I really like the notion of "stickability".  This term was coined by a very special friend of mine who was a Principal Educational Psychologist in the North of England.  His team were known in the profession as the "FIat Cap Brigade".  For those of you not aware of the millinery preferences of males from the [...]

Linked to the idea of the "golden thread" (have a look at that blog) is that of a "genetic link" between what you have reviewed in your Literature Review and the content of the methodology / tools that you will use to collect your data.   You would be surprised how many times I have [...]

Something that you really learn as you progress through your career is the need for real distinctions to be made between emails and meetings.  Quite often, especially in the academic and research world, we get these mixed-up and schedule meetings when email communication would be better . . . and vice-versa.   I remember a [...]

Well done!   I'm assuming that if you are reading this blog you have the required credentials for a job / internship etc.   You've probably been asked for an academic reference . . . right?   Remember that providing a reference is much more than simply typing up the letter of recommendation - after [...]

At the very start of the research process, make sure that you chat with your supervisor about any ethical implications of the proposed research.   Very Important:   Always identify the ethical issues early because you and your supervisor will have to submit the appropriate paperwork to the School's Director of Research for formal ethical [...]

Getting back to writing after a period of time away from formal education can be difficult - whether it is writing an essay or part of your research literature review.   This is normal.  YOU are normal.  If you didn't feel nervous and apprehensive, then you wouldn't be normal.  Would you?   So . . [...]

This is a BIG issue.  Get used to it !!!   Now, doesn't that sound hard?  It is . . . unfortunately.   At the level you are working at, accurate and precise referencing will be taken by supervisors . . . and Examiners . . . as something that should be perfect.  Not "nearly [...]

A generic problem (I think) with many researchers, is that as well as trying to write up their literature review and other parts of the thesis, they try to continually re-invent their writing style . . . just to make it look like they are really clever!   Always remember that the written report / [...]

At about the time of the first supervision meeting, have a think about the Table of Contents for the thesis.  For example:   -  How many chapters might there be?   -  What would go into each chapter?     A good place to start at here would be to take a look at previous [...]

What I find really amazing in my job is the number of students who progress through their undergraduate and postgraduate careers without ever looking up the definition of key terms . . . like . . . essay, report, dissertation, thesis, degree, etc.  After all, in a system that is all about modules and overt [...]