Some really good advice here that I can't really add to. Just remember, look for the strengths as well as weaknesses, and be complimentary where possible. Bear in mind that they are people just like us - often passionate people with limited resources, trying to do the best job that they can. Being bitchy has this awful habit of coming back to haunt you.

Can't answer your first question properly because it depends on so many different factors. However, from a practical perspective, I'd make the coding as detailed as possible because you can always merge them later - be systematic about it. Family codes, again, depend on you data, but one family could concern, for example, pain codes. You can then export the family to Excel and do some really tidy count tables.

Yep, bottoms are generally getting bigger. Probably has a lot to do with increasing BMIs in general, as it's often used as a fat store. However, better a big bum than a big gut, as that's associated with all kinds of long term health problems.

I like it, SarahL - brings back all those lovely memories of mine;-) Keep it up and you'll soon have a cult following.

The advice shared by everyone on this thread is top dollar and I'm glad that you can see a way of funding yourself. As you say, there are so many strong candidates and so few funding opportunities. I'd do the PhD sooner, rather than later, as they'll probably be putting up the fees soon (if they haven't already started...).

Hi LuluStar,

Think I may be able to confirm some of your queries:

1) Yes. Yes. Good sign that you appear to have figured things out for yourself.

2) Yes, exactly.

3) Of course you do. Ideally things should be egalitarian to a degree.

4) Can't use it, know no-one that does, but probably have a book or two on the subject that I'll personally never get around to reading, so you can. PM me to discuss this matter further.

Thanks.

Okay, the topic I'm about to suggest is close to my heart and current (as far as I'm concerned).

Coppers: An investigation into why Australia has gotten rid of 1 and 2 cent coins.

I'd like you to research the advantages and disadvantages of this measure, then kindly suggest whether they should bring the coins back or not.

I'm looking forward to the auto-biography!

The beauty of mixed methods is that there is other 22 different definitions of it and so much potential for designing your own particular approach. All of the great players in mixed methods strongly caution that researchers should not feel pinned down by existing models, encouraging the development of new designs and approaches. As someone who is probably well read in the area, I don't think I need to remind you of the fundamental principle of mixed methods or its philosophical bed-partners. Therefore, do not feel constrained by the existing typologies because that is all they are! Ask Tashakkori and Teddlie...
I have difficulty understanding why you say the model was not working... What were you trying to do? Triangulation? Development? Expansion? It's usually not a case of your model not working, more it not actually fitting what you have done. Sound to me more like issues with the methods of data collection and analysis that you have now changed around (whether in terms of sequence or priority, etc) and now found that it doesn't actually fit your original model.
It's definitely a bit of a bugger for you, but not the be all and end all. As I said, you don't have to be tied to someone's model (they've only been defined to help make things easier for us novice researchers). Ultimately, you have to be able to show that it is indeed mixed methods - you can show this through both how you've combined the qualitative and quantitative data and through your worldview/personal research paradigm. To be clearer on this, take a look at how an education researcher called Anthony Onweugbuzie conducts his mixed methods research. Sorry if I have been unclear.

Whoa, well done Chrisrolinski!!! Really pleased that you're having such an exciting time in a brand new culture. I'm such a dummy, I initially thought to myself 'but he hasn't mentioned whether he's in North or South Korea' - then it occurred to me. Make the most of your time there, mate, because who knows where this in turn will lead to?

Thank you all for your kind words. I'm slowly starting to get used to things here. I shall keep you all posted on how things develop.

Well, I made it - have now been living in Australia since 5-30am on Sunday. To say that I'd never previously flown or even been abroad, I found the journey to be epic - although I didn't like it when I was on the first plane taking off.
I think I'm in charge of co-ordinating two of the modules at the uni. I've never done anything like this before, and have been told that I have full creative license. Mmm...I'm sure this'll be fun, but it is a baptism of fire given that I've been working in the private sector for almost a year and a half. Still, I suppose when we're pushed we find out how fast was can run.
Everyone here seems to be really nice and friendly, which is great since I'm alone. In all honesty, things don't seem that much different from the UK culturally. Things are a little more expensive in comparison, like food, drink and rent, but a lot of other things are cheaper, such as insurance and phone contacts.
Academically there are parallels and difference concerning the Uk and Australia. For instance, things like Blackboard and teaching styles are very similar, but not all undergrads do degrees with honours (i.e. a dissertation). The greatest similarity is that things move sllloowwwwlllllyyy: I'm still waiting for my own staff login details and doing battle with the payroll department. A big difference is that compared to most unis in the UK, the unis ins Australia seem to be much better resourced. The one I am at is sort of middle-ranking (like the uni I was at in the UK) and it appears to have masses of specialist equipment for the sciences. So far, no spiders, snakes or any creepy crawlies!
It's early days, so I can't say I've made the right decision yet. They say the first few months you are in holiday mode (I'm really trying to avoid feeling like this - seeing it as just a place where I am doing my job), several months after are the hardest (homesickness, and missing friends and family) but then it gets easier. I do worry about things like Christmas and birthdays, but I'll try not to think of that for now - cross that bride when I come to it!

Yep, I think I have this. I'll have to upload it somewhere for you to download and send you the link. May take about a day or so to sort it out. Will PM you when it's done.

Glad to see you back in action, stressed. The month will go like a blur, you'll effectively embody your namesake, but it'll all be worth it! You've mentioned you already have a full draft, and your supervisor will most likely make comments aimed at addressing loose ends and odds, refining structure and even the odd typo. Writing conclusions is always a tricky process akin to packing all of your endeavours into a small tin, like super-condensed soup. I did mine as bullet points to try and make it all easier and essentially addressed all my key questions, findings, discussion, contributions to knowledge and the utility of my work. Just remember you're the expert and all the bits of your conclusion are already floating about in your head; really, you just have to stick it all together and articulate it. I know, easier said than done - and apologies if my comments seem like sophistry!

Hi Heidi, it had been lovely having you as a member of this forum. I have followed your posts and am so glad that you are on top of things. :-) Don't worry too much about what LarryDavid posts. I believe that he is mildly autistic, or at least socially unaware/inept, so you have to forgive the young man. Do feel free to continue to post, because 99.99 % of the fouum are right behind you and more than willing to help you where necessary. Take care, Heidi and continue to post :-)