to the relevant bit on the CD. When you think about it, a viva is like public speaking so I guess it would be helpful for your viva. Otherwise, try to relax and remind yourself that you can do this, you're just having an attack of cold feet/nerves which is very understandable and natural but you can overcome it. Good luck, I really hope it goes well for you.

Hi, Haven't posted for a while but have been reading posts, well done to all those whose hard work is paying off and good luck to those having problems. Just wanted some opinions on this. I have done a lot of interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule (social science). Looking back, some of the early interviews are quite poor really - and it is because of me. I guess I was nervous, inexperienced etc etc. But when I look back on the transcripts, I just think they are very poor - unclear questioning, possibly slightly leading (inadvertently ). I can't ignore these interviews, I need them. Can I do anything, maybe acknowledge the poor technique as part of the learning process. Or ignore it. Any ideas?

Hi, my kids are now all grown up, but I did my first degree (OU) when they were very small, and I had 3 under the age of 5. What was a great help to me at that time, when assignments were due, was I had a very kind friend who used to let me go over to her house, and she would look after my kids downstairs for an hour or two, while I sat up in her bedroom studying - that way I was nearby if help was needed but I had peace and quiet (relatively) to study. Could you work out a similar arrangement with someone? I know the level of work for PhD is much greater than for the degree that I was doing at that time, but I think you have to just study when you can, with as much help as you can. Also, depending on the child, sometimes you can fit in a bit of work, while they are playing beside you. Good luck, I hope you manage to sort things out, and remember to allow yourself some rest time, doing a PhD and looking after a little one is bound to leave you feeling a bit tired. All the best :)

Hi Keenbeen, I'm sorry you're feeling down at the moment. The PhD process is full of ups and downs I think, so remind yourself that this is only a temporary phase. Is the problem partly to do with the fact that you are dealing with the quantitative bit now, if so is there someone apart from your supervisor that you could discuss that with, who could help you? Another academic possibly or another student. A lot of "constructive criticism" all at one time can seem a bit overwhelming I think - but remind yourself how well you've done so far. Hope you're feeling better today

thanks purplecat and Keenbean for your helpful replies. I'm still considering this, trying to see if I can work it in with a family and friends visit, which would justify the airfare in my mind. Keenbean, could you please send me the reference you mention, that would be great. Again, thank you both for your help.

I'm considering attending an IPA workshop (advanced), as this is what I will be using for my data analysis. I have read up on the subject, but thought a workshop might help. Thing is, it will be very expensive for me, I will have to fly in for the workshop - so cost of flight, plus cost of workshop - I will stay with friends so no accomm. costs. So I was just wondering if anyone had attended one and could give me some advice. I am so worried about this part of my PhD and am hoping attending the workshop will give me the confidence to do my data analysis well - but I don't want to end up spending quite a lot and come away thinking, well I could have read that in a book. Can anyone help?

Hi, it sounds like you are getting quite a lot done - more than you think probably. I find it almost impossible to read and write non stop - I think most people do. So I find I will read for half an hour - then do something else for a while, then return to the reading. Maybe divide your time up into manageable chunks - eg read for 40 minutes then do filing for 30 minutes, then do a little internet research (without getting too distracted), then back to reading. Whatever suits your personality. But you sound as if you are doing OK. Good luck.

Does anyone know of interesting ways of presenting findings chapters, as I am really struggling with mine. It is a qualitative thesis, in a social science based subject, and the findings come from observations and interviews. So far the only thing I can think of is describing the context and then reporting findings under the different themes - but it all seems very "he said this", "she said that", is there any other way of doing it. I have tried looked at different theses. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Hi I've just joined the forum, and am due to complete October, so thought would say where I am at the moment. I've been told I should have the first draft of my thesis in by April/May, which seems very soon! I have done a lit review but it needs expanding, methodology but again needs expanding and am just doing the second of two findings chapters. Then discussion (which I'm looking forward to) and conclusion. I mentioned in another post that my supervisor is concerned I will have enough for my findings chapters, I have interviews and observations, but some of my interviews are with people with cognitive impairment, so they have been a little difficult at times to glean information from - but I think they will be OK. It is interesting to see where everyone is, and I just hope I can work hard enough to get it finished in time. Writing is quite hard for me at times, I am the Queen of procrastination! I think I'm almost frightened to get started sometimes because it seems such a daunting task. Good luck to all with their work :)

thanks Ady, I will join the deadline this summer thread

thanks for all your replies and your encouragement. I was feeling quite low when I wrote that post, and it was so nice to be able to say what I was feeling out loud (or in cyber space anyway), as I don't want those I work with to know how I'm feeling, and I'm not sure my family understands. It's good to know that these feelings can be common to many postgrads and are not just related to my age. I'm probably only about 15 years older than the others, but because like Pjlu I had my family very young, and they're now young adults, it feels as if there's a huge age difference. But I guess that's in my mind and it's up to me to get over that! Thanks for all the very constructive advice which I will follow. I'm going to try really hard now, to get on and get this done. I've been looking at many of the posts on this site, some of which are very useful. I guess being a PhD student can be a fairly lonely journey (even within a a team) so it's nice to find a forum where people can share experiences and tips. Thanks again.

Hi, have just come across this forum and hoped someone might be able to offer some advice. I am a mature student (late 40s) in my 3rd year of a funded PhD. I came from a practice background (social work) and know I am really lucky to have got this opportunity. However I think I have blown it really and am feeling quite down about it all. I have 7 months left before I am due to submit, most of my field work is done but I have very little written - just 3 draft chapters (not very good imo). I feel a bit overwhelmed by the task ahead of me i.e. writing up, also my supervisor has expressed concern that my data may not be enough to get a PhD out of. To be honest, she doesn't seem that interested in it. I also feel a bit inadequate in comparison to my colleagues (there is a small team of us all working on different subjects within a broader theme). They are younger (early thirties) and seem more driven, energetic etc and I honestly feel I'm not as good. I feel the past 3 years have been wasted. I probably should have been more focused, but it took me a while to get used to academic life - I'm probably still not used to it. I feel a bit of a fraud, not as intelligent/go-getting as the others, and am not sure how to turn things around. Any advice?