I have written 45000 of my thesis, of which my supervisor says is acceptable for my final draft albeit it will need tidied up. I have completed 60 percent of my fieldwork, just one final stage to go and I feel that I could finish, I'm enjoying the teaching duties BUT i'm in a department that I hate, a certain person has not made things easy for me from the word go and I have tried to move departments as i am cross disciplinary to no avail. Things have been better but I'm going to be expected to present this year at the department conference and in this area I have no confidence. I didn't have much to begin with and this persons actions have not helped - although I'm not passing blame, its my own responsibility to overcome this I know. I have managed a poster presentation and spoke at a PhD conference but feel that I can't do this at all to the extent that I really want to just throw it all in.

I think i'm trying to rationalize the strengths of what I have achieved so far against a major weakness. I thought I may feel better about this after teaching but I don't. Every time I think about it I feel like i'm suffocating. I supposed i'm just venting in the hope that I gain gain some clarity or someone can offer some insight.

Thanks.

I've just retrieved it:)

Would really appreciate it if someone could get me this.

Thanks:)

Have you considered going on a writing retreat. Either on your own with no access to internet, phone, tv etc. to distract you or to an organised one? I was at a seminar a few weeks ago where this was being discussed and it had a very positive outlook with people writing massive amounts over a three day period.

You stay in a hotel, have scheduled writing periods where you are encourage to write for a period of time and then have a break, you are encouraged to write anything to get your work flowing. Researchers also use them to finish projects. I was very impressed with the seminar, its maybe something you should consider.

Good luck and keep going!

Have you looked at other sources of funding? I received a scholarship grant to complete my masters, it covered my fees i had three part time jobs to cover my living costs. Other students at the time received studentships from the university, they did however have to contribute to tutoring for free as part of their contract but you might as well get the experience as you have to do this as a phd student anyway.

Have a search for postgraduate funding and contact universities direct to see if they are willing to fund the places? There are a wide range of scholarships available.

I was told that my first class degree wouldn't be enough and that i would need a first for my masters also, as it PhD's are highly competitive. However, I was successful and I received a 2:1 for my masters but had two really strong references to support my application.

Also what is your field? The research councils offer 1+3 allowing you to do the masters first.

Just an idea, hope its useful:)

I would add that it is social research with young people

Looking for some general advice, for those who have needed to gain access to a sample population. How did you convince the gatekeepers of the benefits of your research, did you use tools such as powerpoint or just talk them through it. if so how did you structure your talk.

I've sent a letter and now have to go for a meeting to explain the impact of my research and how it will impact and benefit my sample population. I'm really struggling with this so any help appreciated.

Thanks:)

Hello,

Social sciences. the questionnaire is for young people and I'm trying to gauge the impact of specific services like youth clubs but don't want my question to be leading?

Can anyone point me to a question bank or some examples of questions about influence?

For example:
Do you think ....has a positive influence on ......?

I'm concerned that my questions may be leading so need to try and get my head around this.

Thanks in advance

Interesting dilemma here. The paper that I discussed earlier this year, well I have just discovered the persons thesis which was submitted in Nov 2012 so I assume has been restricted until now. The similarities with what I have written are astounding however the field is very small. I would say literature review follows a similar structure albeit based in different locations. The theoretical framework is pretty much the same - there is limited research in this field so i'm assuming its ok to have reviewed similar literature. In terms of methodology - different worldviews, different research design and different but similar research questions. Sample populations to some extent are the same but branch off differently. Am I safe or is it end of days!!!!

Thank you for the replies both very informative. Sometimes its too easy to get caught up in the depth of the topics and lose focus on the structure. This is great. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your advice. Will let you know how I get on:)

In the social sciences, what structure would you favour? This is what I have so far, something isn't sitting riht though and I can't put my finger on it. All feedback appreciated.

Introduction
Research Questions
Worldview
Methodology
Research Design
Research Methods
Sample/Access
Data analysis
Validity/Reliability
Ethical Considerations
Limitations?

Hi Guys

Does anyone have any tips for me? I've been invited to participate in a research group as my PhD is in their area of interest ( a very well established group of people). There no great pressure on me to perform but my presentation skills are awful. I can't even introduce myself without my face flushing, lips twitching, voice trembling etc. My anxiety levels are through the roof.

I can spend all day practicing what I want to say and still my mind goes blank or I end up jumping all over the place. Does anyone have advice as to how to structure a small introduction abut myself and my research. I'm currently at the research design stage (social sciences). I was hoping if someone could offer me some guidance i may hold the material better in my head. Its only 5 minutes or so :( all help welcome:(

hey does anyone have access to these two journals? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sociology of Education Shimbori (1979)

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00598037


Educational sociology or sociology of education? Shimbori (1972)


http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF01450268
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/3443741?uid=2134&uid=24746&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3&uid=24745&uid=5910784&uid=67&uid=75&sid=21102918332431