The basic principles every PhD student needs to know

For quick tips on everything PhD related, check out my blog phd.academy
This video was recorded at the Insight conference in Galway, Ireland in February 2020

[@James_Hayton]

If you like this video, check out my writing course: phd.academy/the-writing-course

[@peterrabsonnguluwejnr1846]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@simonpeters3362]

I respect everything that Dr. James Hayton said in this video ..Ultimately to get through a PhD in my opinion you have to be really organised, always remember that a PhD is a crafting process .. when I started my PhD I was informed by a retired Professor "you never write a thesis you craft one" ... The other bit of advice I would give before beginning a PhD ...know your area reasonably well, have an understanding of the research literature because it will help with the literature search chapter, form close ties with other PhD students on the course, plan your work, write small amount of writing everyday and gradually build up ..keep on good terms with your supervisors (absolute must!) and exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Finally take your time ...before you begin tell yourself this is going to take time and eventually I will get to the end ! Good luck to all those who have started a PhD, thinking about doing one or at completion ... take care!

[@Emmynjad1]

Thanks Simon!

[@sreebinp8336]

👍

[@gemechudegefa2578]

Thank you for your advice!

[@ringbamlung]

Thank you for this advice. I'm planning to apply this year. I've been watching lot of videos on this heads-up. It's kinda scary and exciting at the same time.

[@simonpeters3362]

@@ringbamlung make sure you choose a good university and if you decide to go with a university where you have studied before do not have the same supervisors, meet your supervisors before you get stuck in to the PhD so you get an understanding of their personality because ultimately they are the ones that are going to push you further and can also hold you back. Make sure that you plan, plan and plan ... be kind and smile and when your supervisors suggest something say 'yes I get that and its a good suggestion' compliment them. Part of doing a PhD is being really opened minded the minute you resist a suggestion from your supervisors they will think this person is not serious ... doing a PhD you do not need to be intelligent, you just have to be resilient and smart!! I really hope you reflect on what I have said ... Good Luck!

[@thattimestampguy]

0:00 Too Much Stress Is BAD, STIFLING 3:05 Why Act To Obtain a PH.D? • To become an Independent Researcher • To Culminate My Education 5:23 • To Avoid Major Life Decisions 6:03 It’s Completely Different - NO SYLLABUS • Not Well Established Knowledge, basically dealing with Argued Ideas 7:08 • 1 Exam, Pass or Fail Be The Best In The Field _What it means_ 8:09 Being great, and adapting 8:49 It’s the entry qualification into the world of academia (arguable) Produce Publicatable Work *What PH.D’s Do* 10:14 1. Practice 2. Read 11:42 Repetition doesn’t make you better. The way you repeat is important. ‘12:29 Weightlifting • works for a while, reach a plateau 13:43 Weight and Tactics 14:20 Getting Greater; Perfecting Technique, Psychology, then going to the edge 16:04 Go Back and Re-Learn The Fundamentals 17:41 • Read faster? • Read more? NO, Find The Fundamentals 18:47 _Common Concepts_ (Academic Papers are not written in order to teach somebody) 21:28 Get the major core ideas, then start reading papers *Dealing With Failure* 22:25 I WANT RESULTS NOW 1. Develop Techniques [Process, Practice, Refine, Repeat 🔂 ] 25:24 2. Ask For Help 26:54 THINGS WILL GO WRONG 😑 Respond To It Right 30:20 “What Was The Point?… I can’t take this anymore.” 31:55 One Last Try, One Final BEST CAREFUL METICULOUS SHOT 36:49 Exciting stuff has Uncertainty *Q&A* 39:33 Supervisors 41:10 Openness about What You Don’t Know 41:43 Feedback early better than late 42:30 People Tend To Be Consistent* [In Script Writing and Academic Writing] 44:05 Imposter: Pretending to be something else (Hiding weaknesses doesn’t fix weaknesses) 45:42 Own up to it 52:10 Basic Writing Skill 53:30 Focus, Structure, Problem -> Solution Technique spawns variations Limited to xyz circumstances

[@ReflectiveMind5633]

You're the best !

[@sunnyyoda]

I ❤ this so much

[@johanngroenewald9881]

I recently graduated. Throughout my four year PhD journey, I listened, read and attended James's podcasts, blogs and a course. It was of immense help to have "him" as a resource.

[@sierracoleman5585]

Hi Johann, Why is him in quotation marks? Thanks

[@VM-gg7be]

@@sierracoleman5585 I believe her connection was virtual. So having his words and ideas without the direct connection, and worse, without communication. Just my read of what she wrote.

