'Managing and Prioritising your PhD workload'

 

#phdchat tweet log - 11th April 2012

 

@NSRiazat - Topic for #phdchat - managing and prioritising your PhD workload. 7.30pm-8.30pm BST. #phd #research #academia

@NSRiazat - @Lemness ~ thaank you for the RT - hope you can join us for #phdchat in 30mins.

@aeratcliffe - PM software? RT @NSRiazat: Topic for #phdchat - managing and prioritising your PhD workload. 7.30pm-8.30pm BST. #phd #research #academia

@NSRiazat - @aeratcliffe ~ good idea for #phdchat tonight, .Hope you can join us to share you thoughts about PM software. :-)

@aeratcliffe - @NSRiazat I will join #phdchat, but I have no experience with PM software. Perhaps others will comment once question raised. Good to see u!

@mattwinn_tech - Re-ignited some passion for the dissertation today. It was quickly squashed as I was working through IRB material. #phdstudents #phdchat

@aeratcliffe - It is #phdchat time in 10 minutes! #ualberta #athau #edchat #phd

@NSRiazat - If anyone has any topics they would like to see included in future #phdchat polls then please let me know. #phd

@EmmaBurnettx - @NSRiazat: Topic for #phdchat - managing and prioritising your PhD workload. 7.30pm-8.30pm BST. #phd #research #academia

@Comprof1 - @NSRiazat @aeratcliffe PM as in Project Management? can you give some examples (i.e. basecamp?) or am I completely off base here #phdchat

@anaidflesken - via @NSRiazat: Topic for #phdchat - managing and prioritising your PhD workload. 7.30pm-8.30pm BST. #phd #research #academia

@aeratcliffe - @Comprof1 Yes, Basecamp is example. Hoping for input from others as to suitability of project mgmt sotware. Perhaps overkill. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - How do people prioritise their research timetable? I had to produce a timetable of research for my proposal before starting PhD. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @mattwinn_tech Once you've worked through IRB it gets easy (if you can get participants with a 3 page consent form!) #phdchat

@NSRiazat - #phdchat - the timetable showed milestones that were to be reached within a certain timeframe (needless to say it was just a guideline)

@JeffreyKeefer - Trying to join #phdchat a little in real time today. Nice to see you all here!

@Comprof1 - @aeratcliffe It depends on your level of org. For me it would not have helped because my work was so dependent on others time. #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @Comprof1 @mattwinn_tech I agree, stay away from 3-page consent forms. Too legalistic and may scare away people #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @comprof1 @aeratcliffe ~ found PM software confusing, found it quicker to organise myself using a traditional diary/pen and paper. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @NSRiazat I basically drew up a different one each year as part of IRB process. Never on time! #phdchat

@Janshs - sorry @NSRiazat I'll be missing #PhDChat yet again - are we on my favourite topic of audit trail?

@JeffreyKeefer - Great #phdchat topic today; I prioritize by tracking everything in an outline with #scrivener and then work on small sections at a time.

@Comprof1 - @JeffreyKeefer @mattwinn_tech I had no choice. Problem with going to NY state school. Everything in legalize. #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @Comprof1 @nsriazat Using visual aids like a calendar is a good motivator. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @Janshs ~ you do like audit trails - we mention most supervision sessions. :-) Tonight is managing and prioritising PhD workload. #phdchat

@lizith - I use spreadsheets to construct rough and read gantt charts when necessary #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @Comprof1 @mattwinn_tech Alas, I enjoyed the freedom of building my own IRB based on various models #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @Comprof1 @mattwinn_tech When I last studied in #NYC, I did not need IRB; different area of research at the time #phdchat

@evalantsoght - #phdchat I keep track of my planning with simple word files (to do this week, this month and long term like paper deadlines)

@strictlykaren - me too "@lizith: I use spreadsheets to construct rough and read gantt charts when necessary #phdchat"

@lizith - project management not that helpful as I've taken such a convoluted route with so many changes of direction #phdchat

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ @JeffreyKeefer (1 of 2) ~ found it easier to prioritise when I was still in control of the research at the start.

@joannawolfie - @NSRiazat I had to do a timetable at the end of 1st yr as part of the transfer process. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - #phdchat for my thesis I started using google calendar to plan when to write which chalter

@ChrisSPlant - I've used the ugency/importance grid - serves as a constant reminder when on giant whiteboard next to desk #phdchat http://t.co/0ZhoeLoZ

@JeffreyKeefer - I find that I use outline form for the major topics, and then move the items around as needed #phdchat

@Janshs - @lizith: I use spreadsheets to construct rough and read gantt charts when necessary #phdchat like that idea

@evalantsoght - @eljeejavier #phdchat I agree - visualization is a big help

@Janshs - @NSRiazat good luck - it's all about being a bit strategic I think #PhDChat

@joannawolfie - @NSRiazat Wasn't realistic as mine has always been 3-4yr project due to fieldwork but guidelines meant my timetable had to be 3yrs #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @evalantsoght I'm pretty much the same: have short, medium & long term goals written down aft supervision & assign deadline dates #phdchat

@ClaretCarly - @evalantsoght I have a similar system but it's pencil & paper! I use a calendar to plan field work & teaching for the academic year #phdchat

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ @JeffreyKeefer (2 of 2) ~ When it took on a life of it's own ~ was harder to prioritise. Lots of 'additional' tasks needed.

