Overview of Mackem_Beefy
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quitting-pay back studentship?
======= Date Modified 21 Nov 2012 10:41:16 =======
Hi,
I've talked to lots of people at uni but they're not interested & make out like I'm a difficult student. I want to quit & move on from this terrible experience. Do you know if I'll have to pay back any of my studentship?
Thanks
J
You need to check with your postgrad office or registrar. If you're funded by one of the research councils in the UK, I would check with them also. I think at worst you may have to pay back for the current term / semester depending on arrangements.
If you're only a few months in and you're unhappy with your situation, you're probably doing the right thing. It's better than going on for a couple of years and finding yuorself in in all sorts of problems.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Students reading your unpublished work
Hi,
I think it's understandable to be cautious, although unless the student is very thick she should realise that she can't turn in a dissertation similar to yours because your joint supervisor will promptly recognise plagiarism. What I think you could possibly do is either offer to meet the student if feasible or send some suggestions for where she can find data. That way you look helpful but don't send your research. I'm assuming that your Masters dissertation isn't held in the university library by the way - if that's the case, I'd just send it as a read-only pdf as she can access it anyway. You could of course try to encourage said student down an alternative route by sending some really useful sources for a neighbouring topic and say she's right that there's not much data and in retrospect, you wished you'd looked at b instead of a.
Fair advice.
Additionally, I'll point out if the student choses to plagerise then it's their problem and not Pg12's. They're the one who'll lose out on their degree.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
PhD needs major revision and I feel I can't face it anymore
Can you take an MPhil and still be able to take up the new post?
Given the depression you describe and your excitement for the new post, this may be a better option.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Ethical problem of publication
======= Date Modified 19 Nov 2012 10:34:16 =======
http://retractionwatch.wordpress.com/ - you might find this blog interesting on what is and isn't acceptable.
Sorry, this one just a few down made me smile!!!
"Veterinary journal pulls semen paper published (you guessed it) prematurely" :-)
Of those retracted, how many remain in circulation that shouldn't be there? Those listed on retraction watch represent only a fraction of those published and in likelihood a small number of those where the paper has significant 'problems'.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Ethical problem of publication
1) If material in one paper is reused in another then the second paper should definitely cite the first. The 30% overlap seems reasonable as long as that data is used as supporting evidence in the findings of the second paper. The use of one figure seems reasonable, but again this should cite the paper it was taken from.
However, 90% reuse does seem way over the top and unless that extra 10% data produces a significant new finding, then the author is wasting paper space and other people's time by producing the second paper. In such a case, the author should probably be looking at a short communication instead, citing the first paper to demonstrate the new finding.
The activity you describe can be done simply due to the reviewers and editors not being aware of a parallel submission, thus the author manages to effectively publish the paper twice in different papers. Such a situation would be unethical.
2) Citing an earlier paper should only be done where the data or findings support the earlier paper and not at random to increase citations for earlier papers.
--------
I am aware of cases of fraudulent data and of omission and selective use of data by an author to support a 'finding' that omitted data might disprove or bring into question. A former colleague of mine spotted a senior researcher omitting inconvenient data that may have disproved a finding the senior researcher wanted to publish. It's wrong and in ideal world, such people should be dealt with and papers retracted (also PhD revoked if necessary) without repercussions for the whistle blower.
However, you'll know by now that academia especially closes ranks as Universities and academics will seek to protect their profiles rather than readily admit to a fraud or wrongdoing. Basically, the wrongdoer will see out their contract before being quietly moved on, though will probably have all duties removed from them. Their data may remain in the public domain as retraction is further bad publicity and may affect findings of others in later papers (i.e. domino effect as findings in papers by others relying on the fraud's work become shaky or worthless).
The problem is the whistle blower will also be quietly moved on, having initially attracted the bad publicity.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Waiting for examiners verdict (post viva)
======= Date Modified 16 Nov 2012 23:26:07 =======
You've already had revise and resubmit, meaning whatever the outcome this will soon be over. Depending on University regulations, you've finally a pass, more minor corrects, MPhil or fail.
I can't see there being an outright fail unless you've failed to satisfy any of their points. You appear to have gone out of your way to deal with these, so the worst possible outcome is an MPhil if they feel you've missed the mark with your revisions. This at least means you'll leave with something.
However, the time taken for the examiners to compile their reports does suggest issues to be resolved meaning more work to be done as they are identifying weaknesses in the recompiled thesis. This implies further minor corrections and an MPhil award is a less likely option. It also means you're probably not going to get an outright pass yet but at least it's looking like you will eventually get your PhD.
I'm guessing it's looking good the fact they've taken so long, but if the delay is because they want more changes addressed then the worst that is going to happen is you've a month or two (depending on your University regulations) before you become Dr. Pineapple.
That's not long and I'm betting you're nearly there. That said, I hope I'm wrong and you do get a straight pass.
All the best and fingers crossed,
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Do I take the PhD or wait for others to come up??