[@sierracoleman5585]

@@VM-gg7be Thanks

[@i_t296]

This speech should be shown to all academics. Both supervisors and PhD students could take useful notes from it. A big thank you from a PhD student point of view, your speech is appreciated.

[@Mahi13766]

Thanks a lot for this amazing video. After almost 6 months of a PhD I just left the institute. It was a mutual agreement between me and my supervisor. All the hardships and stress that you described in the video, I experienced. Just a nightmare. Especially when you come from a 3world with different educational systems to universities in the first world countries. All in all I can say one of the most important lessons that I learned after that time was that do not internalize failure feelings on your whole identity and self esteem. Because I did that and it makes you insane. Every time after not knowing something and of course wonder faces of colleagues and my supervisor, I felt stupid. And over time even if I knew something the mental picture that I had from myself (being the stupidest person and most incompetent PhD ever) didn't allow me to perform well. So, a vicious cycle began. Then you ask yourself maybe I am indeed incompetent and stupid. And it is like hell. Maybe my work environment was toxic and me was not ready for this amount of work and proficiency or maybe because I was not ready it seemed so bad or both. I don't know really. I don't know yet if PhD is not really my thing, or now because I had that bad experience it seems like that.

[@chriscockrell9495]

Purpose of PhD - 4:00 To understand a topic profoundly, beyond a simple mechanical understanding. Provides an understanding of understandings. Add understanding of the topic. To become an independent researcher, research driver's license. Research Marathon, not a sprint. Means you are a leading expert???? 8:00 Undergrad vs PhD (mechanics vs understanding) Produce professional academic standards. What does the literature look like? 10:30 Three Aims: Literature, Research development, skills and understanding How you practice? How you read? Common concepts 19:00 (Power Grid vs Power systems vs Energy systems) Common techniques Major breakthroughs (changes the way we approach understanding - deregulation, computer processing) Current trends (smart grid, smart meters, renewables, IOT, internet)

[@James_Hayton]

Not sure I understand your summary- lots of things in there I didn't say. I did not say the purpose was to understand a topic profoundly or provide an understanding of understandings. I said the purpose was to develop the skills of a professional academic researcher.

[@chriscockrell9495]

@@James_Hayton This is not a summary of your narrative. This is simply the parts of your narrative, where I found value and where I see meaning and my attempting to words them in my own words. Some of what you said, I agree with and see wisdom in, other comments I do not accept as meaningful (another way to say that is it is a statement I would not have made). Many of the categories you use are different than I'd lay out in my narrative of the purpose of a PhD, but it is clear you have put a lot of thought into your presentation. I'm trying to decide what my narrative is around a PhD and what my narrative ought to be. I tend to think research is more around creative a narrative than skill and knowledge base, but I see it as more around understanding than knowledge. Seems that you view it the other way. Not sure that matters too much. Philosophically, it probably has difference, I just fail in seeing the applications. If I'm wrong, don't let me speak for you, explain what you mean and your understanding in a way that I hear and accept your understanding. That isn't easy, but that is part of creating a narrative.

[@James_Hayton]

Thanks for clarifying! I agree with the need to create a narrative (and I talk a lot about how to do this in another video, basically by setting things up as cause and effect, problem and response). However, you cannot do this without research skill. It doesn't matter how good your narrative is if the execution of your research is fundamentally flawed. This is one of the more common problems I see PhD students face- they spend so much time reading and writing that they don't develop any research skill or experience. You say you see it as more around understanding than knowledge- I agree with that too. I would never argue for knowledge without understanding!

[@user-vq3lk]

@@James_Hayton what are researcher skills in general?

[@SalmanAhmed-uc2yt]

This is extremly insightful for new PhD students. Every single word of what you said is a 100% true. Kudos

[@UBO41]

Wow. This is such an important one to watch. Working on my proposal right now. Thanks Dr. Hayton!

[@thecatsister3040]

Thank you for an extremely valuable insight. It really helps my journey in this marathon.

[@Aritul]

The flip at 8:56 is brilliant! Thank you so much for this lecture, Dr. Hayton.

[@bongani28]

This is very insightful. I will approach my PhD in different mindset altogether.

[@streetfashiontv9149]

i wish i had this lecture at my disposal when i started my PhD back in 2012 would have made a difference. Good information.

[@sylviamachini2624]

This has been really helpful and informative. Let me now try to put these principles into practice. Thanks again

[@olabimpealale2047]

I am glad to hear about the feeling of inadequacy with regards to basic knowledge from undergraduate years. I always feel the need to acquaint myself with the research process all over again especially the statistical aspect. Thank you for an enlightening presentation.

