Username: ssingh     Send personal mail

Subject area: Social Sciences

Department: Political Science

Stage of research: Applications & Acceptance

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  I'm teaching undergrads (part of the summer NSF sponsored REU program) about the "craft of research" as part of weekly hour-long "classes". I often forget what it is that new researchers don't know, what are some of the things you initially struggled with at first when you began your "career" in research? Anything you think I should hammer into these undergraduates?

  I think the greatest challenge for me (back in 99') was knowing where to start my research. Google wasn't the force it is today but I did use search engines as the starting point. Only after failing there did I work my way to the resources in the library. The difficulty there was knowing WHICH database to use for the topic that I was interested in. Given that most databases really have subject areas that they emphasize I'd recommend at least some focus on how to find the right database for your research. As an example I ended up searching on a health science topic for my undergrad thesis in Lexis Nexis (with little success) and only later did I find that Ovid was a better match.

  I needed help in researching a specific industry. Whats the best resource with student access?

  This sounds like a great question for the business librarian at your school. Usually, you can find out who that is by visiting the library website and browsing to the business subject area. That said, and not knowing what resources your library has access to, some databases to look for are: ABI INFORM (from ProQuest). This database has industry research reports from a company called SnapData. These international reports provide an overview of a particular market including market share and distribution data, five-year forecasts, and socioeconomic data from The Economist Intelligence Unit. Business Source Complete (from EBSCO). Not sure if there are industry specific reports, but will have articles from scholarly journals that cover most industries.

  I have to narrow my dissertation topic but I'm having hard time. How did you narrow your topic? Any tips are appreciated.

  Just wanted to add in a link to the book mentioned by efp.

  Hi Everyone, New doc student here. Just got accepted for fall '09. Background in speech-language pathology with 12 years experience in the school system (the last 3 at the high school level). Looking to specialize in educational psychology with a focus on learning-style-based prescribed study strategies for my dissertation topic. Meeting with my specialization faculty advisor on May 14th with my proposal in hand. Can't wait to get started!!!

  Welcome to GradShare and congrats on the acceptance!! If you have any questions about doctoral student life, let us know!

  For those of you doing qualitative studies, if you are using any software packages specifically designed for qualitative research, what are you using, why did you choose it, and what have you found to be the strengths and weaknesses of the packages? I'm narrowing between HyperResearcher and MAXQDA, but would love insight...

  I'm cross posting this from the MAXQDA forum...original post from Stefan Radiker. You will find some relevant information in the following book: Lewins A & Silver C (2007) Using Software in Qualitative Research : A Step-by-Step Guide, Sage Publications, London Perhaps this webpage will help too:

  Hi all, would yiou please help me i choosing a title for my thesis i want to deal with complex channel modelling,its very wide i need assistance in narrowing it into a thesis title,Thanxs

  Jide, do you mean that you want help picking a thesis topic relating to channel modeling or have you already picked a topic and you're actually looking for help with the title of your thesis? If you're looking for help with picking a thesis topic, see the Related Links below.

  How can online career networking programs such as LinkedIn prove useful in landing a job?

  I think LinkedIn can help mostly by helping to maintain connections that you make while networking (at conferences, etc.). They have a job search feature but as jefflang notes there aren't many academic job postings that I've found. That said, the same social networking concept has been applied to a more academic audience. Given that you're in biotech, take a look at http://www.scilink.com.

  Do you know car insurance companies who honor driving experience gained abroad?

  Here's a link that might be helpful. There's a recommendation at the bottom about another way to lower rates. http://activerain.com/blogsview/367598/North-Carolina-Auto-Insurance

  Do you know car insurance companies who honor driving experience gained abroad?

  You may have answered this one already Izabela given how long ago you posted it but if not, what state are you in? The laws for different states on the issue seem to be different. Most states seem to consider International driving experience as being equivalent to no driving experience as rates are based on *US* driving experience and so you'd be an "inexperienced operator" with higher rates. One strategy to drive your premiums down would be to get the safest car you can. You should also indicate that you're a graduate student as higher education levels get better premiums. Also, be sure to tell them about your GPA and if you're a member of any professional associations as both can decrease premiums. Good luck!