Oops!

Anyone can make a mistake.

If you find one before your viva, in your research or your thesis then – after taking a deep breath and not panicking – reflect on the following three questions:

  • Why is this a mistake?
  • How did it happen?
  • What can you do about it now?

Reflect on these questions and make some notes. If you think you need to then discuss the situation with your supervisor. That will probably be enough to help you feel ready for talking about it in your viva if you need to.

And if a mistake is brought to your attention in the viva (or if you make one in the viva) then the three questions above will still be helpful.

Deep breath, don’t panic, think and respond.