[@dexterdanieltnt]

Just finished my second masters degree at TCD and contemplating a PhD. Great advice .... saw several reflections of this during my research on my thesis.

[@charlottegreen4610]

Skills are your safety net, not isolation. That has changed my life - brilliant advice.

[@rahulshaw9051]

I just get into my PhD and this video is very assuring 🙏🙏

[@larasayed01]

PhD is only the beginning ! So true indeed! I have recently submitted my thesis and I'm now waiting for the evaluators' feedback. The journey is endless and stress seems to be an everlasting companion but support is so much needed and I personally find so much support in your videos! I find this video so informative and so insightful, like the ones you shared before, and even more! Thank you so much for sharing Doctor James!

[@aswathinarayanan2410]

Halo sir . Wonderful information

[@Emmynjad1]

Larasayed, as I understand, every part of life is associated with stress. However, the stress part; can't be specific. What kind of stress? Stress is bound to happen as long as the work is not organized.

[@A-human-like-you]

Lol I just submitted and waiting for my viva too! I feel the imposter syndrome like every second of the day. How did u get through this time until the viva date? 🥶

[@tawfiqezaz3455]

Very useful, Thanks a lot Dr. James

[@michellevasquez8853]

Your videos have been so helpful. Thank you.

[@lizakolobova]

Literally the best video out of dozens I've watched about PhD, thank you so much! You helped me decide effortlessly, truly a life changing video

[@shivanshawasthi27]

Thank you for this. much needed. esp for those who have been admitted in the covid times and haven't had a chance to go to college and studying from home. This transition from coursework to PhD is confusing sometimes and videos like these provide some perspective.

[@SapiensIndica]

I am an Alumni from NUI Galway, where this presentation is given, very insightful, now am in France, I miss this way of lectures. NUI Galway is a great university.

[@nicetomeetyou610]

Thank you so much! Very useful for me, at 41th years old, adult undergraduate Psychology student, lost in space how to make it right after more than 23th years no school. 🥴 ⚡ I won't give up. ⚡ 🥰 Thank you! 🥰

[@user-wx3vr2wr1l]

The book that he recommended is Deep Work by Cal Newport

[@sydneymusipilimutelo6476]

Thank you for this great insights, so helpful Dr.

[@hassanbob1322]

It's so beneficial. Thanks Dr James

[@jenaya_laila2442]

I personally really enjoy making my own hours, not having a set timetable....I am starting my journey, but I also do not feel like I am competing in my subject, more like collaborating....I love speaking with others in the field and completely excited to do something new ( the reason I wanted to pursue a PhD)....I hope it will stay that way and if it doesn´t I will definitely drop out. I despise the word competition as I believe that creating something new is always a joint effort and wanting to see change in the world should have a Nobel motivation. If it begins to become toxic, I am out!

[@James_Hayton]

I see your point and I hope the word competition doesn't put you off too much from the rest of the talk. It's a shorthand way of saying that there's an element of assessment relative to other people's performance- as an undergraduate you're assessed relative to classmates, as a PhD student it's relative to other researchers in the field. It's great that you're finding productive collaborations! This is the way it should be and I hope it continues that way for you. Best of luck!

[@fatgeisha4685]

My man, Dr. Hayton, giving me the inside scoop while I'm working on my undergrad research experience.

[@ktan8]

47:50 Great point about finding important/interesting problems to work on rather than just churning out results as fast as possible

[@chrisogonas]

Handy and tremendously helpful! Thanks

[@maramezina1094]

thank you so much for this interesting presentation.

[@beltusnkwawir2908]

"The choice is who you work with at any stage of your career is more than important than what you do " -- This is so true. My supervisor changed my life and made my MSc Degree experience an enjoyable one. Now, he just offered me a position to continue to work with him for my Ph.D. I haven't even graduated yet from MSc. Thank you Dr. James Hayton

[@FerrisBueller468]

This was so useful. Thank you James 😊 I learnt so much.

[@godsalvationoguibe9957]

I started my PhD in Computer Science few days ago. A great resource to consume. Thank you Dr. James

[@shadebadmos]

Good luck!

[@ssketchup72]

Amazing. I would like to thank you very much for your great and important lecture. I loved it. I wish you health and prosperity.🌺🙏🌹

[@kulwamangana8280]

Thanks, very insightful talk

[@mkm6180]

Your speech is so logically organized, it’s amazing! We can see this topic is really your calling, thank you for sharing.

[@James_Hayton]

Thanks! The topic isn't my calling, though- I've just learned how to structure ideas and I've done a lot of public speaking. These are skills anyone can learn!