@EmmaBurnettx - @ChrisSPlant I love my whiteboard! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @eljeejavier @Comprof1 - I like the idea of a visual diary where I can see the deadlines coming up. Not very good at last minute. #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @NSRiazat Initially I used #Merlin on my Mac to project manage my thesis. Helpful to frame it, but then not needed once started #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @joannawolfie ~ formal timetable is a great way to plan out the research and think about milestones over the life of the PhD. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @ChrisSPlant that's a brilliant idea - I keep the urgent important matrix in my mind, having it out there would help #phdchat

@anaidflesken - @EmmaBurnettx @ChrisSPlant I want a whiteboard too! #phdchat

@eljeejavier - I find working backwards fr a "Day of Reckoning" date helps w/ scheduling-the date that is immovable if I want to finish on time! #phdchat

@Comprof1 - Not sure how it works in other countries, but set advisor appointments helped. Accountable to others #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - My sup also advised me to keep my research questions visible (on my wall) so everything I do and write addresses the questions. #phdchat

@srossmktg - Back for part of #phdchat for once! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @ChrisSPlant ~ urgency/importance grid must help to sift the 'nice to do' tasks from the 'must do today' tasks. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @ClaretCarly #phdchat I fill in my planner (paper based) on a weekly basis, to see how it fits along with other appointments

@lizith - it's focusing my mind to know I have 24 wks & 2 days before I have to submit - & having other commitments mapped in countdown diary #phdchat

@srossmktg - Wish I had more positive news though, this has been a downer of a week. #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @Comprof1 I agree, set supervisions keep the research moving forward! #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @anaidflesken they are a godsend! #phdchat

@lizith - @srossmktg what's up? #phdchat

@anaidflesken - @eljeejavier Me too, I normally plan more than actually act on it, but setting immovable deadlines (conferences etc) helps #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @Janshs ~ being organised with a PhD take a lot of 'plate spinning' and being firm in meeting deadlines. Yes - strategic thinking. #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @srossmktg Hang in there; there is always next week. Perhaps that bad stuff is now out of the way? #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @eljeejavier #phdchat good one - that's also how I came up with my chapter planning, calculating back from the end of my contract

@EmmaBurnettx - @lizith not be long before you are counting in hours! :) #phdchat

@srossmktg - @lizith Apparently I wasted 3 weeks and 75 pages of work since I can't write. #phdchat

@aeratcliffe - I find too many interruptions when family home, but I procrastinate when they are not! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @JeffreyKeefer ~ how does #Merlin work? Is that a project management software - that's a new one for me? #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @eljeejavier I was always more focused and knew what I had to do next. I tend to think TOO far ahead so miss intermed stage #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @srossmktg ~ great to see you on #phdchat. :-)

@evalantsoght - @EmmaBurnettx @anaidflesken #phdchat I'm more freewheeling by myself most of the time - it took some time to adjust to all that freedom

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @lizith Going through the same thing. Worse is when you make changes then they say change it back! #phdchat

@srossmktg - @JeffreyKeefer I wish. Just means lots of wasted time and writing and I'm learning grade 3 writing essentials -- in proposal stage. #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @anaidflesken It's those "cannot/will not" move sort of dates that gets the motivation going. Those dates helps prioritise tasks #phdchat

@srossmktg - @NSRiazat Good to be here again. =) #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @srossmktg @lizith ? That's the feedback you got? #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @lizith It helps to find something good that came out of it so you don't feel you wasted time, i.e. new insight?#phdchat

@anaidflesken - @ChrisSPlant @EmmaBurnettx Exactly, that always happens to me, too. #phdchat

@lizith - @Comprof1 @srossmktg eventually you have to make own decisions what to keep and what to change #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @eljeejavier ~ tend to work better under pressure and get more done. Am more productive when a formal deadline is set #phdchat

@srossmktg - @evalantsoght Yeah. I have no cohesive, logical structure. Need to write topic sentences and restart nearscratch. @lizith #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @lizith @srossmktg Sometimes not your choice if they have to approve it to pass.f #phdchat

