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Thank you keenbean and adi...thanks for taking out the time and writing in full length. Yes, I do appreciate the work involved in analyzing qualitative data. It is quite tedious and I find it quite annoying when people condemn that form of research without realizing it worthy contribution. So many hidden factors could come up from quali research which could probably then be analyzed with quanti. Yet, thanks for that!
To be honest, I have 2 options after I'm done with my Masters in Health psych. In the UK, this is also referred to as Stage 1 training in health psychology and Stage 2 Training is the Doctorate in Health Psychology which is for about 2 years. Very few Universities in the UK offer that for now and I do know someone at London Met Uni who is well known in this dept there. I have 2 options: One is to apply for the Ph.D and the other for Stage 2 which involves four components: Teaching, consultancy, training and research. This doctorate is not pure research based and research is one component where one needs to complete a 30,000 word thesis, along with the other practical work such as so-n-so hours of teaching, consultancy, etc. Its quite intense as well yet gives a more practical approach to health psych. I am considering to do either one of the two. So lets see...Also, I know London Met doesn't have the best rep...QMU and City Uni offer this doctorate as well..yet QMU has stopped intake for the next 2 years and City's deadline has passed...Hmm..Anyone have any idea how good (or not so good) London Met is...

I do agree as well that most people would require researchers to have some hold of statistics. (That kinda sucks thought :P )

Re: work and study, finding a job ain't the easiest thing nowadays. But I am doing a placement in 2 hospitals in the UK, I was wondering when would it be appropriate for me to ask the doctors (or HR) for a job once the internship is done..

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Thank you for your replies :) I was wondering if my questions sounded too silly!

Yes, as u say, It does depend on the topic. Also, most studies done in psychology will require atleast a bit of stats so I am trying my best to improve my numeric skills. I still have to decide on my topic precisely, even though I have something in my mind.
The data gathering usually begins in the 2nd year, am I correct? Before that, one will need to get done with atleast 2 chapters (I think)..??
Also, are qualitative studies given the same scientific worth as quantitative studies? (another stupid question, I know)...


Regarding the full time job, well I'm an International student in the UK, so I was hoping I could go back to my home country and get a full time job there as well as enroll for a Ph.D in the UK. (my professor did give me an example of a student doing her PhD in the UK, living in Greece, and flying down twice a year). I'm assuming this idea isn't the best, isn't it ;) (down)
International fee, especially for Ph.D's are quite expensive which is one major factor. Nevertheless..I still do have enough time to think about my options..

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T

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Hey there, I'm a current masters student and am nearing completion in September. I am considering a Ph.D, but would love some advice. Some may find my questions naive, but would appreciate any advice/tips.

1. I'm not the best at statistics, which is my main concern. How different is doing a Ph.D with and without using quantitative analysis? I mean, in psychology, one is more or less expected to collect data and analyze everything statistically using PASW/SPSS. I have heard time and again that qualitative work is hardly considered scientific (even though I prefer it over quanti). Which is why I'm a bit confused.

2. Do all Ph.D's involve gathering data and analyzing them? I'm not exactly clear of the difference between those who have no field work or data collection work as a part of their Ph.D and those who do. Isn't it mainly like writing up a review then? along with finding a gap?

3. Will there be enough time to do a full-time job as well as a full-time Ph.D?

Thanks for your time!