[@mrx2062]

In science, in particular chemistry, the hardest question is to decide if when something does not work out, if the approach is wrong and will never work or if you just did not tried enough different conditions. The nature of science is that nobody can know the answer in the particular situation. Considering that time is limited, that is usually a stressy situation, but the nature of science itself.

[@James_Hayton]

This is why it's so important to do things carefully and not rush. There's no way to identify if the approach is wrong or just needs tweaking if you do it sloppily!

[@mrx2062]

​@@James_Hayton In chemistry for example, even that may not be enough. You try different reaction conditions and the next set of conditions may work or may not work. Nobody knows, if you do really valuable science. The same is true for next 100 sets of conditons. It can be a kind of a lottery, and a matter of luck too or it is just a numbers game. How much conditions can you test in the available time ? And considering opportunity cost due to limited time, is it worth it or better try another approach ? The issue is, you get older along the way and funding is a limited resource too. You may have about 3 to 5 years as a PhD. You do not even have that time as Postdoc. Considering the competition in science, the next project may be your last and end of your career in science if you did not make it yet on a permanent position. Really good science ( = not predictable results) always requires sacrificing Postdoc careers (and from time to time PhD students science careers. Never mind PhD students are cheap or even free if they come with a scholarship and of never ending supply) to the god of nature, so to speak and the faith of Postdocs that it is not their career sacrificed next. If good science is also the result of creating unpredictable results, then by defintion there must be a lot of failed projects. Looking on successful science careers always includes a survivorship bias. It is a bit like finding sucessful investors. However, that is the nature of the game. It is important to encourage young people to start science careers but is also important to recognize when to leave it.

[@LEARNWITHPANDA]

Yeah totally agree with Dr. James that it's much easier to get into a PhD program than it is to complete one.

[@sachin.b.h715]

Dammnn thats soo true

[@anjalyb6935]

Don't be too ambitious about your work.. you never know how you will react if something goes wrong.. so true.. I have the same experience..

[@keepcreationprocess]

Most of those people are very calm dedicated, diligent, focused, very smart hardworking....and....... . You must think like.......I love phd people.... Admiring them...

[@James_Hayton]

I didn't say don't be too ambitious- but it takes time to build the skill to reach your ambitions. Don't expect amazing results straight away

[@keepcreationprocess]

@@James_Hayton resilience, survive.... It is good that I saw so many around me before.... I would have given up like many. I gave up something before, I regret it later. I know now, it has nothing to do with me, but with the politics and what people had in their mind. Not necessary true... I had to prove myself first.

[@anjalyb6935]

@@James_Hayton I agree. In my case I did everything that needed to be done . Due to some academic politics things went wrong.. I couldn't control that time.. that's the biggest mistake I did in my PhD.

[@IndoritoUK-zp3qi]

lecture was really organised with ideas and solutions. it shows Ph.D. holder giving a lecture. well said and proved with situations. Moreover, it is too much relevant with every Ph.D. student. I feel the same right now but it helped me a lot that I am not only the one in this boat.

[@therandomers6549]

Thanks. This is really helpful

[@joodjood2138]

Thank you so much such a wonderful video with a lot of beneficial information

[@amirajiahe460]

I wish I could have seen this before staring y PhD. This is tremendously helpful, thanks, Doctor.

[@draganmarkovich7920]

Me too :D

[@jeffgervasi5546]

Interesting and informative to be sure. Reminds me of something my advisor said to me once: "If it was easy, everyone would be 'doctor'".

[@clarastephanyherasmegrullo47]

Great lecture! I wish I knew this before enrolling my PhD. I’m a third year PhD student and even if I love my subject and have found encouraging results, there are moments that I just ask myself if it’s going to be worth it at the end, the daily basis is full of stress, small failures and the feeling of not being good enough…

[@akharroubi]

Hi how are doing ? did you got your PhD! i hope so. I'm the case you described right now.

[@clarastephanyherasmegrullo47]

@@akharroubi Hello! Im doing fine, thanks for asking. I totally understand the feeling, I think the last year of PhD was the hardest for me. My supervisor gave me this advice: "Don't overthink, just continue, you have done well, you have survived all of the bad days and you didn't give up, that's the most important thing, you got this!" Well, I got my PhD!!! It was the best feeling being able to return home in the Dominican Republic and hug my parents after 2 years without seing them, mom made sancocho for me as a wellcoming dish. I also got a position in my University as a researcher and I'll be starting soon as a lecturer as well. You will be fine, It does get better.

[@akharroubi]

@@clarastephanyherasmegrullo47 Congratulations on your PhD and your new position. I'm very happy for you, I hope my wishes will come true too (to return to my country, my family and to get some stability).🎉🎉

[@akharroubi]

@@clarastephanyherasmegrullo47 Thanks for your update.