@aeratcliffe - @srossmktg But at least you were writing! Not being able to put anything down is a problem for many. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - Will be interesting to see how organised/able to prioritise I am when the final few months are approaching to submission. #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @Comprof1 Good thing supervisors (sometimes) go "Hang on, how did you do this?" to bring the tasks to the here & now. #phdchat

@srossmktg - @Comprof1 I feel like I could/should have been told this earlier. Like in the first 3 years of my writing. #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @Comprof1 @srossmktg @lizith But don't they say that is part of the PhD process & journey? #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @srossmktg Well, as the time and effort are spent, chalk it up to unexpected learning. It may help later. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat @eljeejavier #phdchat I need goals too, but I hate last-minute work, it makes me panick

@lizith - @Comprof1 @srossmktg very true #phdchat

@eclaire__ - A seemingly endless series of meetings: Comps are getting close. I can taste the panic. #phdchat

@ChrisSPlant - @srossmktg @JeffreyKeefer You may look back in future and think of this as a valuable eaxperience #phdchat (1/2)

@strictlykaren - @srossmktg feels pretty crap right now but 3 wks not too bad, hope sups gave u useful pointers for improve, not just critiscism #phdchat

@ChrisSPlant - @srossmktg @JeffreyKeefer That will save you time in the future #phdchat (2/")

@rou09 - #phdchat @emmaburnettx .my research questions r always on z walls. That helps me a lot

@evalantsoght - @srossmktg @lizith #phdchat did they give you a heads up on how to move forward? Or just negativism?

@londonaesthetik - i work way better under pressure... ergo weekly meetings with my super. if only he could reply to my emails right now! #phdchat

@hardy_alison - ...but could spend time on #patt26 paper & avoid phd! meant to be coding #pgce #bay3 values of D&T - its making my brain hurt! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @londonaesthetik @eljeejavier ~ nothing is guaranteed to get me working than a deadline. Preferably a 'non-negotiable' one. :-) #phdchat

@srossmktg - @emmaburnettx @Comprof1 @lizith Bigger problem is, in order to hit this year's market, I need to orally propose by the end of May. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @JeffreyKeefer @srossmktg It always makes me a better instructor. I'm careful of feedback now I give my students #phdchat (there's a +)

@eljeejavier - @NSRiazat I'm defo not a last minute person, bt deadlines give the needed pressure get the focus needed #phdchat - and a bit of panic helps

@EmmaBurnettx - @srossmktg @Comprof1 I was in a similar position about a year ago & had to back track quite a bit. However, it was important to do #phdchat

@almutei - @srossmktg I guess quite a few of those old sentences are going to sneak back in, just in a different order. Time not wasted! #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat #phdchat good point - I also find it very hard to assess how much time I need.

@ClaretCarly - @evalantsoght At the moment I need to be able to see the whole year. Imagine when writing up it'll be weekly targets as well #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @rou09 wish I'd done it ages ago! #phdchat

@jodiacampbell - My head says yes, my diss screams no! via @UA_Magazine Is 6 years long enough to complete a PhD? http://t.co/E53XHFpt #cdnpse #phdchat

@srossmktg - @evalantsoght Basically, it was "rewrite your intro, only topic sentences, let me see." #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @srossmktg sounds similar to my transfer review which was a disaster and lost me my first year, yes year, of work #imnotbitter #phdchat

@NSRiazat - Interesting to see that #phdchat thread itself also gets used as an effective time management/motivation tool. Writing groups and #pomodoro

@lizith - @NSRiazat yes there is something about committing to others to do stuff #phdchat

@srossmktg - @NSRiazat I wish pomodoros moved to their own thread... ;) #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @srossmktg will you be ready for May or can you delay a little? #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @rou09 @EmmaBurnettx ~ I need to look at my focus questions more often. They have changed since I started the research. #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @EmmaBurnettx @rou09 esp helful during analysis, easy to get side tracked with interesting data #phdchat

@rou09 - #phdchat ..I always have a long term goals ans short terms goals which change more frequently, but all has to be visual

@srossmktg - @EmmaBurnettx I hope I'll be ready for May. I have no option. I can't delay to hit the market. #phdchat

@eljeejavier - Does anyone take part in #shutup&write for writing motivation? #phdchat

@lizith - @strictlykaren @emmaburnettx @rou09 case of developing tunnel vision - something I'm not good at #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @NSRiazat @rou09 @EmmaBurnettx I constantly referred back to questions at the end of each work session because I tend to "drift" #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @evalantsoght ~ hard to allocate realistic timeframes soemtimes when going into the unknown/uncharted waters with research. #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @strictlykaren @rou09 perfect timing then - start analysis next week! #phdchat

@londonaesthetik - @Comprof1 good idea!!! need to do that! #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @srossmktg @EmmaBurnettx #phdchat wishing you all the best for that

@hapsci - @lizith @strictlykaren @emmaburnettx @rou09 tunnel vision can help, but can make phd take over from real life. Need balance #phdchat

@NSRiazat - Am good at prioritising but takes super-human effort to complete some of the tasks due to competing work/study/family commitments. #phdchat

@srossmktg - @strictlykaren I could see that being a huge bummer. This program doesnt have anythign like that. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat #phdchat true: I drafted a chapter in 2 days, but other chapters might take me months...

