I’m now at the stage where I want to find as many questions about my research as possible. I then plan on using the literature to answer the questions. I have the following so far: What effect on political participation and political knowledge, do social media users/forms have in comparison to regional and national media? …
Author Archives: Joanna
Drills: Note taking — II
A simple and effective technique for paraphrasing is to read a paper, or even just the abstract, then look away from the text and write down what you remember: what is the study about? what problem does it address? how did they conduct the research? what were the main findings? why is it important? The …
Drills: taking notes and reading — I
“Why did you walk around with crab apples in your cheeks? Yossarian asked again. “That’s what I asked.” “Because they’ve got a better shape than horse chestnuts,” Orr answered. “I just told you that.” “Why,” swore Yossarian at him approvingly, “you evil-eyed, mechanically-aptituded, disaffiliated son of a bitch, did you walk around with anything in your cheeks?” “I …
Self evaluation, feedback on timings
One part of this ultralearning project is about achieving a PhD-level of research by myself without a higher education institution; the other part though is not needing to be constrained by typical time limitations. Could I research and write up a thesis and pass a viva, or submit for a PhD via publication in under …
Literature Review
The literature review is an essential part of a thesis. The student needs to know where to place themselves in the literature, what the literature says about their question, what has already been researched and what conclusions have been drawn. I’ve always found the literature review a bit of a rabbit hole–in a rather mesmerising …
How to research your own PhD — inspired by Scott Young’s ‘Ultralearning’ — Part II
“The core of the ultralearning strategy is intensity and a willingness to prioritize effectiveness.” I enjoyed reading Scott Young‘s case studies — public speaking, finishing an MIT degree, learning four languages in a year — but it is the principles of ultralearning that allow me to carry on with my project. I want to now …
How to research your own PhD — inspired by Scott Young’s ‘Ultralearning’ — Part I
Introduction I came across Scott Young on the Learning to Learn course taught by McMaster University & University of California San Diego. This was a course designed to provide strategies and the latest research on learning techniques. Young was featured for his work at completing an MIT degree without going to MIT, and in 12 …
Continue reading “How to research your own PhD — inspired by Scott Young’s ‘Ultralearning’ — Part I”
About me
My name is Joanna, and in the spirit of confessional tones, I am happy to tell you that I am a social researcher. Professionally, I am a book editor and knitwear designer but I trained and worked as a social researcher for years. I began a PhD in 2005 and did not complete it. From …
Selfie PhD 