[@ndu272]

Very useful information. Thank you.

[@maryamh8458]

Amaaaazing!

[@colleenstuart190]

You have given a great talk, in all respects. I'm that glad that I listened to you..oh boy..you are a minefield ok knowledge...

[@saliexplore3094]

This is gold!

[@mizstermethod]

WOOOW great lecture

[@maramemad1223]

Amazing Amazing :)))) Thank you million times

[@user-kc9sy4pi6j]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 高期望与压力：开始博士生涯时的高期望与压力，完成博士比进入博士项目更具挑战。 01:12 🚫 无法忽视的压力：博士阶段的适度压力或许有益，但过度压力会限制思维和解决问题的能力。 02:51 💡 应警惕压力：强烈压力提示问题出现，需要修正工作方法，而不是简单忍受。 03:16 📜 博士的目标：博士并非教育系统巅峰，而是学术界的入门资格，需要掌握专业研究技能。 08:19 🏋️‍♀️ 基本原理：通过专业学术研究技能的基本训练，建立坚实的知识基础，以便进一步发展。 15:11 📖 选择性阅读：重点是挑选具有共同概念、技术、突破和现行趋势的论文，逐步建立知识基础，而非追求速度。 22:45 🧠 重点：追求卓越的研究目标，但要先培养实践技能，专注于过程，不要过于关注结果。 24:29 🔍 重点：将研究过程细化为部分，解决个别问题，逐步测试和优化，减小研究规模，确保质量。 25:37 🤝 重点：建立合作关系和网络，借助他人的专业知识和技能，不必独立完成一切。 27:03 ⚙️ 重点：当事情出错时，关键是如何应对。遇到困难要坚持，不要因挫折放弃，放慢节奏，专注于解决问题。 29:16 💡 重点：面对失败时，不要回避问题，要学会从失败中吸取经验教训，找出问题的根本原因，做出改变。 32:53 ✍️ 重点：在写作和研究中，及早寻求反馈，不要等到完成整个作品才寻求帮助，及时调整和优化。 35:13 📵 重点：避免分心，不要过多关注电子邮件和外部干扰，专注于解决问题，提高工作效率。 36:06 💪 重点：自信来自于接受风险和挑战，不要害怕失败，专注于发挥自己的最佳能力。 37:20 🤝 重点：选择合适的导师和合作伙伴至关重要，建立专业网络，通过互相交流合作提升自己的研究水平。 47:10 📚 要注重结果，但不仅仅追求发表论文，还要找到有价值的问题进行研究。 48:10 🤔 不仅要追求发表，还要选择复杂有价值的问题，关注其中的组成部分，以产生更多更好的作品。 50:01 📖 推荐阅读《深度工作》一书，强调高质量论文的生成方法。 51:38 📝 论文写作最好不要集中在最后，而是早期练习写作技能，注意构建清晰的论证结构。 53:28 📚 文章的范围要有限，避免信息过载，专注于一个概念，以情景、问题和解决方案为线索来构建文章结构。 55:21 📜 将研究视为问题的回应，以及解决方案的发展，建立清晰的叙述结构，将构思融入论文。 56:24 🌐 不要过度孤立自己，与他人交流、分享思想和问题，共同提高作品质量。 57:59 🧠 避免完全孤立，与同行互动，分享研究和借鉴新观点，但注意保护自己的作品。 01:02:16 📖 在忙碌的研究中不要忘记休息、阅读小说、看电影等个人爱好，有助于提供创造力和放松。 01:03:57 🏃‍♀️ 不要让研究垄断你的时间，保留时间进行其他活动，保持平衡和身心健康。 Made with HARPA AI

Thank you so much

[@shreyaashok5582]

Hello Dr Hayton, Thank you for this video. I am a Psychologist in India. I am contemplating a Phd in the U.S. or U.K. My concern has been that the standard of psychology research in my country isn't very high. What worries me is the different standards of research will prove very difficult along with the difficulty of pursuing a Phd itself. I am motivated to pursue it but I am confused if sticking to my country is more sensible than pursuing something worthwhile and challenging abroad. Would love to hear from you. Thanks again. And, I hope you're doing well.

[@James_Hayton]

Make some contacts in other countries and speak to people working in the field you're interested in. Check out this blog post for some ideas- jameshaytonphd.com/quick-tips/how-to-get-into-a-phd-programme

[@ninirema4532]

Thank you 🙏 very much 🙏

[@hemn891]

I have pursued my master two months ago in Malaysia. I am now absolutely afraid to start this journey! I really don't know why but PhD is a nightmare as long as I have heard about this from too many PhD students before. Finally, I decided to procrastinate this journey maybe next year or when I believe things are ready.

