A Thesis is SO yesterday

Honours is definitely a changing, scary beast that needs to be tamed- thanks to Ryan for that analogy, inspired from a ‘Cheshire Cat’. As you may well have guess from the blindingly obvious title of this blog, I am not longer writing a thesis. A significant change at this stage of the year- but not late enough to mess me about too much.

After a chat in class about research methodology, and my increased confusion and frustration about not being able to neatly wrap up a methodology and apply it to my research, Adrian and I stumbled across this idea that perhaps a thesis isn’t actually right for me and where I want to be next year. The words ‘industry report’ were thrown in to the arena. I took a moment to consider this, and continued to argue my case for a thesis. In the end though, I have seen sense and henceforth will be writing an industry report on the same topic.

This means however, that I do get to write an exegesis, instead of a thesis, that is an unlimited piece of work. So really, if I were crazy enough, I COULD end up writing a bigger exegesis than I would a thesis. But WOWZER, that’s quite huge. In that moment of realisation that I was now in fact writing an industry report, somehow I felt a huge weight off my shoulders. Not sure why, I think perhaps because it has more of a structure than a thesis, or because I’ve written reports before and am comfortable with the vernacular. Either way I’m feeling like my thoughts are synthesizing a lot more rapidly than they were a few weeks ago.

So that’s a major update, and I’ve even figured out a research methodology to use- industry research. Ahhh, it’s like someone has Windexed my window and I can actually see it out of it now!

Don’t wait, procrastinate now.

In a recent class exercise, we were asked to chart out the stages in researching and writing an essay. Following this, we graphed both our level of interest and skill level for each stage. A somewhat interesting exercise that also allowed me to become reaquainted with the classic Derwents- colour me happy.

Turns out the things that I rate myself as doing well in aren’t necessarily the things that I like. For example, I really don’t enjoy composing my bibliographies, but I’ve not had marks taken away due to errors. I don’t enjoy taking notes when I’m reading, but I do it pretty effectively.

There were only really two stages where my skill and enjoyment level seemed in sync- the submission of my work and going to the library to research. Firsty, I’ve only ever handed in one, maybe two assessment tasks in later than the due date EVER. I get an immense feeling of joy and relief from hearing those pieces of paper float and crash when I gratefully slot them into the submission box. Secondly, going to the library. I’m terrible at it, it’s a last resort, 11 hr “crap, I don’t actually have any quotes outside the prescribed reading” moment. If I’m in the library, chances are I’m in a slightly panicked state. Therefore, my associated feelings toward the library are not positive, so I stay away. This is not the way to conduct a successful honours year however, so I am endeavouring to visit the library in leisure time, to familiarise and make peace.

Possibly the worst mistake I made in filling in my graph was the horrifying (to some) admission that 9 times of of 10, I hand in first drafts. Definate correlation between this and submitting on time me thinks. Again, I am told this is not a successful way to conduct my honours year and thus I will publish my second draft of this blog, not my first.

Back to the title of this blog- I was astounded that noone mention the most critical stage of essay writing- the highly creative procrastination stage. This is a must for me. I sure there is all sorts of psychology surrounding this art, the cures for it etc. However I find it is a vital process as it allows the procrastinator to reach the adrenillin rush stage, induced by the panic/shame of wasting so much time that you actually could have been finished if you’d cut the crap 5 hours ago.

My enjoyment and skill level at this stage align quite well. I feel my resourceful nature really shines here as I can move beyond the DVD collection and weekend papers, and find a rabbit warren of linked distractions on the internet. It’s fabulous. I fear this has turned into somewhat of a productive habit however, as aspects of my thesis are geared toward online communication- what hooks people my age into a website and encourages them to explore it and take on board the messages it presents?

Ahhh, justifying procrastination, a vital cog in avoiding starting my Comm. Rev. essay.

Ethics- the Everest of Application Forms

Currently in the process of filling out my ethical clearance application for my honours research. Quite possibly the most confusing experience of my life- barring watching Fiddler On The Roof.

It’s proving to be a difficult process because I’m not one to plan in detail months and months ahead. Sure, I know roughly the sorts of people I’ll be talking to during my research, but knowing when and where I’ll be interviewing them is stretching me a little. Also, trying to evaluate the risk level of research is bloody hard too, knowing how people will react to certain questions is near impossible- I’m not a psychologist!I’ve been staring at the 12 pg template/guidelines for about a week now, and it’s at the stage where I’m starting to see vivid shapes jumping out at me from the page……no more coffee.

Just thought I’d share my frustration.