Hi all! I wondered if anyone has experience of reporting their study findings back to participants after the study is finished. The study was very straightforward, and the results are very easy to understand. I was thinking of an email with headings such as "what we found", etc. Any advice or examples would be appreciated (I have had a search online for an example without success). Thanks everyone :-)

I would suggest scrolling through the forum posts, as then you will see which issues keep resurfacing for PhD students. Sorry I can't help - I'm quite new to it.

I'm with pjc. Go for it! Doens't work out - who cares - apply elsewhere as well.

You could ask to delay the start of your PhD (e.g., start mid October)? I have done this as I needed a break after my Masters.

Anyone know how to calculate reliability when each item that has been rated could have more than one possible code? E.g., not just rated as "yellow" or "red" but could be "yellow" and "blue", if that makes sense. I usually use Cohen's Kappa but this does not work for items that can have have more than one possible code.
Cheers!

I've been there and done this too, and my advice would be:
- try to boost your grades as much as poss - it is competitive even if you have a first class degree
- make sure you get excellent references from academics you've worked with / studied under
- most people will have the above so try to get research experience in too - volunteer to do some work for someone if you can't find a paid role
- apply for multiple schemes - that way you are increasing your chances of being awarded one of them
- a final tip - don't be disappointed if you don't get it first time round - keep trying if it is what you want!
Good luck!

Congratulations!

I agree with the above post and am doing something similar.

Simple is good! Some of the best papers / ideas are seemingly "simple". Sometimes things that sound terribly "complex" are just poorly explained. Maybe you are so good at conveying your idea that you've convinced yourself it is too simple. I don't know if there is anything that is too simple in research. As long as it makes an original contribution...

I would chase them up, ask if you are the first on the waiting list, when you will hear etc. I'd apply elsewhere in the meantime, and don't give up, it can take a while!

Have you decided yet?

Before you turn down the Oxford offer - have you checked if any other funding/scholarships/teaching are available to help you that would assist you in paying for your living costs etc?

I think a website like this is the perfect place to advertise for such a thing! Your ebook sounds very interesting - unfort. I am not working full time but look forward to reading it when it's published! Another place to advertise may be the mature students society at your university if it has one. Best of luck!

You need to look for and read some reviews and papers that have been published in your area (or related area/similar problem). Brainstorm the key ideas/theories that are related to your question.The reading will feed your thought process!

Thank you for your reply. Yes, the time frame bit is what is freaking me out. There is still time now (due September), as long as the rate picks up a bit.I've tried to broaden my recruitment strategy - removed one of my restrictions and will be advertising more widely. Hopefully it will do the trick.