The basic principles every PhD student needs to know

James Hayton PhD
17 Mar 202169:14
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker shares their personal journey through a PhD, highlighting the common struggle of overwhelming stress and the misconception that it's an inevitable part of the process. They emphasize the importance of recognizing when stress is hindering progress and advocate for fundamental changes in approach. The talk provides insights into the true purpose of a PhD, the need to focus on developing professional research skills, and the value of collaboration and asking for help. The speaker also shares practical advice on managing stress, improving writing skills, and maintaining a balanced life during PhD studies.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Starting a PhD is seen as a success and an opportunity to excel beyond undergraduate achievements, but it comes with high expectations and stress.
  • 😣 The transition from being accepted into a PhD program to completing it is challenging, with many students experiencing burnout and overwhelming stress.
  • 📈 Overwhelming stress is common among PhD students but should not be considered normal or inevitable; it can limit the ability to think critically and solve problems.
  • 🔍 A fundamental change in approach to work is necessary to alleviate stress and improve the PhD experience.
  • 🤔 The purpose of a PhD is to develop and demonstrate the skills of a professional academic researcher and produce work of a publishable standard.
  • 🌟 Success in a PhD is not just about becoming an expert but about the journey of learning, growing, and developing research skills.
  • 📚 Effective literature review involves identifying common concepts, techniques, major breakthroughs, and current trends to build a solid foundation for understanding in the field.
  • 🧠 Developing research skills is about breaking down the process, practicing, testing, refining, and repeating each part until mastery is achieved.
  • 💡 It's important to ask for help and collaborate with others, as no one is an island and different expertise can enhance the research process.
  • 🔗 Networking and building relationships with other researchers can open up opportunities and provide support throughout the PhD journey.
  • 🌈 Maintaining a balance between work and personal life, including hobbies and social activities, is crucial for mental well-being and can positively impact PhD productivity.
Q & A
  • What was the speaker's initial feeling when starting their PhD?

    -The speaker initially felt a sense of success and opportunity when starting their PhD, as it represented a chance to excel beyond their undergraduate achievements.

  • What challenges did the speaker face during their third year of PhD?

    -During their third year, the speaker experienced burnout, stress, depression, and feelings of being overwhelmed, to the point of considering quitting the program.

  • How did others respond when the speaker shared their struggles?

    -Others told the speaker that their experiences were normal parts of the PhD process and encouraged them to keep going, assuring them that things would eventually be okay.

  • What was the fundamental change the speaker had to make to overcome their challenges?

    -The speaker had to make fundamental changes to their approach towards their work, which eventually led to a change in their situation and alleviated their stress.

  • Why is it problematic to assume that overwhelming stress is a normal part of the PhD experience?

    -Assuming overwhelming stress is normal can lead to ignoring the problem. Overwhelming stress can limit one's ability to think, learn, and solve problems, which are crucial skills for PhD students and researchers.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the purpose of a PhD?

    -The speaker suggests that the purpose of a PhD is to develop and demonstrate the skills of a professional academic researcher, producing work of a publishable standard within one's field.

  • How does the speaker describe the difference between undergraduate education and a PhD program?

    -Undergraduate education has a clearly defined syllabus, established knowledge, a set timetable, and cumulative grading. In contrast, a PhD program involves cutting-edge research, dealing with less-established knowledge, more independence, and a single, high-stakes examination.

  • What is the speaker's advice for managing stress and improving work in a PhD program?

    -The speaker advises focusing on the fundamentals, practicing effectively, reading strategically, and collaborating with others to build a network of support and expertise.

  • How did the speaker change their approach to their research after their breakthrough realization?

    -The speaker decided to focus on each component part of their research process as carefully as possible, stopped using email as a distraction, and stopped worrying about the end results, which allowed them to improve their work and eventually complete their PhD successfully.

  • What is the speaker's view on the importance of networking and collaboration in academia?

