Becoming a professional researcher Shonil Bhagwat, Johanna Wadsley, Jim McGinlay, Dan McCulloch Faculty of Social Sciences
Story of Athena’s PhD Adapted from: Matt Might (Computer scientist at the University of Utah)
Athena knew about a circle that contained all of human knowledge…
By the time she finished primary school, she knew a little…
By the time she finished high school, she knew a bit more…
With a bachelor's degree, she gained a specialty…
A master's degree deepened that specialty…
Reading research papers took Athena to the edge of knowledge…
Once Athena was at the boundary, she focused…
She pushed at the boundary for a few years…
Until one day, the boundary gave way…
And, that dent she made was called a PhD…
Of course, the world looked different to her now…
So, don't forget the bigger picture, but keep pushing!...
The Meaning of a PhD Professor Derek Pugh Open University Business School Adapted from Estelle M. Phillips and Derek S. Pugh How to Get a PhD (5th edition) Open University Press, 2010
Command of subject You have something to say that your peers want to listen to; You have a command of what is happening in your subject so that you can evaluate the worth of what others are doing; You have the astuteness to discover where you can make a useful contribution;
Research methods and ethics You are aware of the ethics of your profession and work within them; You have mastery of appropriate techniques that are currently being used, and also be aware of their limitations;
Communication to diverse audiences You are able to communicate your results effectively in the professional arena; All this is carried out in an international context because your professional peer group is worldwide; All this is carried out in an ever changing environment in your field of research.
Questions for Johanna, Jim and Dan What was your PhD about and what did you do to identify your research questions? How did you choose your research methods? How did you communicate your research to diverse audiences during your PhD?
Questions for Johanna, Jim and Dan Since completing your PhD, how do you keep on top of your subject and keep in touch with new developments in your field? If you were to do your PhD again, how would you change your research design or the choice of methods? How are you going about establishing yourself as a researcher in your own community since completing the PhD?
Questions for Johanna, Jim and Dan ?