Advice to potential PhD candidates Sunday August 3, 2014 THERE seems to be a sense of urgency in many people these days to pursue doctoral studies. Yet, their readiness for such an arduous task and willingness to fully commit to carrying out what is needed is often suspect. Many want to see the light at the end of the tunnel without willing to dig that passage to knowledge. Some candidates come imagining that they can get others to do their work when it should be their own individual effort to complete the doctoral thesis. In the light of what I am often asked and what I see happening among those considering pursuing a doctoral degree, the following is my advice: If you are planning to do your doctoral studies just for the “Dr” title - don’t. If you want your supervisor to suggest the topic for your research - you are not ready for it. It has to be your thesis not your supervisor’s thesis. If you are thinking how quickly you can finish it before you start, you need to think again about your commitment to your studies. If you think you can farm out to others to do your literature review, research work and statistical analysis, there will be neither pride nor sense of accomplishment in completing your work. No matter what, those who did your work will know your true worth. And others will hear of it. If your choice of university is one that you think will easily pass you, you have no belief in yourself. You are not worthy of the title. If you are ready to see yourself as a learner, a researcher, one who wants to deepen your knowledge and honestly contribute to your field, then take up your doctoral study. There seems to be target set on now any PhD holders we want in Malaysia by a certain date. Let’s not go down the numbers track in this race. Let’s settle for the quality of the doctoral thesis and not the sheer meaningless quantity. PROF DR MALACHI EDWIN VETHAMANI School of Education, Taylor’s University
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 07:06:15 +0000
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