@strictlykaren - biggest prob for me when planning phd time is overestimating how much i can achieve, perhaps i set unrealistic targets #phdchat

@JeffreyKeefer - @NSRiazat @rou09 @EmmaBurnettx That's a benefit of #scrivener, can view 2 sections + outline at once. Help for the forgetful #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @lizith @strictlykaren @emmaburnettx @rou09 Me either! I had good friends say stay focused write those thoughts down for later #phdchat

@NSRiazat - Prioritising for me means not letting the PhD take over when working on research part time and managing time really efficiently. #phdchat

@srossmktg - @evalantsoght Thanks! Its just that this program moves fast (4yrs) and job market is annual. So setbacks can be fatal.@emmaburnettx #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @hapsci: @lizith @strictlykaren @rou09 probably way too late for me: already taken over :) #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat #phdchat reminds me to mention I find it very helpful to pull info from existing documents I wrote along the way

@srossmktg - @strictlykaren Yeah, I'd overestimate on time goal and underestimate on task goal. Then you can break ahead. #phdchat

@almutei - @strictlykaren Doesn't almost everyone overestimate their efficiency by way too much? #phdchat

@ChrisSPlant - @NSRiazat I find having less time to be a good motivator. Much more than having far too much available time #phdchat #procrastination

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris @evalantsoght ~ I read a lot early on but more meaningful/focused/relevant reading is coming in the final year. #phdchat

@rou09 - @EmmaBurnettx @hapsci @lizith @strictlykaren #phdchat ..mine too..

@evalantsoght - @strictlykaren #phdchat I've been tracking the time I spent on tasks for the past 2 years almost - helps me to imagine how much time I need

@lizith - even though I am technically f-t it is scary how much time I have to give over to other commitments, esp OU work #phdchat

@srossmktg - Anyone have a good, real real quick and simple guide to Scrivener outlining? I'm *attempting* to institute that in writing. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @evalantsoght @emmaburnettx Don't think of that or it'll paralyze you. Get someone to proof read for you as you write. #phdchat

@hapsci - is hard to plan when you are trying something for the first time and you never know how long it will take you to get it right #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - @EmmaBurnettx Parkinson's Law - PhD expands to fill whatever time U think U have & more #phdchat

@mcgrath_chris - #PHDCHAT How do you plan lit review timetable when the reading list keeps growing?

@strictlykaren - @hapsci @lizith @strictlykaren @EmmaBurnettx @rou09 me neither, dont want kids growing up not knowing mum! #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @evalantsoght @emmaburnettx Remember, it's not your thoughts, it's how you're expressing them they are criticizing #phdchat

@NSRiazat - Have to 'post it' note laptop to remember to do little things like adding references/adding to glossary etc on a daily basis. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @evalantsoght @emmaburnettx Think of it as learning a foreign language (dept language). #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @almutei @strictlykaren Yes! Particularly when the deadlines close in I think "Just what was I thinking" :-) #phdchat

@rou09 - #phdchat .im sure sooner it would be an app to help phd students in planning and stuff...

@strictlykaren - @EmmaBurnettx @almutei possibly but wish sups would reign me in on this #phdchat

@kevchem1 - It's a comfort to see that across the disciplines, we all have similar issues. Some great discussions tonight. #phdchat

@almutei - @mcgrath_chris Prioritise your reading list, set how much time you can afford for reading, read as much as possible? Skim a lot. #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @mcgrath_chris Put a limit on lit review time. My advisor told me to just stop and start writing. #phdchat

@hapsci - @KatieGathercole @thelovehound hello, there's a #phdchat going on now if you want to join in! It's about managing time :-/

@srossmktg - @Comprof1 I'm going back to read Purdue OWL and learn grade 3 writing. http://t.co/GOXM39sb @evalantsoght @emmaburnettx #phdchat

@rou09 - @mcgrath_chris #phdchat .it would be a time to know that u should stop lit review and start writing

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ Does anyone else leave notes on what to do focus on next (q's to answer/paper to read? (cont) http://t.co/WFNaEJgh

@EmmaBurnettx - @mcgrath_chris was a big problem for me as lit was so diverse. Went back & did a structured lit review (not quite systematic).. #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @mcgrath_chris #phdchat you learn to just dive into the paper and pull out what you need in a very short time

