Things about a PhD nobody told you about | Laura Valadez-Martinez | TEDxLoughboroughU

TEDx Talks
13 Dec 201616:23
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker shares insights on the challenges of pursuing a PhD in Europe, highlighting the importance of perseverance, time management, and self-assurance. They emphasize the value of reading original sources, staying connected with peers and supervisors, and finding balance through non-academic activities. The talk underscores the solitary nature of a PhD journey and the significance of making incremental progress towards a meaningful contribution to knowledge.

Takeaways
  • 📚 A PhD is a long and challenging process requiring mastery of a specific topic and extensive research.
  • 💡 The beginning of a PhD usually involves a proposal with research questions, methodology, and justification of its importance.
  • 📈 A typical PhD involves writing a thesis of around 100,000 words and working under the guidance of a supervisor.
  • 🔍 Being 'stuck' is a common experience during a PhD, which can relate to ideas, methodology, or analysis of results.
  • 📖 There is an overwhelming amount of information available on how to succeed in a PhD, but it's essential to filter and focus.
  • 🚪 The feeling of being overwhelmed by the vast amount of knowledge and research options is a real challenge.
  • 💪 Staying motivated is crucial, as a lack of motivation can lead to not completing the degree within the expected timeframe.
  • 📅 Keeping track of progress, even small achievements, is important for maintaining momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
  • 📔 Maintaining a research diary can be beneficial for remembering decisions, tracking changes, and avoiding confusion.
  • 🌐 Feeling lonely is common during a PhD, so finding ways to connect with others, such as colleagues, supervisors, and even family, is important.
  • 🕒 There is no one-size-fits-all approach to doing a PhD; it's about finding a work style and methodology that suits the individual.
Q & A

  • What is the meaning of the term 'PhD'?

    -PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which originates from the Latin 'to teach' and the Greek 'love of wisdom'. It is an advanced academic degree that involves mastering a specific topic of interest through research and learning.

  • What are some common challenges faced by PhD students?

    -PhD students often face challenges such as feeling stuck with ideas or methodology, dealing with writer's block, managing the vast amount of literature and resources, maintaining motivation, and ensuring their research is relevant and contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

  • Why is it important for PhD students to take thinking time?

    -Thinking time is crucial for PhD students as it allows them to process, analyze, and synthesize the information they are exposed to. This helps in making sense of their research, formulating coherent arguments, and advancing their work effectively.

  • How can a PhD student ensure they are making progress in their research?

    -PhD students can ensure progress by setting small, achievable goals, celebrating tiny achievements, and recognizing that all the work they do, including reading, writing, and calculations, contributes to their overall progress.

  • What is the significance of having a research diary for PhD students?

    -A research diary is important for PhD students as it helps them keep track of their decisions, the rationale behind them, and the changes made during their research. This aids in maintaining clarity, avoiding confusion, and ensuring the ability to replicate their work.

  • How can PhD students overcome feelings of loneliness during their studies?

    -PhD students can overcome loneliness by getting involved in their department, connecting with colleagues and supervisors, attending conferences, and maintaining relationships with friends and family outside of academia.

  • What does the acronym 'PhD' stand for, and what does it represent?

    -PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which is derived from the Latin term 'docere' meaning 'to teach' and the Greek 'philosophia' meaning 'love of wisdom'. It represents an advanced academic degree that signifies a deep and systematic study and original contribution to a specific field of knowledge.

  • How does the process of doing a PhD typically start?

    -A PhD usually begins with a proposal that includes research questions, a methodology, and a justification of why the research is important. This forms the basis for the student's thesis, which they write under the guidance of a supervisor and eventually defend before an examiner panel.

  • What is the role of a supervisor in a PhD student's journey?

    -A supervisor plays a critical role in guiding the PhD student through their research journey. They provide advice, feedback, and support in refining the research questions, methodology, and overall direction of the thesis. They also help the student navigate academic and research challenges.

  • What is the significance of original sources in conducting research?

    -Original sources are crucial in research as they provide the most authentic and未经修改的信息 about a topic. Relying on original texts or data ensures the research is grounded in accurate and reliable information, and it helps the researcher develop a deeper understanding and fresh perspectives on their subject matter.

