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Month: February 2023

Nathan

Framing Limitations

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Limitations in your research are constraints, parameters and requirements.

They could arise from setbacks and problems or be a result of the project specifications for your PhD.

You might acknowledge them, regret them or be frustrated by them.

They could have been anticipated, they might have surprised you or they could be a previously unforeseen complication due to the pandemic.

 

If your research – and consequently your PhD – has been impacted by limitations then you have to address it at some point in your thesis, and probably also in your viva.

But you get to choose the words you use to describe those limitations. Of course, be honest: but also realise that words mean something, and the words you use help to convince a reader, a listener and also oneself.

So: what words do you choose to use to describe the limitations of your PhD research?

Nathan

How Do You Do It?

Daily Post

Pick a method or process that you have used many times through your PhD. It might involve special equipment or software, precious resources or simply be related to how you get something from journal articles.

Now write the procedure out step by step. Start at the beginning and work through how you would use it to whatever the goal is. Unpick the stages and what triggers them, whether it’s simply moving on to the next piece of work or reaching a certain condition.

“How do you do it?” is a less common question at the viva maybe, but it’s in the background of many candidate concerns about being good enough, knowing enough and feeling confident. If you’re sure that you know how to do something then you have one less thing to worry about.

Find something you have used a lot and take it apart. Be certain of all the steps. Then use this as one more example of something you’re good at; it can help you to show others what you know, but also demonstrate to yourself that you are good.

Nathan

The Questions You Expect

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A question that’s expected can be prepared for.

A question you expect can still be difficult to respond to.

If you expect a question you might not be asked it after all.

And if you prepare you may still find something new to say on the day of your viva.

 

Remember that rehearsal for the viva doesn’t mean memorising talking points on expected questions. Rehearsal helps you find a process to engage with all questions about your research, your thesis and you – expected and unexpected.

Nathan

Prep & Procrastination

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If it’s hard to get started on viva prep or you’re putting it off then perhaps you need to make a plan – not to procrastinate but to give yourself some structure.

If you get distracted then maybe you need to put distracting things out of your reach.

Perhaps set a time to do some viva prep and set a time afterwards to do something that feels fun or like a reward.

And if the work feels like too much for right now then maybe you need to rest before you get ready for your viva.

Actually: remember that rest is part of what you need to get ready for your viva.

Nathan

Discipline Differences

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Reading viva regulations and googling about what to expect for your viva can only tell you so much. There are a lot of general viva expectations worth paying attention to – related to the format, the questions and examiners – but you also have to think about your particular discipline, field or area.

Two to three hours could be a useful general expectation for viva length. Your discipline might have a different expectation though, longer or shorter. That’s never a guarantee but it’s information that could help.

In general, PhD candidates don’t tend to give presentations to start their viva, at least not in the UK. But in some fields it is very common, an idea that has become a piece of “good practice”.

Your discipline may have particular questions or a focus on methods that isn’t common in other disciplines. You might not know that until you ask.

Pay attention to general viva advice and regulations, but also take time to ask your supervisors, friends and colleagues about their experiences and what they know about vivas in your discipline. Get as full a picture of what to expect as possible so that you can prepare accordingly.

Nathan

It Depends

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There are many questions asked about the viva to which a response has to begin with, “It depends…”

  • Is it best to have an expert in my research area for an examiner? – It depends on what you think about the situation, what your supervisor advises and whether someone is available.
  • When should I start preparing for my viva? – It depends on how busy you are, how big your thesis is and how you want to approach things. There’s general advice but you have to tailor things to your situation.
  • Should I have a mock viva? – It depends on your relationship with your supervisor, your schedule and how you want to prepare.
  • Will I have an independent chair at my viva? – It depends on the regulations for your institution, and perhaps on who your examiners are.

And the list goes on.

There is lots of advice and good practice related to the viva. There are many general expectations. But so much depends on the candidate, their research, their thesis and their life.

When you ask for viva advice or look for help, think about how things change when it connects to your situation.

Nathan

Three Things

Daily Post

Do you want a simple task to help how you feel about your viva?

Every day after submission, take five minutes to write down three things about your research: things that you know are good, that you’re proud of, that you know turned out well or that you know make a difference.

Three things, every day. Three things about your work that then go into the mix of thoughts and feelings for your viva. Three things you could draw on as you go to the viva to share your work. Three things to help build your confidence before you meet your examiners.

Viva prep takes more than five minutes each day after submission, but little tasks can make a big difference. Start with three things to help your viva preparation.

Nathan

When You Don’t Know

Daily Post

What would you do if you went blank or froze or could only think “I don’t know”?

It’s a situation you wouldn’t want; it could even be stressful. It’s reasonable to think about it before the viva but unhelpful to worry about it – particularly because there’s a lot you could do in that situation.

You could pause, take a moment to think and then respond. Your first response might be “I don’t know” but perhaps another moment of thinking will help you find more to say.

You could briefly reflect on why you don’t know something. Different reasons prompt different actions. Perhaps you can check your thesis. Perhaps you can ask a question. Perhaps, after reflection, you can just say “I don’t know”.

You could take a moment to think: even if you don’t know, you can share something with your examiners that will demonstrate your knowledge or skills in an appropriate way.

It’s good to reflect on this possible situation before the viva. It could be stressful, but there’s a lot you could do – if it happens at all.

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