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @evalantsoght @emmaburnettx Are you at Purdue? #phdchat

@lizith - @NSRiazat I write myself a note at end of each writing session summarising what done and what to do next #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @evalantsoght good idea although ive not always had good focus, much better now #phdchat a real help to spur me on #notmeaningtobecheesy

@hapsci - does anyone use any apps/tools to help them plan their time? I use my outlook calendar, but that is as technical as it gets. #phdchat

@almutei - @mcgrath_chris write down bullet points/summary, use highlighter. Avoid reading everything three times. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @ChrisSPlant ~ I think I have been more successful doing a PhD part time than I would have been had I done it full time. #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @mcgrath_chris so that meant once complete it was pretty much done in terms of the literature included. Helped massively #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @EmmaBurnettx do you find pressure to duplicate systatic review process? i have found shifting expectations difficult to manage #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @lizith @NSRiazat Me too. I rarely had to go back and read, but writing helped focus next step. #phdchat

@rou09 - #phdchat well, talking to all of u is so helpfully and encouraging.u feel u r not alone on this plus u learn some tricks.nice talking 2u all

@EmmaBurnettx - @NSRiazat @ChrisSPlant I feel exactly the same #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - Does anyone find that they get PhD' out & need 2 take a few days out 2 let it mull/soak in? #phdchat

@JessTheChemist - @hapsci google calendar for me #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat #phdchat I have sticky notes all over the place, and the once nearest to my keyboard are the most urgent

@eljeejavier - @hapsci #pomodoro is an interesting app, basically a timer to do only one task for an allocated time (25mins). Helped me focus. #phdchat

@mcgrath_chris - @EmmaBurnettx #PHDCHAT What level of responsibility should the supervisor carry for the schedule? Surely they have a key role to play?

@EmmaBurnettx - @strictlykaren how do you mean? In what way? #phdchat

@SueFolley - Hi to those at #phdchat - just catching up with all the tweets as late joining you tonight

@Comprof1 - @strictlykaren Not sure what you mean by this. But a database like word references, Zotero helped to search through lit when needed #phdchat

@aeratcliffe - @SueFolley Hey Sue #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @JessTheChemist @hapsci #phdchat planning my writing for the thesis with google calendar

@eljeejavier - @LBA_OX12 "Too much PhD and not enough play make ..." ;-) I take a day or tout to do other stuff when I need some space to think #phdchat

@SueFolley - @aeratcliffe Hello :)) #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @mcgrath_chris @EmmaBurnettx In US, they coset schedule. Hurry up and wait often #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @mcgrath_chris mine is agreed by both myself & sups, but I have to make sure they are realistic, achievable goals/deadlines #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris ~ read abstract/summary/conclusions first for books/journals. Use key words to pick out/narrow down key reading. #phdchat.

@SueFolley - I also make a list of small jobs to do that I can do if I have a spare half hour here and there -things like reference checking etc #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - @eljeejavier Yes sometimes need 2 let thing mull & percolate - see what emerges #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @hapsci Try it! I found out I multi-task way too much that I don't actually get stuff efficiently done #pomodoro helped #phdchat

@SueFolley - Mine schedule is totally driven by me - my supervisor is quite laid back :)) #phdchat

@lizith - @NSRiazat @mcgrath_chris be very clear why reading anything - if no good reason, don't read it #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @EmmaBurnettx @Comprof1 systematic review has very prescrptive approach, and narrow focus, influnce of cochrane reviews here 1/2 #phdchat

@almutei - @SueFolley Or a list of mindless tasks you can do in the evening/during the after lunch dip, where you don't need to concentrate. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris @EmmaBurnettx ~ think evenutally you become 'expert' in your area so can direct research as appropriate? #phdchat #supervisor

@srossmktg - @LBA_OX12 @eljeejavier funny you mention that. RT @lifehacker: Sometimes procrastination can be a good thing: http://t.co/eLluHj1k #phdchat

@mistyfirth - Has just discovered #phdchat what a fab thing! Hello to all :)

@eljeejavier - @LBA_OX12 When do you find you really need a break? For me, it's (currently) during my analysis #phdchat

@lizith - @mistyfirth hiya - and welcome to #phdchat

@SueFolley - @almutei yes exactly! I can't do real brain work on an evening after my ft job so do the little jobs then! #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @mistyfirth welcome! :) #phdchat

@SueFolley - @mcgrath_chris Agreed -they should advise but maybe because I am quite good at making and keeping to schedules he has left me to it #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - @eljeejavier Doing reading for lit review - need 2 wait for poss ideas & links 2 emerge #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @mistyfirth hey stranger! ;-) Welcome! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @eljeejavier ~ analysis takes the most effort and hard work. The 'bit that makes your brain hurt'. #phdchat