[@bashirmoalimmohamud1138]

Mr James I am a somali father I want your help for the sake of my little girl who will finish her masters degree in September 2022 ,she wants to do a PhD in macrobiology ,imanology, variology (imv) can you help her please.

[@syarifahmardhiah5103]

Which university you studied in Malaysia?

[@teetertotter5787]

It would have been great to hear the questions.

[@James_Hayton]

Unfortunately no mic in the audience!

[@peaceandpeas56]

Nice talk :) Would you have any advice for PhD students in my situation: I'm a biologist, so part of my PhD so far has been doing experiments (wet lab), however a good part of it has also been analysing "old" data from my team, sticking everything together to form a nice presentation of all our accumulated experiments. I feel that I have some kind of weird impostor syndrom, because I'm using data that I have not myself created (done the wet lab stuff). I know someone has to do the analysis and writting and I know I'm not going to be the only author, but I still have this feeling of using results, I have not created and that I'm "cheating" because a PhD student usually does everything from A-Z.

[@James_Hayton]

It's quite common for PhD students to get data from others. In astronomy or particle physics there are experiments that generate vast amounts of data so it's often PhD students who do much of the analysis even if they weren't present during the experiment or had no part in the project design. Instead of seeing yourself as an impostor, see it as an opportunity to learn how to do the analysis and publish a paper, then you can apply those skills to data from your own experiments

[@peaceandpeas56]

@@James_Hayton Interesting! Thanks for your advice. I suppose everything is in the mindset!

[@y5jeyfuyf]

thnks

[@andyiswonderful]

I think a PhD is for achieving a specific career goal. I have a PhD in Chemical Engineering which I needed to enter a career in R&D.

[@sudhaprathyusha]

I just started journey of PHD and i have been working on journal and i end up where i have started .Lost peace and end up catching this video .I hope i can do better .

[@scrintal]

This is a fantastic video! I'd love to have you a guest on our channel one day James.

[@James_Hayton]

Drop me a message and let me know what you do!

[@scrintal]

@@James_Hayton I've just sent you a message on your website by using the contact form.

[@mrmichael972]

This is great and I'm not even a Ph.D. student.

[@sirisaksirisak6981]

Phd101.Flavorite sir.

[@ibilolaitiolu3095]

Thanks for this insightful lecture Dr Hayton

[@KSASA999]

Is a good research paper published in a high-ranking academic journal a small version of a PhD thesis?

[@ycz1931]

ahhh NUI so close, will you do talks like this in Dublin sometime

[@James_Hayton]

I would if we could travel at the moment!

[@ycz1931]

@@James_Hayton hopefully get the chance to listen to you in person when the situation gets better, all the best~

[@Mod.womaniya]

The whole talk is quite inspiring. I am to start my phd. If phd is open for world competition ,then please tell does it really matter to study in foreign university ,if you want to contextualise any idea to specific area ?

[@James_Hayton]

What I meant by global competition is that your research will be judged relative to other work published in your field. I'm afraid I don't understand your question "does it really matter to study in foreign university ,if you want to contextualise any idea to specific area ?"

[@Mod.womaniya]

@@James_Hayton oh! i didnt intend to make you afraid. Its just a query. Coming to the question, while thinking of so many topics and undergoing the existing literature. I came to conclude that the whole study and approach of developed countries or some high ranking institutions have been to some extent "ignorant of not contextualising" or have attempted a top-down approach .....which creates a vacuum in the existing literature . If someone wants to study or wants to contextualise any idea/issue to one particular area...the research would be better placed in being in that particular area..i.e. an indigenous reasearch or just to move to some great university for better research ecosystem as proclaimed there. Don't you think that there would be some kind of biasness or slight difference in measuring the 'extent'? Like levels of exploitation or development? Likewise... I may be ignorant of not understanding so many things...i just want to have your thoughts on this as i listened to your discussion and felt as if I was part of that. Please look into my query.

[@James_Hayton]

If you're choosing where to study, it's not about the reputation of the university but about the people you work with. The best researchers understand bias and try to design studies to minimise it. For example, Canadian anthropologist Wade Davis studied at Harvard (one of the top-ranked universities in the world), and conducted his research by living with indigenous people for many months at a time. Rather than a top down approach, he spends time with indigenous people in order to learn from them. This approach was influenced by his mentor Richard Shultes. It's not about the institution- it's about the people you work with!

