Eight Useful Reflection Starter Questions

I encourage candidates to reflect on their research, their examiners’ publications and think about how these things connect. It’s useful advice but at the same time a little vague. What concrete steps can candidates take? It isn’t always clear to know what to think or do, so here are eight questions to get the process of digging deeper started:

1. What are your examiners known for?
2. If you have cited them, how have you used or been influenced by their work?
3. How do you think your work connects with theirs?
4. What is your research contribution?
5. What are your examiners’ recent contributions?
6. What would you like to ask them about their work?
7. What do you think they would like to ask you about your work?
8. What do you hope they will take from your research?

Saying “reflect” is easy; doing it can be hard. Use these questions to start the process, and if you find other questions that help then share them.