@hapsci - gtg now, but will catch up on tweets later #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @eljeejavier @LBA_OX12 I mentioned on #phdchat sat that I do my best thinking in the shower. No interruptions and thoughts just whirl

@NSRiazat - @mistyfirth ~ great to see you on #phdchat :-)

@SueFolley - @mcgrath_chris maybe he would have intervened more if I had been slack :)) #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @strictlykaren @Comprof1 One of the reasons why I did a structured rather then systematic - a little more flexibility.... #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @EmmaBurnettx @Comprof1 my review retains some of SR but is integrative so incs much wider variety of papers #phdchat 2/2

@SueFolley - @mistyfirth hello and welcome!! :)) #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - @Comprof1 Same here & B4 I go 2 sleep .... #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @hapsci enjoy the rest of your evening :) #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @NSRiazat @eljeejavier I agree. Sometimes I just get stuck and then the ideas will come at 3AM. Have to get them on paper then. #phdchat

@lizith - @mcgrath_chris @nsriazat at some point you have to choose to narrow down - once RQ clear & understand approach taking #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @srossmktg Time away from the writing can help clear the head (clich bt true at times). Can help you clear the gloom #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @mistyfirth hello and welcome #phdchat

@mcgrath_chris - @SueFolley I'm sure yuo're right. How much they guide will be led by your ability to organise yourself. Good practise I'd say #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris @lizith ~ in first year read widely but as you do data analysis reading that is most useful/relevant tends to emerge #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @strictlykaren @Comprof1 structured lit review still methodologically robust #phdchat

@mcgrath_chris - @SueFolley I'm sure that's right. How much they guide will be led by your ability to organise yourself. Good practise I'd say #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @strictlykaren Mine came from 6 different fields. What is SR? #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @NSRiazat "bit that makes you head hurt" more than it already does? Greeeeeaat ;-) #phdchat

@SueFolley - @mcgrath_chris yes for sure :) #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris @lizith ~ once data analysis shows key themes ~ can safely narrow down reading and drill down into concepts. #phdchat

@KatieGathercole - @hapsci thanks for the heads up on #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @mistyfirth it's wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without it! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @mcgrath_chris @lizith ~ best to start reading widely and then you'll confidently start to narrow down. Worked for me. :-) #phdchat

@lizith - @NSRiazat: @mcgrath_chris ~ once data analysis shows key themes ~ can narrow down reading & drill down into concepts. #phdchat > agree

@NSRiazat - @eljeejavier ~ sorry to be a spoilsport but yes data analysis is a bind and it does make your brain hurt. :-))) #phdchat

@KatieGathercole - New to #phdchat *waves*

@EmmaBurnettx - @NSRiazat @eljeejavier do you have any survival tips whilst doing analysis? #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @NSRiazat Bring on the pain...;-) #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @KatieGathercole welcome :) #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @lizith @mcgrath_chris ~ my initial reading was very 'random' until I had done my pilot study and generated some data of my own. #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @KatieGathercole Hi Katie - welcome! #phdchat

@one_tim_martin - Spending the evening looking at what papers/journals to attempt writing next #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @EmmaBurnettx @eljeejavier ~ data analysis is not too bad once start but it is tough. New knowledge so you'll want to work on it. #phdchat

@SueFolley - @KatieGathercole welcome Katie! :)) #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @KatieGathercole ~ great to see you on #phdchat :-)

@SueFolley - @iFreulein Hi Dani! :) #phdchat

@srossmktg - @eljeejavier Agreed. Lots of research on Dijksterhuis on the positive benefits of distraction. http://t.co/ibnspi36 #phdchat

@mistyfirth - @eljeejavier and@NSRiazat am soo glad I am only just coming up to pilot study :S analysis stage can wait!! #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @NSRiazat @lizith @mcgrath_chris My problem from day 1 is that I am very good at lit review but not tying in research design #phdchat

@londonaesthetik - Second that! RT @evalantsoght: @EmmaBurnettx @NSRiazat @eljeejavier #phdchat and take regular breaks to look at your work from distance

@EmmaBurnettx - @evalantsoght @nsriazat @eljeejavier thank you for the tips. Keep them coming! #phdchat

@KatieGathercole - My biggest problem is feeling guilty when I get writers block and wasting time getting nowhere #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @Comprof1 @lizith @mcgrath_chris ~ I needed to allocate more time to analysis and writing up rather than reading/note taking. #phdchat

@londonaesthetik - i get the rage!RT @KatieGathercole: My biggest problem is feeling guilty when I get writers block and wasting time getting nowhere #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @londonaesthetik: Second that! @evalantsoght @NSRiazat @eljeejavier I'm not very good at doing that :( #phdchat

