Welcome to the Degree Doctor blog - structured, practical guidance for qualitative PhD researchers.
If you’ve landed here on my blog homepage, you may already know the feeling of working hard on your qualitative PhD without being convinced you’re actually moving forwards.
That uncertainty often shows up as a literature review that feels out of control, analysis that doesn’t feel quite “good” or “strong” enough, and a discussion chapter that leaves you wondering, “What am I actually allowed to claim here anyway?”.
The good news is that if you’re experiencing any of the above, you’re likely in the middle of the deep work - where things naturally get very messy. Some of the most intellectually productive stages of the PhD look completely chaotic from the outside. My goal here on the blog is to keep you moving through them and towards completion.
Each blogpost is designed to help you think more clearly, work more deliberately, and move your research forward with greater confidence.
You can explore by category below, or start with the latest posts.
First draft of a thematic literature review - how to get started and develop initial themes
One of the things that catches a lot of qualitative PhD researchers off guard is how much a literature review stutters and splutters in the beginning. It’s like trying to start an old car on a cold morning…
Paradigms in social science, a beginner’s guide to positivism, interpretivism and critical realism
If you are trying to understand paradigms in social science research, there is a good chance you have already disappeared down an internet rabbit hole involving words like ontology, epistemology, positivism, interpretivism, and critical realism… and emerged slightly dazed wondering whether everyone else somehow already understands this.
How to write your PhD thesis discussion and conclusion chapters
Confused about what goes in the discussion and what you should ‘save’ for the conclusion? You’re not alone! Keep reading, it will soon become clear …
PhD Burnout - How to prevent it when you’re balancing work and study, 3 more top tips
Doing the PhD juggle? Here are three strategies to try when you feel like you’re losing the battle balancing work and study!
PhD Work Life Balance | Three ways to stay sane when juggling study with part-time or full-time work!
PhD and a full-time or part-time job? Struggling with the juggling?! You’re not alone - but there are some tweaks and changes you can make to supercharge your productivity. Let me share three of them with you …
How to write like a serious researcher - four things I learned from two decades supporting qualitative PhD students
Struggling to write up your PhD? Read on!
Your PhD and ChatGPT - Never the twain shall meet?
3 ways ChatGPT can help you as a PhD student - you probably haven’t heard these before!
Reflective Writing for Qualitative PhD Researchers: How to write reflectively and reflexively with examples
Reflective writing in a qualitative PhD isn’t about journaling - it’s about making your thinking visible. This guide shows you how to write reflexively with clarity, structure, and confidence.
What is Ethnomethodology? Key principles and ideas from Harold Garfinkel
Ethnomethodology. What’s it all about?! Keep reading to learn more!
What is Phenomenology? Origins, Concepts and Development of the Theory: An introduction for PhD students.
What exactly is phenomenology? Get ready to find out, and learn some cool new words in the process!
How to write aims and objectives for a qualitative PhD study
Aims and objectives aren’t just formalities. They reflect how clearly you understand your research. This guide shows qualitative PhD researchers how to develop them with precision and confidence.
How to do Ethnography: Top tips for graduate school PhD students
Considering ethnography? Read my top tips on how to do it properly and ethically!
The basics of qualitative research - a guide for PhD researchers
Subjectivity, validity and reliability - what do they mean for qualitative research? Keep reading, and I’ll explain …
Reflective and Reflexive Thinking in PhD Research
Reflective and reflexive. Are they they same thing? How can you use them in your PhD research? Read on to find out!
How to crush your PhD without being a perfectionist!
Ever spent hours fretting over a paragraph? Ever hesitated to send a draft to your supervisor because it’s “not ready yet” (even though it’s fine!)? Then you might be a little bit of a perfectionist!
Tackling Imposter Syndrome as a PhD Student: How to silence your inner critic as a grad school doctoral student
If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, you need to read this!
How to Write Your Qualitative PhD Discussion Chapter: A step-by-step structure
Writing a qualitative PhD discussion chapter can feel exposing and blurry. This step-by-step guide shows what to include, how to structure headings, and how to connect findings to literature and theory without repeating yourself.
Critical Analysis in Qualitative Research: How to move beyond description in your PhD
Critical analysis is about making meaning. This blogpost shows qualitative PhD researchers how to move beyond description and develop confident, interpretive analysis.
Decoding the 'Why' in PhD Research Methodology: Turning decisions into a coherent story
You’ve probably explained what you did, and how you did it, but have you explained why in your research methods chapter?
Conquering Procrastination: The PhD Student's Guide to Productivity and Success
Procrastinating? Putting it off? Kicking it into the long grass? Whatever you want to call it, not tackling important PhD tasks is a bad idea - so here’s how to smash through your procrastination!