The PhD Writing/Outlining Cycle | Weekly Vlog 2

TL;DR

The content documents the struggles and uncertainties of a PhD student while working on their dissertation.

Transcript

a [Applause] I did a very silly thing this Vlog is off to a weird start for me so I'm doing my PhD in theater and performance studies I'm in my seventh year I am ready to be done I want to finish this year and every morning I wake up at 7:00 a.m. or just before 7: a.m. and I hop on a Google meet call with a friend who's doing their PHD in Germany a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤝 Writing a PhD dissertation often involves dealing with uncertainties and blurred boundaries between chapters.
• 🖐️ Planning and outlining play a crucial role in guiding the writing process, providing a sense of direction for the researcher.
• 😀 The emotional experience of a PhD journey involves constant self-doubt and the need to find motivation, often through interaction with peers facing similar challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the vlogger struggle with determining the boundaries between chapters in their dissertation?

The vlogger finds it difficult to distinguish between chapters due to the blurred lines of their research and the lack of a strict roadmap for their PhD in the arts or humanities.

Q: How does the vlogger deal with the stress and uncertainty of the dissertation writing process?

The vlogger turns to planning, outlining, and reaching out to fellow PhD students for support and advice. They also find solace in physical activities like running to clear their mind.

Q: What is one of the main challenges faced by the vlogger in their PhD journey?

One challenge is the constant back and forth between planning and writing, as they grapple with finding the right balance and making progress in their research.

Q: How does the vlogger seek external support in their dissertation writing process?

The vlogger reaches out to a fellow PhD student at another university who has similar research interests, providing an opportunity for discussions and shared ideas.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The vlogger discusses the challenges of writing their PhD dissertation, including difficulties with outlining and organizing chapters.

• They express uncertainty about the structure and boundaries between chapters, feeling the pressure to create distinct ideas for each section.

• The vlogger emphasizes the constant back-and-forth between planning and writing, and the need to find a balance in order to progress with their work.