    -The speaker believes that networking and collaboration are crucial in academia, as they provide access to diverse expertise and support, which can significantly enhance one's research and career opportunities.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 The Struggles of Starting a PhD

The speaker begins by sharing their personal experience of starting a PhD, describing the initial excitement and high expectations, followed by the reality of the program's difficulty. They discuss the common feeling of being overwhelmed and the tendency to accept this stress as a normal part of the PhD process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that overwhelming stress is not healthy and can hinder one's ability to think, learn, and solve problems effectively.

05:01
🤔 Redefining the Purpose of a PhD

The speaker challenges the conventional understanding of a PhD, suggesting that it is not just an original contribution to knowledge but also a fundamental change in the approach to learning. They argue that a PhD is not the culmination of the education system but rather the entry point into professional academia. The aim of a PhD is to develop and demonstrate the skills of a professional academic researcher, which involves producing work of a publishable standard and understanding the existing literature in the field.

10:02
📚 Approaching the Literature with the Right Skills

The speaker discusses the importance of knowing how to approach academic literature effectively. They highlight the need to identify common concepts and techniques in the field, as well as understanding major breakthroughs and current trends. The speaker advises focusing on the fundamentals and building a solid knowledge base before attempting to absorb large amounts of information, emphasizing that understanding the basics allows for faster and more effective learning.

15:04
🏃‍♂️ The Marathon of Skill Development

The speaker uses the analogy of a marathon to explain the importance of focusing on fundamentals and skill development over simply striving for results. They argue that just like in sports, the bulk of time in academia should be spent working on the component parts of a skill, rather than constantly pushing oneself to the limit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of practice, breaking down processes, and refining each individual part to build a strong foundation for success.

20:06
🤷‍♂️ Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence

The speaker shares a personal story of facing setbacks during their PhD and the realization that focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, was crucial for success. They discuss the importance of being meticulous, seeking help when needed, and collaborating with others. The speaker also highlights the need to build confidence by accepting the risk of failure and focusing on可控 factors, rather than worrying about potential examiners' opinions.

25:07
💡 The Role of Supervisors and the Importance of Networking

The speaker discusses the role of supervisors in a PhD student's journey, emphasizing that supervisors are not trained to supervise and can vary greatly in their approach. They suggest that students should be open about their knowledge gaps and seek early feedback to improve their work. The speaker also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships with others in the field, as these connections can lead to future opportunities.

30:09
📝 Balancing Writing and Research Throughout the PhD

The speaker addresses the challenge of balancing the need to produce publishable work with the pressure to focus on the research process itself. They argue that while publications are essential, the focus should be on finding interesting, worthwhile problems to work on. The speaker suggests that by focusing on the smaller components of a research project, one can naturally produce publishable work without sacrificing quality or rushing through the process.

35:09
🤝 Collaborative Work and the Fear of Idea Theft

The speaker discusses the common fear among PhD students that their work or ideas might be stolen, leading to isolation and missed opportunities for collaboration. They argue that while idea theft can happen, the greater risk lies in isolating oneself from potential sources of support and improvement. The speaker encourages students to be open about their work and to build a strong research skill set as a safety net against such risks.

40:12
🧘‍♀️ Managing Stress and Maintaining Personal Well-being

The speaker shares strategies for managing stress during a PhD, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and engaging in activities outside of research. They suggest that maintaining social connections, pursuing hobbies, and ensuring adequate rest are crucial for mental well-being and can actually enhance one's research productivity. The speaker also highlights the value of group interactions and the positive impact of a supportive research environment.