Hi everyone,
so i have confession. After turning down the phd (see above posts) I found I couldnt get it out of my head and the more I thought about it the more ridiculous I realised I had been. I know, I know I should have listened to everyone's wise words previously but I had to make the decision under such a time pressure I just panicked and thought Id see what my chances were getting one as good in London. Unfortunately I havnt seen one advertised with funding that's on a topic as interesting as the one I turned down :$ Do you think I should contact the supervisor again, explain that Ive been ridiculous and see if we can submit the proposal for funding to start in October or do you think I've burned my bridges with him now and he wouldnt be keen...?
any advice appreciated!
I don't think you were being ridiculous. We all feel at times we need to move on with our lives and we find ourselves in circumstances where we're unable to.
That said, if you think there's a chance and you really want give this PhD a try, contact the supervisor and see if the position has been taken.
Perhaps a gap of a year with you starting in October 2013 will give you the space needed to feel you have moved on. You've had a rest, there's a new set of faces, it may effectively be a new start. Whatever you do, make sure it's a decision you feel comfortable and happy with.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
unsupportive supervisors...
If you have depression, and have been behind on finishing papers from a PhD you finished a while ago and explain this to your old supervisor who is wholly unsupportive and basically says to suck it up or your career is at stake, what does one do?! This is the situation I find myself in, it was a big big step to take for me to inform my old supervisor about the reason for the delay, depression, health problems and a death in the family, and he wasn't interested. Issue is, I still need to work with him in the future through my current job and I just can't even face it. I feel like I should leave science and go work in a coffee shop. I'm just not sure what way to deal with him, if it even will be possible to work with him when he's obviously pissed at me for the delay....
Algaequeen,
As someone who's career path was brought to an end by in part some strange and hostile line management in my second post-doc, I can only empathise. Whilst I'm not doing what I really want to do, at least I managed to find a job proving if a switch of career is needed it is possible.
Your (de) mentor sounds worse than mine. Ideally, I'd suggest going on the sick for a while to give yourself some space and decide your next course of action.
Would finding a couple of other people that will give you references, so you can try to look for employment elsewhere, be an option?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Revise & Resubmit
I find myself strangely aout to offer Sartois and Buddy different advice.
In both cases, don't give up. As others have said, wait for the report to see what is required of you. Then sit down with your supervisors to decide how to approach it. Approach each of the examiner's remarks as separate mini-projects and sign off one by one as you complete them. Once all are complete, read through one more time to pick up any loose ends and provided your supervisors are happy, then resubmit. You may find things aren't as bad as first thought and probably three to four months is enough to clear this up maximum.
Satoris,
You now have teaching duties plus a PGCHE to face. I think you're going to need to look at trying to suspend study for a while until the PGCHE is complete, otherwise you may find yourself overloaded. You health and wellbeing must be considered too. However, if you obtain the suspension, there's no reason why you can't come back to this once the PGCHE is behind you. You'll also have the Christmas and Easter breaks to do some work unofficially.
Buddy,
My thoughts here are you need to see the report before deciding on your next action. Once you see the report, you need to make a decision jointly with your partner (especially) and children. If they say enough is enough, you also need to consider suspension and if your partner makes it clear they've had enough and want you back in your life, if accepting an MPhil if on offer may need to be considered. I say this as the end in sight you promised is now probably as much as a year away and you need to consider the wishes of your family who (reading between the lines) may have had enough. If you can win them over to a few more months, then hopefully in the end you can gain your PhD. But your family must come first.
Whilst I was single during my own PhD, I knew close to the end and an extended write-up period that my close friends had had enough of me, my moaning about the work and the feeling was from at least one friend seemed to be I needed to consider other aspects of my life and perhaps put the PhD on the back burner. One parent understood and put him in his place quite sharpish. Thankfully, I got minor corrections to be submitted within the month (it ended up seven days) though I was prepared for and expected six month major corrections. That said I was single and thus would probably have ploughed on.
But everyone else's circumstances are different and any decision after a revise and resubmit needs to be made carefully and in consultation with supervisors and close family and friends.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
What to wear for viva?
There's an old thread here:
http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=11865
Alot of people on this old thread are treating the viva as they would a job interview, which was basically my understanding and treatment of it.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
What to wear for viva?
======= Date Modified 08 Nov 2012 20:28:32 =======
I was told business attire would be expected. I went suited and booted so to speak.
A change of clothes was waiting in my bag for as soon as it was over though, as I was heading straight for a football match after the viva (the change was that quick my external examiner saw me in Sunderland top and jeans ten minutes after the viva was over).
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Weren't you tired!?
I'd normally be so tired after any presentation that I'd go sleep for hours afterwards lol.
I was nervous as hell for the first 20 minutes of the viva then realised from the nature of the questions, I was through with minors. However, it went on for over four hours and I did wonder if suddenly some tough questions were coming, but it was more an extended chat about the project. That didn't stop me being on edge and I remained that way for a good while afterwards - going to the match helped and a stinking referee meant that the viva and the rest of the day was no longer on my mind. The whole day was weird to be honest (I've posted the whole story somewhere else).