  • How can a PhD student maintain motivation throughout their studies?

    -PhD students can maintain motivation by setting clear goals, celebrating small achievements, staying connected with their academic community, and reminding themselves of the long-term value and impact of their research.

  • What is the importance of timely progress in a PhD?

    -Timely progress is important in a PhD as it provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps the student engaged with their work. It helps to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and ensures that the student is consistently moving towards the completion of their degree.

Outlines
00:00
📚 The Journey of a PhD Candidate

This paragraph introduces the concept of a PhD, highlighting the number of students enrolled in Europe and the meaning behind the acronym. It outlines the purpose of a PhD, which is to master a subject of personal interest through a process of learning and knowledge expansion. The paragraph emphasizes the rigorous nature of a PhD, beginning with a research proposal and culminating in the writing of a thesis. It also mentions the guidance of a supervisor and the potential for academic publication post-defense. The speaker shares personal insights into the challenges of undertaking a PhD, such as feeling stuck at various stages of the process, the time required for learning and thinking, and the importance of focusing on one's research goals despite the vast amount of information available.

05:01
📉 Overcoming Obstacles in PhD Research

The speaker discusses common challenges faced by PhD candidates, including the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount of reading and research to be done. The comparison of a PhD to opening doors that lead to new worlds of knowledge underscores the vastness of the academic landscape. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not losing sight of one's original research objectives. The speaker also talks about the frustration that comes with leaving out certain readings and calculations, but reassures that this is a part of making progress. The paragraph concludes with the advice of taking breaks to engage in other activities that provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation, both within and outside of the PhD journey.

10:01
🌟 Staying Motivated and Making Progress

This paragraph addresses the issue of motivation in the context of a PhD, acknowledging the marathon-like nature of the degree and the potential for burnout. The speaker references a UK study that points to a high attrition rate among doctoral students. The paragraph stresses the importance of hard work and persistence, citing the famous words of Pablo Picasso to illustrate that inspiration comes to those who work. The speaker also talks about the concept of 'timely progress' and encourages finding small ways to make progress, whether in the thesis or other areas of life. The paragraph ends with a personal anecdote about forgetting past work due to the long hours and stress, underscoring the importance of keeping a research diary to track decisions and avoid confusion.

15:02
🔍 Ensuring Relevance and Overcoming Loneliness

The speaker discusses the fear and pressure of ensuring that one's PhD research is relevant and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. The paragraph emphasizes the role of doctoral holders in society and the expectations placed upon them. To combat this fear, the speaker suggests being self-assured by reading original sources and staying updated with the latest research in the field. The paragraph also addresses the loneliness that can accompany the PhD process, with suggestions on how to feel connected, such as engaging with colleagues, supervisors, and maintaining relationships outside of academia. The speaker shares personal strategies, like buying a plant, as a way to stay connected to the world during the solitude of the research process.