[@Mod.womaniya]

@@James_Hayton thanks for the response❣️

[@PrinceKumar-hh6yn]

Being an undergrad, as per my observation, pple lose their enthu for the process

[@JalalUdDin-fo5db]

Great lecture! Thanks Sir, learnt a lot but someone told me that I can’t do my research because i got less marks than the ones required for a PhD here in Pakistan 😢 Really sad about it!

[@James_Hayton]

Why did you want to do a PhD? Maybe there are ways to achieve the same things outside of academia. Grades aren't everything!

[@JalalUdDin-fo5db]

@@James_Hayton oh wow Sir, thanks for your kind reply! I got so happy that a great scholar like you replied to me. Thanks And do you mean that I should know the literature and then the search method etc and do it by myself, or what should I do? I will check your video if you have any video regarding this topic I will follow the guidelines you suggest there. Thanks, Sir! You are a great man! MashaAllah!

[@James_Hayton]

Not exactly... I mean instead of doing research. If you enjoy teaching, for example, you can do that at a lower lever without a PhD. If you enjoy writing, you can do that in another form. If you like problem solving, there are other ways to do that.

[@JalalUdDin-fo5db]

@@James_Hayton Yes Sir, i enjoy teaching actually. I’m trying to get it on a lower level. Thanks Sir Really enjoy your videos, so much scholarly, and so easy to understand, comprehensible even for me 😂 🙏

[@simonpeters3362]

Its ultimately your supervisors that make or break your PhD ...

[@James_Hayton]

Not entirely... though a bad one can certainly break it, it's not the only factor

[@simonpeters3362]

​@@James_Hayton Your right but your supervisors can make your life difficult when trying to get through ethics and ultimately they have to be satisfied with your thesis before you submit. If your supervisors are experienced they will know who the external examiner is and if you go against them there can be consequences which you may not be privy/aware of .... and it just means more corrections to make at the end .. so keeping the supervisors on board is a must. You are the person that will know your research better than anyone absolutely ..but I echo my earlier point in that a PhD is not about being intelligent the brightest people do not accomplish a PhD (no disrespect to anyone!) ...a PhD is about being resilient and working with people around you, being smart, being open and accepting of learning and knowledge, and knowing when to share your opinions and when to open your mouth .. a PhD gives you a title and makes your supervisors and the institution look good.. the more completions your supervisors have the quicker they get to the top ...

[@wenjingwu6293]

How to identify the fundamentals in ones field of studying from reading. can you be more specific? how do you do it?

[@James_Hayton]

Explanations of the fundamentals are usually best found in textbooks rather than journal articles. It's very difficult to get the fundamentals from reading research literature

[@EmmanuelBenyeogor]

Thanks for this any difference for DrPH

[@habtamuterefe3409]

I am get more information from the presentation for my phd. study

[@perseoeridano4182]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JohnVKaravitis]

33:41 This slide is the entire lecture. You're welcome.

[@James_Hayton]

Yeah, the rest was just padding... Had to fill the time somehow... There's a video just on that one point... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYO8mp6jo7mEfKc

[@ratnanirupama3368]

Sir, any tips for developing the ability to communicate our work fluently please?

[@James_Hayton]

Discuss it with other people as often as you can!

[@ratnanirupama3368]

@@James_Hayton thank you very much sir for your advice and your prompt reply! I will surely try to implement that. But the point is my department is very a small one and there's no one else except my supervisor to discuss my work. And also because of lockdown, I have been working from home past one year. Could you please suggest any way so that I can develop myself ( like I am by myself)?

[@shubizaidi3591]

I am a mom of 2. Aged 6 and 2. I am a stay at home mom. I did my masters in Environmental Engineering. I so much want to go PhD but skeptical as I feel I won't be able to devote time to kids. I will be frustated all the time and won't be there for my kids. However, I equally miss being into academics.

[@barbarae.9129]

Being a stay at home mom is my dream! I understand your motivation to pursue further heights in academics, but I think your kids should come first. They are so young, and are now at the most formative stage in their development. While playing with trucks and giving hugs isn’t as intellectually challenging, it will be much better for them than hearing “mommy is busy” regularly. It’s not as if you can’t still fulfill your goals when the children are older. You are their mother, and right now, you play a bigger role in their life than anyone else. You are the way the world is shown to them, and no preschool, or nanny will be able to provide the care you can. Not even close - they are your children. On your death bed, will you wish you had gotten a PhD instead of spending that time with your children?

[@shubizaidi3591]

@@barbarae.9129 Thank you Barbara. I think you are right. Kids grow just once. I should give them time. So that I dont regret this later.