Whilst I was tired after two years of write-up and then preparation for the viva (hellish), plus my head was still all over the place after it, sleep and rest was the last thing on my mind. All I cared about was getting to the match in time for kick-off. You have to understand the mentality of a football fan and I know of people that would rearrange a wedding, christening or whatever to get to a game (or at the very least, arranging the day so attending the match fitted in somewhere). :-)
I didn't rest after either, as I just wanted rid of the hardbound copies and the whole PhD to be behind me once and for all. I'd enjoyed the research I'd done, but also wanted to move on with my life. And seven days later, it was done.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
What to wear for viva?
I was told business attire would be expected. I went suited and booted so to speak.
A change of clothes was waiting in my bag for as soon as it was over though, as I was heading straight for a football match after the viva (the change was that quick my external examiner saw me in Sunderland top and jeans ten minutes after the viva was over).
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
How much work is it okay for others to contribute to your dissertation
======= Date Modified 08 Nov 2012 16:28:41 =======
Damn the word limit on this thing!!!
To add to the below, the first two stories (the first I believe was the PhD student of a computing lecturer that had taught me, the second was someone one of my predecessors in my PhD project knew) smack of desperation to show something for the years spent on their repsective projects. I can sort of understand even if I don't agree with what they've done.
The third is more about boosting the profile of the senior researcher and the name of the colleague who did some of the work for him has gone on the paper resutling as a co-author. If someone repeats the same tests, they will get more negative results and the industrial partner will not be happy if they work out what has happened.
We all know of things that have happened and shouldn't. Some tales I know of have some humour value, with many happening because people working in academia either don't take enough notice of potential mispractice or malpractice, or choose not to notice. However, I'm coy about posting up a couple of the other stories as even if I don't name the Uni. involed, it's easily worked out from the events that transpired if a member of staff happens to read them. :-)
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Waiting for examiners verdict (post viva)
Still no news. :-(:$
Really doesn't look good. Preparing myself for bad news.
It does look like someone is going over your thesis with a fine toothcomb!!!
I think given they're over a week later than they said they would be, it's time to contact your supervisors and ask what is going on.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
How much work is it okay for others to contribute to your dissertation
======= Date Modified 08 Nov 2012 14:12:27 =======
If the algorithms and ideas are his and he working with the contractor to create the programs, that may be okay as long as college are aware of this. However, if he is letting the contractor do all the work and then passing the work off as his original contribution to his field, then it is not his work and he is not entitled to his PhD if he is awarded it. I would consider his actions unethical.
This. Ian is right. I also have a degree in Computing, so I might be of some assistance.
What is his PhD about OP? Do you know? Did you see him developing those algorithms? Did you see him read the papers?
I'm not entirely sure of the "ethics" of letting someone "program" your ideas. The created program is not a big deal in my view. The idea behind it, is.
Although having said that, I do my own programs so that I know all the details as much as possible.
Here's one thing to think about OP; if I write a program using MATLAB, and MATLAB was obviously created by someone else, is that cheating? MATLAB was created by someone; not me. Should I create my own version of MATLAB so that "all" the work now belongs to me, and no one else?
Wouldn't that be similar to the guy you mentioned? He asked someone to write the code for him, which he pays I presumed, but the idea behind the code is his idea from his LR or somewhere he got his "enlightenment". If the ideas all came from him, isn't that similar to the software that I paid someone to build for me (MATLAB)? The only thing I did now is that I use the MATLAB program, express my ideas on it, and write it myself.
MATLAB is the tool, the commercial program already in the public domain as would be, say, a C++ compiler. The code would be what the programmer fed into that compiler. The use of tools already available is not the issue. The issue is "Is the programmer passing the code fed into that compiler done by someone else as his or her own?"
As to how common it is, I couldn't say though PhD researchers in general I would say 99% are above board. I would say the 'bad apples' are the exception rather than the rule.
Have you seen any of these bad apples before?
A few:
1) A PhD student couldn't get his program working, so put in a piece of code that fired out the results he wanted when the program was run. A few years later after he was awarded his PhD, the project was revisited and someone put in different variables just to see the program throw out the same results regardless.
2) Another candidate could not get a piece of electronic kit working, which his PhD depended on. He therefore faked the predicted data, submitted and was awarded his PhD. The undergads knew, the only people who didn't were the candidate's supervisors. From what I can gather, the lad was open about his failure.
The Uni. in each case on finding out decided to let the candidate keep their PhD rather than attract bad publicity from revoking the PhDs.
3) I was indirectly witness to a senior researcher 'disregard' data that proved his technique didn't work. He went to journal with the 'preferred' data - the project involved an industrial partner and may have affected the lifespan of a critical component. Another colleague that did some work for him and was in a position to force retraction (I wasn't) noted what he'd done, but opted to remain silent as he did not want to become anymore involved.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