🕒 Finding Your Own Path in the PhD Journey

In the final paragraph, the speaker reflects on the individuality of the PhD experience, noting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success. The paragraph encourages prospective and current PhD candidates to find their own way and shape their research journey according to their interests and work styles. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and strategies that helped them through their PhD, but emphasizes that each candidate must discover what works best for them. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for the audience to take charge of their research and shape their own PhD experience.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡PhD
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree that one can achieve in many fields. It involves in-depth research and the production of original knowledge, typically culminating in a thesis. In the video, the speaker discusses the challenges and personal experiences associated with pursuing a PhD in Europe, emphasizing the rigorous process of mastering a subject and contributing new insights to the academic community.
💡Research Questions
Research questions are specific inquiries that guide the direction of a research project or a PhD thesis. They are formulated to explore gaps in existing knowledge and to seek new understandings. In the context of the video, the speaker highlights the importance of having clear research questions as a starting point for a PhD journey, which sets the foundation for the research methodology and justifies the significance of the study.
💡Thesis
A thesis is a written work that presents the findings of a research project, often required for completion of a PhD. It demonstrates the author's mastery of a subject and their ability to conduct independent research. In the video, the speaker refers to the process of writing a thesis, which involves extensive work and can consist of about a hundred thousand words, reflecting the depth and breadth of the research conducted.
💡Supervisor
A supervisor is a mentor or advisor, typically a faculty member with expertise in the student's field, who guides and supports a PhD candidate throughout their research. The supervisor provides advice, helps to refine research questions, and oversees the progress of the thesis. The video emphasizes the role of the supervisor in the PhD process, highlighting the importance of their guidance and the candidate's active engagement with them.
💡Writer's Block
Writer's block is a common term used to describe a mental block that prevents someone from making progress in writing. In the context of a PhD, it can manifest as difficulty in generating ideas, formulating arguments, or even organizing one's thoughts. The speaker in the video uses this term to describe a broader sense of being 'stuck' at various stages of the PhD journey, which can involve not only writing but also methodology, analysis, and understanding of research findings.
💡Relevance
In academic research, relevance refers to the importance or value of a study in relation to existing knowledge, societal needs, or academic discourse. The video discusses the pressure and self-doubt that PhD candidates may experience regarding the relevance of their work, emphasizing the need for self-assurance and confidence in the significance of one's research.
💡Motivation
Motivation is the drive or desire to continue working towards a goal, especially in the face of challenges. In the context of a PhD, maintaining motivation is crucial due to the long-term commitment and the need for continuous effort. The speaker shares personal experiences of lacking motivation and suggests that timely progress, even in small tasks, can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and help maintain momentum.
💡Research Diary
A research diary is a record kept by a researcher to document their progress, decisions made during the research process, and any changes or adjustments to the methodology. It serves as a reflective tool and helps in tracking the evolution of the research. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping a research diary to avoid confusion, especially when working with complex data sets or models.
💡Connection
Connection, in the context of the video, refers to the sense of belonging and support that PhD candidates can derive from interacting with their academic community, supervisors, and peers. Feeling connected can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that are often associated with the solitary nature of conducting research. The speaker underscores the importance of being connected and offers various strategies for maintaining these connections throughout the PhD journey.
💡Time Management
Time management involves organizing and planning how much time is spent on specific activities to increase efficiency and productivity. For PhD candidates, effective time management is crucial given the extensive and often unstructured nature of their work. The video suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to time management during a PhD, and individuals must find their own rhythm and working style.
Highlights

Seven hundred and forty thousand students are enrolled in a PhD in Europe, showcasing the widespread pursuit of higher education.

A PhD, derived from Latin and Greek roots, signifies a deep love for wisdom and teaching.

The PhD journey involves mastering a topic of personal interest through rigorous research and academic exploration.

The process of a PhD typically begins with a proposal containing research questions and methodology.

Writing a thesis of approximately one hundred thousand words is a significant part of the PhD process.

PhD candidates work under the guidance of a supervisor and their work is reviewed by an examiner panel.

Despite the formal definition, many aspects of doing a PhD are not commonly discussed, such as overcoming challenges and staying motivated.

The feeling of being 'stuck' is a common mental process during a PhD, ranging from ideas to methodology and analysis.

It's important for PhD candidates to allocate time for thinking and making sense of their readings and research.

The vast amount of information available can be overwhelming, emphasizing the need to focus on one's research goals.

Leaving things out is a part of progress in a PhD, as it helps to refine the thesis and maintain focus.

Lack of motivation is a common issue among PhD students, with a UK study showing that 3 out of 10 do not finish within 7 years.

Tiny achievements, such as writing paragraphs or making small progress, contribute to the overall progress of a PhD.

Finding progress outside of the thesis work can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Forgetting details is common in a PhD due to long hours and stress, highlighting the importance of a research diary.

Writing up syntax can serve as a digital research diary for those working with quantitative research methods.

Avoid saving changes on the original data set to prevent loss of valuable information and ensure replicability.

PhD holders are expected to play a key role in society by contributing to the advancement of knowledge in Science and Technology.

Feeling lonely is a common challenge in the PhD process, with many students suffering from depression.

Being connected to others, such as colleagues, supervisors, and friends, can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide support.

There is no single correct approach to doing a PhD; individuals must find their own path and work style.

Transcripts

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