A Problem
When you have a problem in your research there are a lot of questions that someone could ask.
- Why is it a problem?
- How is it a problem?
- When did you realise you had a problem?
- Did you resolve it? How did you do this? Did you have to try anything else first? And can you think of any other way you might have approached it?
- Was this a one-time problem? A recurring problem? Is there literature about this kind of problem – or even this specific problem?
- What does it mean to resolve this problem?
- How have you felt the impact of the problem?
- How would you advise someone else who faces this problem or similar in the future?
When you have a problem in your research there are a lot of questions that someone could ask – and someone could be one of your examiners.
Consider the problems you’ve faced in your PhD before you go to your viva. The fact that you have faced problems is not negative: it means there plenty of things to talk about which can demonstrate your capability.