challenge for a phd

8/11/2019 Challenge for a PhD

1/12

Challenges and Issues in PhD

Research

With

IIC University of Technology


2/12

Common Complaints by Examiners

Research gaps not clearly identified

Research significance in doubt

Research problem not clear

Subject of research not of current interestUnderlying theory not appropriate

Literature not exhaustive, current,coherent

Local literature not reviewed

Literature review not critical enough


3/12

Common Complaints (cont.)Seminal works in literature not includedRelated theories left outResearch design quantitative, qualitative, experimentaldesign - justificationLink between literature and research framework not strong

Theoretical support for the research framework is weakLink between phenomenon under study and dependentvariableDefinition of variables, why these variablesFactors to explain phenomenon and how they areoperationalized

Measurements of variablesHypothesis, too general, not directed, not testable


4/12

Common Complaints (cont.)

Unit of analysis not clear, notappropriate

Bias in sampling

Credibility of respondents/data

Coding, integrating, analysis of data

Statistical tools not appropriate

Interpretation of results

Presentation of results


5/12

Common Complaints (cont.)Discussion not in depthImplications for theory not clear, not related toresearch resultsImplications for practice not clear, not related to

resultsLimitations not clearly spelt outConclusions too skimpyMissing references in bibliographyStandard of language, grammar, spelling,

sentence structureAbstract too long, not summarizing studyaccuratelyTitle not reflecting contents of thesis


6/12

Lets get to the basics

(How do you get a PhD?)

Why do we do research?

How do we get knowledge?

Use of Scientific Method

What level of knowledge is worthy of PhD?

What is meant by significant contribution?

PhD evaluation process

Supervisor-student relations


7/12

The Research Process

Literature -----Real world

Gaps in theory--Gaps in practice

Research problem

Research questions, research objectives

Research framework, research design

Variables and measurements

Hypothesis statements

Population, sample, respondents


8/12

The Research Process (cont.)

Research instruments

Data collection

Data analysis, resultsDiscussions & conclusions


9/12

Issues

Scientific method robustness,honesty and integrity

Ethical issues questions asked, info.Disclosure

Plagiarism


10/12

Keys to Success

Hard work (reading) and sacrifice (collectmaterial, money and time)

Critical thinking (analysis) and creativity

(synthesis)Networking (colleagues and friends)

Support from supervisor and school

Support from familyPersonal motivation and perseverance

Self confidence and language proficiency


11/12

Q & A

Time to help release your pent-uptensions


12/12

I Wish You All Success in Your

Quest for PhD and Future Career

Thank You

challenge for a phd

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