@srossmktg - "On the benefits of thinking unconsciously: Unconscious thought can increase post-choice satisfaction" Break! http://t.co/Q6el8qL5 #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @EmmaBurnettx @evalantsoght @nsriazat I also find taking to other PhDers about the analysis helps me practice describe the process #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @KatieGathercole Welcome to #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @KatieGathercole I think people forget to ask others to read and give feedback. Or bounce ideas off of. #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @kevchem1 ~ I didn't use software - MS Word is about as technical as it got. :-) I tend to analyse best using pen/paper/highlighter #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @KatieGathercole amazing how much more insight I got when I tried to explain my dissertation to my family in non-jargon. #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @NSRiazat @EmmaBurnettx @eljeejavier data analysis best bit so far #phdchat

@srossmktg - @KatieGathercole Or not having writer's block and spending 3 weeks writing, only to have gotten nowhere... #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @kevchem1 ~ used table to pick out the key themes/codes/concepts from the data using MS Word but didnt use CAQDAS software. #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @londonaesthetik @KatieGathercole hardest thing is to learn to accept you get days like & not beat yourself up as they pass #phdchat

@evalantsoght - @Comprof1 @KatieGathercole #phdchat me too, I just keep going at times while I could use a fresh thought on my work

@eljeejavier - @Comprof1: amazing how much more insight I got when I tried to explain my dissertation to my family in non-jargon" - Agree! #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @NSRiazat @kevchem1 my preference also, did nvivo training again today, still prefer coloured pens #phdchat

@londonaesthetik - haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard! @EmmaBurnettx #phdchat

@SueFolley - @srossmktg sorry to hear you have had a rough time of it - stick with it - you will get there in the end! :) #phdchat

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ Good overview of analysis software (CAQDAS) (cont) http://t.co/6zhOk8Wq

@kevchem1 - @NSRiazat That sounds so much easier! It's a psin trying to get your head around different applications #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @londonaesthetik Lol! Most definitely :) #phdchat

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @KatieGathercole I was lucky my advisor used to be the head of UA writing center. 1? and I'd be over writer's block #phdchat

@srossmktg - @SueFolley Thanks Sue, just very flustered/time pressured, leading to a negative feedback loop. #phdchat

@KatieGathercole - @Comprof1 that's a really useful tip actually #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @eljeejavier good idea.. #phdchat

@LBA_OX12 - Is anyone using / have experience of dedoose - 4 mixed methods research? Would U recommend? #phdchat

@merry30 - Have arrived at laptop just in time for last two minutes of #phdchat. No idea what it's about yet.

@eljeejavier - @kevchem1 @nsriazat @emmaburnettx I'm trying out nvivo now - ask me again in a month! #mindnode is a nice app for mindmapping #phdchat

@kevchem1 - @NSRiazat i suppose that it is a subject to subject issue. #phdchat.

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ @kevchem1 http://t.co/Y5bAQNYn ~ worth a look for analysis software

@Comprof1 - @strictlykaren @NSRiazat @kevchem1 Me too. markers and index cards, pen and paper. I keep all diagrams and revisit. Hated nvivo! #phdchat

@SueFolley - @srossmktg I know -but you have to drag yourself out of the loop -try to take the positives &move on (easier said than done I know) #phdchat

@srossmktg - @lizith It was basically, "go back, write only topic sentences, logically structure them, and send them back to me for feedback." #phdchat

@SueFolley - @merry30 it started about workload - but various things being discussed now including analysis :) #phdchat

@lizith - @mistyfirth I sometimes wish I was 'up north' - so much interesting stuff going on in my area at MMU, Sheffield, etc #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @Comprof1 @strictlykaren @NSRiazat @kevchem1 still need to "doctor" rationale for not using nvivo #phdchat pardon the pun

@srossmktg - @katiegathercole I had a random person give me a word. I wrote the word down and kept going from there. #phdchat

@lizith - @srossmktg are you able to work with that. Have you colleagues who might let you see their proposals? #phdchat

@NSRiazat - #phdchat ~ review of ATLAS.ti; HyperResearch; MiMEG; nvivo8; Transana; QDAMiner3.2; Qualrus; MAXqda (cont) http://t.co/CaBn4SkV

@Comprof1 - @srossmktg @lizith Can you change advisors? #phdchat

@mistyfirth - @lizith up north is where it's at!! ;) @srossmktg pens are the way of the future naive makes my brain hurt!! #phdchat

@lizith - @strictlykaren @Comprof1 @NSRiazat @kevchem1 I think there are a number of us choosing not to use nvivo :) #phdchat

@srossmktg - @lizith I might. I think its just writing skills. Ive broken "good" papers, but havent had a seismic shift in MY writing in 13 yrs. #phdchat