45:12
🌟 Embracing Life Beyond the PhD

The speaker encourages PhD students to maintain a well-rounded life, including hobbies and personal interests, as a way to cope with the pressures of their studies. They argue that having other aspects in life can provide a necessary break and can even contribute to problem-solving within the PhD work. The speaker stresses the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and ensuring that it is not sacrificed solely for the sake of academic work.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡PhD stress
PhD stress refers to the overwhelming pressure and mental strain experienced by doctoral students during their research. In the video, the speaker discusses how this stress is common but should not be considered inevitable or necessary, as it can hinder the ability to think, learn, and solve problems effectively. The speaker shares personal experiences and emphasizes the need to address this stress by changing the approach to work rather than accepting it as part of the PhD process.
💡Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. The speaker mentions reaching a point of burnout in their third year of the PhD program, feeling stressed, depressed, and overwhelmed. This keyword highlights the importance of managing workload and stress to prevent severe emotional and psychological consequences that can impair academic performance and personal well-being.
💡Research skills
Research skills encompass the abilities required to conduct academic research effectively, including critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication of findings. The video emphasizes the importance of developing these skills at a professional level to succeed in a PhD program. The speaker suggests that focusing on improving these skills rather than solely on achieving results can lead to better long-term outcomes and a more sustainable approach to academic research.
💡Original contribution
An original contribution refers to the unique and novel ideas or findings that a PhD student produces as part of their research. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the common expectation for a PhD to represent an original contribution to the body of knowledge in their field. This concept is central to the purpose and outcome of a PhD, as it is a measure of the student's ability to advance understanding in their area of study.
💡Academic researcher
An academic researcher is an individual who conducts systematic investigations to acquire new knowledge, improve existing understanding, or develop new theories and methods. The video highlights the goal of a PhD program to develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to become an independent academic researcher. This involves not only producing publishable work but also engaging in the scholarly community and contributing to the advancement of one's discipline.
💡Coping mechanisms
Coping mechanisms are strategies or behaviors that individuals use to manage stress, adversity, or difficult situations. In the video, the speaker shares personal coping mechanisms, such as taking a walk or disconnecting from email, to handle the stress and pressure of the PhD program. These mechanisms are essential for maintaining mental health and productivity during the rigorous process of academic research.
💡 imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a 'fraud'. The speaker mentions this phenomenon among PhD students who feel they don't belong or aren't knowledgeable enough. Overcoming imposter syndrome involves acknowledging one's limitations, seeking help, and focusing on learning and growth rather than perceived inadequacy.
💡Publish or perish
The phrase 'publish or perish' reflects the academic pressure to consistently produce and disseminate research findings through publications. In the video, the speaker discusses the importance of balancing the need to publish with the pursuit of meaningful, high-quality research. This concept underscores the competitive nature of academia, where the number and quality of publications can significantly impact a researcher's career progression.
💡Collaboration
Collaboration in the context of the video refers to the act of working together with others in academic or research settings to achieve common goals. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building networks and asking for help when facing challenges in research. Collaboration can lead to the exchange of ideas, shared expertise, and increased productivity, making it a crucial aspect of successful academic endeavors.
💡Mental health
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can work productively and contribute to their community. In the video, the speaker discusses the impact of PhD stress on mental health, highlighting the need to prioritize self-care and stress management to prevent burnout and associated mental health issues. Maintaining good mental health is essential for the overall well-being and effectiveness of PhD students and researchers.
Highlights

The initial feeling of success and opportunity upon starting a PhD program.

The realization that getting into a PhD program is easier than completing one, leading to feelings of burnout and stress.

The common misconception that overwhelming stress is a normal and inevitable part of the PhD process.

The importance of making fundamental changes to one's approach to work in order to alleviate stress and improve outcomes.

The need for a clear understanding of what a PhD is and what it aims to achieve.

The redefinition of a PhD as an entry qualification to professional academia, not the pinnacle of the education system.

The three main objectives of a PhD: getting to know the literature, developing professional academic research skills, and demonstrating knowledge and skill through a project.

The principle that practice and reading techniques are crucial for skill development and effective learning.

The importance of focusing on the fundamentals and component parts of a skill set rather than just increasing the load or stress.

The concept of approaching literature by identifying common concepts, techniques, major breakthroughs, and current trends.

The advice to slow down, focus on component parts, and collaborate with others to build a strong research foundation.

The impact of isolation on PhD students and the importance of social interaction and support within research groups.

The balance between focusing on results and the process of developing skills and working on worthwhile problems.

The suggestion to practice writing early on in the PhD journey, focusing on structure and clarity rather than attempting full chapters.

The narrative structure for writing, starting with a situation, describing a problem, and then presenting a solution or various approaches to the problem.

The importance of maintaining personal interests and activities outside of the PhD to reduce stress and provide a well-rounded life.

Transcripts
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