Welcome to my PhD blog
Worried you're doing your PhD all wrong and someone's about to find out? You're in the right place. 😂
In this blog, I cover all the stuff you might need help with. Like writing your literature review, doing your qualitative data analysis, developing your discussion chapter, and trying not to go completely bonkerpants in the process.
I'll help you work out HOW to do all those things everyone keeps telling you to do.
Expect practical PhD advice, based on the unspoken truth that nobody's PhD is nearly as neat as their finished thesis makes it look.
Have a nosey at the latest posts below, or browse by topic to find what you need.
Qualitative Methods | Literature Review | Methodology | Planning and Organisation | Writing Up | Supervision | PhD Mindset | Paradigms, Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks
Featured Posts
Latest Posts
Is a PhD worth it? 5 things to consider before starting a qualitative research PhD
Thinking about doing a PhD? Here are 5 essential things to consider before starting a qualitative research PhD - from motivation and time to finances and mental wellbeing.
Constructivist Grounded Theory - A simple introduction to Kathy Charmaz’s approach
Confused by constructivist grounded theory? This beginner-friendly guide explains Kathy Charmaz’s approach to qualitative research in simple terms - from coding to theory development.
Qualitative Research Questions - How to develop clear, focused questions (with examples)
Struggling to write qualitative research questions that actually make sense? This guide shows you how to develop clear, focused questions with practical examples and templates.
How to Write a Qualitative PhD Thesis - What examiners are actually looking for in qualitative research
Writing up a qualitative PhD thesis? This blogpost explains what examiners are really looking for - and how to write with clarity, structure, and confidence.
Pragmatism in qualitative research: what it means for your PhD (and how to use it)
If you’re considering pragmatism for your qualitative PhD, this post will help you understand what it offers - and what you still need in place to keep your research coherent and grounded.
How to narrow your qualitative PhD topic without getting stuck - a clear approach using the PIC strategy (people, issue / interest, context)
Narrowing your qualitative PhD topic isn’t about finding the “perfect” title. It’s about giving your thinking enough structure to move forward. This post shows you how to use PIC (People, Issue, Context) to develop a focused, workable topic without closing things down too early.
Paradigms, Theories, and Frameworks in Qualitative Research
Paradigms, theories, and frameworks aren’t just terminology - they shape how your qualitative research works. This guide helps you see how they fit together and what matters for your PhD.
PhD by Publication vs PhD by Research: A guide for qualitative researchers
Trying to decide between a PhD by research and a PhD by publication? This guide helps qualitative researchers understand the differences and choose a path that supports deeper, more meaningful work.
Grand Theory in Qualitative Research: What it is and how to use it without getting lost
Grand theory can feel distant from qualitative research - but it doesn’t have to be. This blogpost shows you how to work with big theoretical ideas without losing the nuance of your data.
How to choose theories for your theoretical framework as a qualitative researcher
Choosing theories for your theoretical framework can feel overwhelming. This guide helps qualitative PhD researchers move from doubt to clarity by focusing on alignment, not “getting it right.”
Thematic Literature Review: How to decide what not to include - a guide for qualitative researchers
A thematic literature review isn’t about including everything - it’s about including what matters. This blogpost helps you decide what to leave out without second-guessing yourself.
How to be more critical in a thematic literature review - a guide for qualitative researchers
Being “more critical” isn’t about tearing studies apart. This guide shows qualitative PhD researchers how to move from summary to meaningful analysis in a thematic literature review.
Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA) for qualitative PhD researchers
Not sure what Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA) is - or whether you need it? This guide explains ECA clearly while helping qualitative PhD researchers understand how it fits into broader qualitative thinking.
PhD Feedback Anxiety: How to send drafts to your supervisor without spiraling
Sending a draft chapter to your PhD supervisor can feel far more exposing than it should. This post explores why feedback anxiety runs so deep in a qualitative PhD - and how to loosen its grip.
Writing about your research paradigm in a qualitative PhD - where it goes and what to say
Not sure where to write about your research paradigm in a qualitative PhD? This blogpost explains how paradigms shape your thesis and how to integrate them clearly across chapters without repetition.
What to do when there is little or no literature on your qualitative research topic (thematic literature review guide)
Can’t find literature for your qualitative research topic? This post shows you how to work with limited or scattered sources and begin building a thematic literature review that actually holds together. For PhD researchers who want more than quick fixes.
Six tips to pass your PhD viva - a guide for qualitative doctoral candidates
Preparing for your PhD viva can feel daunting - especially in qualitative research. These six grounded, practical tips will help you approach it with clarity and confidence.
Classical Grounded Theory
Classical grounded theory. What’s this qualitative method all about? What are some of its key principles and ideas? Keep reading and I’ll explain!
Conceptual vs theoretical framework
Conceptual vs theoretical framework - what’s the difference, and do you actually need both? If you’ve ever felt unsure, slightly confused, or like something might be missing from your thesis, this guide walks you through it clearly using a qualitative example.
Why is a literature review so important in academic research?
Why do a literature review? I know, sounds like a stupid question, but it’s an important one!
I’m guessing you’re here because you’ve chosen to do a qualitative study for your PhD but things have started to feel a bit… slippery. You like how qualitative approaches value people’s lived experiences and you’re researching something you genuinely care about so that’s why you felt drawn to it. However, recently you seem to have unlocked a whole new level of confusing and it’s all gone a bit Alice in Wonderland.