@SueFolley - @lizith @strictlykaren @Comprof1 @NSRiazat @kevchem1 I have used nvivo -but only the basics - haven't used advanced features #phdchat

@NSRiazat - 8.30pm brings us to the end of #phdchat - thanks, as ever, to everyone for your valued contributions/thoughts tonight. Have a good week. :-)

@mistyfirth - #phdchat meant Nvivo not naive #ihateautospell

@lizith - @srossmktg that makes it legit to ask why not picked up on before #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @lizith @strictlykaren @Comprof1 @NSRiazat @kevchem1 reminiscent of #pencilchat that was on twitter a while ago #phdchat

@lizith - @NSRiazat have a good week too - thanks for organising tonight! #phdchat

@EmmaBurnettx - @NSRiazat Thanks to all for another great discussion. They are invaluable! #phdchat

@srossmktg - @comprof1 Not a viable/practical option. The truth is, my advisor knows what hes doing, even when I dont. Hes the "IT" guy. @lizith #phdchat

@strictlykaren - @NSRiazat jings, it goes so quick, thanks again #phdchat

@eljeejavier - @NSRiazat Cheers for sorting out another fab #phdchat!

@srossmktg - @lizith That's MY point. But I guess hindsight for me is 2020 for him. Oh well. Such is the erratic life of a PhD I guess... #phdchat

@KatieGathercole - @NSRiazat thank you! So glad I discovered #phdchat today.

@EmmaBurnettx - Apologies for the barrage of tweets over the last hour. Was #phdchat tweet chat time :)

@evalantsoght - @NSRiazat thanks a lot! #phdchat

@NSRiazat - @EmmaBurnettx ~ think we should have a special mention on #phdchat for all the non-PhD people who also follow #phdchat on a Wed *waves* :-)

@EmmaBurnettx - @iFreulein @SueFolley hope it's going well Dani #phdchat

@lizith - @srossmktg @comprof1 sounds like he knows his stuff then - swallow hard and follow advice #phdchat

@lizith - logging out now to watch The Apprentice - my weekly treat! #phdchat

@bennosaurus - Is anybody else on Twitter going to Lancaster Uni's Sociology summer conference - and who could share a lift with me? #phdchat

@AddictedtoTweed - Sums up my PhD career so far!RT @aeratcliffe I find too many interruptions when family home, but I procrastinate when they are not! #phdchat

@londonaesthetik - bed time after a great #phdchat. Really like what went down!

@ECE4ALL - Hey #phdchat has anyone had a chairperson from hell? How did you survive? At my breaking point but so close to the end. Defense is 4/27

@jennifermjones - PhD Talk: Gaining confidence in your research http://t.co/Zp39DPzg #phdchat

@NSRiazat - "@NSRiazat: "@phdcomics: Prospective Effort (new comic): http://t.co/e1e1FF0X" #phdchat

@merrolee - @SarahStewart: what time in nz is #phdchat sarah?

@tbirdcymru - Reading 'Digital Identity in Higher Education' ..Good stuff by @cristinacost! http://t.co/7ylAPLLy #phdchat #gsmz @gsmz #digitalscholarship

@HorngSaw - Few more hours to complete the paper writing! #research #phd #phdchat

@snowandscience - Extracted DNA from my oil sand cultures today, time to see what bugs are making all that gas... #science #phdchat #oilsands

@thesiswhisperer - New post: Things they dont tell you about writing The Thesis Whisperer http://t.co/tXiuYzUR with @ThomsonPat #phdchat

@Vic_McC - Found this on bed-side table. The joys of PhD room-share. Looking forward to talking horror tomorrow! #PhdChat http://t.co/0wgL9PbH

@kraontheroads - finalizing conference paper #phdchat

@MtnrSmith - @EmmaBurnettx Like we're going to complain. I just got 2 twitter, so go will go look for helpful / sympathetic tweets from you #phdchat.

@thesiswhisperer - Hah! About time the victorian state government answered to international students on train fares RT @theage http://t.co/Vej0pPLA #phdchat

@SarahStewart - @merrolee #phdchat is 6.30amNZ on Thursdays. Great resource that I know you'll enjoy, Merrolee

@MtnrSmith - @eljeejavier @EmmaBurnettx Good idea. Thanks for the suggestion. Also keeps the paper chase from being so *bleep*ing lonely. #phdchat

@laurapasquini - publishers need academics more than academics need publishers." An Academic Spring? http://t.co/vYurrufq #AcWri #phdchat

@ianrobsons - Compiled list of possible meta narratives in participants' conversations about #identity and action in #earlyyears services. #phdchat

@HorngSaw - Opening files with different versions of Microsoft Office is a pain! The format of the files change! #research #phd #phdchat