[@barbarae.9129]

@@shubizaidi3591 You are a wonderful mother. I am sure your children will be very grateful for you!

[@mariavasquez-aguilar1683]

I'm a single Mum with a 5 year old, I work and am now also doing a PhD. It can be done. Don't get me wrong, I had to put it on hold during home schooling in the lockdown and I am also doing it part-time but ultimately I find that when I am doing it it's the ONLY time I feel like me again. Not a Mum, not an employee, just me. One of the few silver linings of the pandemic has been that many conferences and events have moved online so you'll probably be able access more than you think. At the end of the day, only you know your life and what works best for you and your family so only you can decide but please don't think that you can't do it just because you have children cos one thing all Mums know how to do is multitask ;) Good luck whatever you decide.

[@barbarae.9129]

@@mariavasquez-aguilar1683 Who takes care of your kids? How much time do you get with them a day?

[@covidproject1088]

Does it mean that person with a psychological problems (such as depression, overthinking, less confident, less self-respect, lack of public speaking ability, problem in speaking due to cognitive impairment, etc) have to survive and face more difficulties during PhD study?

[@James_Hayton]

Everything is more difficult if you're suffering from depression and lacking confidence, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're aware of these problems, seek help!

[@cryora]

You will have to address those problems to some capacity. For me it helped to give mini presentations in group meetings as part of my weekly updates twice a week. So I learned how to prepare for presentations as I was doing the work - making plots for powerpoints, taking mental notes, etc. I also uploaded videos to youtube to practice speaking, even if it's just something casual, and gained some self awareness and learned about the tech along the way, which complements research since it's an optics lab and has a lot of overlap with cameras, photography, and lenses. Speaking with therapists also helped, because they'll actually listen and give good feedback on the topic of mental health, whereas with other researchers you may have a conflict of interest and they'll give the type of advice that benefit themselves or just suck at therapy in general. Though eventually at some point, you'll have gotten what you can out of therapy - they can only help you so much, and they too may have a conflict of interest - and the only way to progress is to focus on the work. I also did something unconventional and that is return the the Army reserves and spent some time being in a dynamic environment working closely with people that also emphasizes leadership and teamwork. It was also a more technical unit (technical intelligence), so I also learned a few things that could be applicable to the Ph.D. and overall helped build confidence and an awareness of how the world works globally. The downside might be that I am following the Ukraine Russian war more closely than I probably otherwise would, and have to ponder about things like nuclear warfare.

[@randomabd2798]

Hi, can I have the ppt? Thanks a lot.

[@PhDLifeGo]

Time 43:45

[@valor36az]

It becomes even harder to navigate the process if your supervisors are not helpful, give misleading advice or are non-communicative

[@James_Hayton]

Agreed! Who you work with is as important as your choice of project

[@georgia3045]

Can you finish the 4 years without actually being awarded a PhD?

[@mariak8480]

Yes

[@dewidinevandercolff3999]

Hi, James. I'm a professional in my field, and it's 50% research and 50% implementation. So, I would differ from your PhD is the entry to professional academic research. Maybe, remove academic to make it more general? I present some lectures to academia but I have no ambition to be a full-time academic researcher, and there is any way not enough positions, for every PhD holder to get a job there. Many PhD holders enter into the R&D of companies, so I think, your pyramid needs to be more generalized. Unless you are saying, non-academics, should not hold PhD's? The rest of the content is awesome, I just don't agree with the pyramid at 9:33 mins.

[@James_Hayton]

The point of the pyramid is to say you are a beginner. Of course most people leave academia after getting a PhD- that's also why the next level above is represented smaller. I get your point, but if I took the word academic out then it would be less accurate for more people. If I said the goal was to develop the skills of a professional researcher, it doesn't quite explain the exam requirements. If you only disagree with one point, I'm OK with that!

[@dewidinevandercolff3999]

@@James_Hayton Thanks, I get what you mean. It's an excellent and inspiring talk. Busy with my last few chapters, so was looking for inspiration and your talks came up.

[@attaje]

Your like button is not working

[@dibble2005]

Cant hear the questions. Mike not working. Sorry these small things annoy me. If it doesn't work ditch it.

[@James_Hayton]

We didn't have a mic for the audience. I'll bear it in mind for future talks (if we ever get to do them live again!)

[@taranaferdous1427]

Or you can repeat the answer, which you actually did!

[@orangepeel3465]

@@taranaferdous1427 sometimes he repeated the questions.

[@SiphamandlaNgcobo-mu8uk]

Notice how most of the questions came from women? This means they are getting PhDs and we men aren't so much. We need to buck up guys.

[@aloktiwari1063]

PhD is trauma.😴😴😴