Well done Batfink (up)

I have got so much conflicting advice that I feel like my head is going to explode :$. I have been going through my thesis, pulling and tightening threads as I go. At this stage I don't know if it's better or just different. Chapters 1-4 will be done by Wed, then only chapters 5-8 to re-structure by mid Sept :-(. I'm not even 100% sure how I am supposed to restructure them (turkey)

I need that inspirational PhD quote another thread is looking for:-(

I still think you need to make it clear in your intro from where you are coming, and in what direction you will be going. Nothing wrong with stating a couple of theories but admitting that none of them completely suit your study - I would go with this rather than saying they are rubbish! You then can say something like '...therefore using theory 'x' but adapting it so as to best address the aims and objectives of this study, this thesis will develop a new theory...

Btw, I HATE theory :-s

on reflection, my first effort at this was pretty watery. I was told to spell it out, in detail. So for example "this study advances the field of x by...' and then go through what you did. While your particular study is new it must surely be in a particular field so you have added to knowledge in this field. 'This study adds to previous studies of x. Furthermore the approach taken here advances knowledge of 'y'. It's hard to write withough knowing the field but hopefully you get the point. Originally I said my thesis added to my field and my supervisor replied 'how does it add?'. Don't be afraid to add to the field in a number of ways - your overall area, your methodology, your recommendations etc etc. Think how you go through your work experience on a CV. Break down your contribution to knowledge similarly. If you're going with the major, but essentially one untouched area, break this down into smaller bites.

My take on it...

Joyce's advise is spot on and you would be wise to read, and re-read what she says, particularly as you seem to want to stay in academia. It will probably stick in your craw but if it's to work for you, you have to 'play the game'.

Good luck (up)

Good luck Pjlu, you sound like you have got it all worked out and if you think this is best for you, go for it(up). It's incredibly cathartic to make a firm decision and say, 'right, this is what I am going to do, here is where I am heading'. I know a couple of people who extended their masters topic and then felt they had run out of steam so it sounds like you are heading such a scenario off before you even begin! At the best of times PhDs morph into something else so as long as you have a firm prosposal, not too ambitious for a single researcher I'm sure you manage it.

Good luck getting your sort of new proposal through with your team. Be calm, organised and importantly persuassive when you pitch it to them - no doubt it will help that you have already started!

As you say 'Freedom'. I'm nearly finished so am facing a different kind of freedom and can't wait. Good luck, hope it goes well for you.

Nice one Corinne and no, def not going for the Pulitzer - this year anyway;-)

At the moment I'm so lacking in imagination that I would probably put 'X: a literature review' if I were submitting it for publication! My lit review is essentially in two sections; the first is my philosophical orientation which is what my supv says will get me the PhD [or not!!] and the second section is the topic I am researching via my philosphical orientation so I think even the most imaginative person would struggle to find a chapter title that accommodates both!

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And yet he liked the thesis title, to quote 'it's you, straightforward and exactly what your thesis is about'.

Thanks all and Rick, I genuinely liked your suggestions. His 'you're too chatty' is me trying to state my positionality. The first draft of my Introduction chapter had a sub-section 'the need for relevance' to which he commented 'great section on relevance, I like it'. The next draft he completely chopped it :-(

Really my problem is that I'm too stressed to be imaginative!

Thanks for input everyone. It's not a deal-breaker I know but I suppose if that was his immediate reaction to my clear as crystal if very dull titles I would be wise to take his advice on board! I like things to be clear from the outset though...

Rick, some of your titles are great. 'First things first' is tempting but my supervisor already says some of my writing is too chatty and parochial :$ so maybe I had better not ;-).

Oh yes Star-Shaped, another weekend and I am here:-(.

Got my draft back from supv with major re-structuring a la Sneaks' supervisor. Was shattered when I looked at what I have to do. I started it pretty much straight away [after large cafeine/choc intake to calm down!]. Actually as Plju and Caro both wisely commented on another thread earlier, it's actually not too bad once you get stuck in. My submission is pushed back to mid-September but that IS IT. Star-Shaped you must be submitting yours very soon?

My supv scratched out 'Chapter Two: Literature Review' and put comment 'needs more imaginative title' - the surest way to make me go completely blank!

What do people have?

Thanks Helianthusdd, you make good points, thanks for spotting my question and your input :-)

======= Date Modified 18 Aug 2011 18:33:48 =======
I can get the second one; no joy the others I'm afraid. I can access Env Comm but not for the most recent year.

Pm your email and I can send it on :-)

and now I can't even quote properly on here :$