phd thesis on motivation

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Setting Goals & Staying Motivated

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This vidcast talks about how to set goals and how to maintain motivation for long writing tasks. When setting goals for a writing project, it is important to think about goals for the entire project and also goals for specific writing times. These latter goals should be specific, measurable, and manageable within the time allotted for writing. The section on motivation shares ideas for boosting motivation over the course of a long writing project. The handouts on goal-setting and staying productive, as well as the scholarly writing inventory, complement the material in this vidcast and should be used in conjunction with it.

Note: Closed-captioning and a full transcript are available for this vidcast.

Handouts

Goal-Setting for your Personal Intensive Writing Experience (IWE) | [PDF]

This handout guides writers through the important process of goal-setting for the personal Intensive Writing Experience. Specifically, it talks about how to (1) formulate specific, measurable, and reasonable writing goals, (2) set an overall IWE goal, (3) break up the overall goal into smaller, daily goals, and (4) break up daily goals into smaller goals for individual writing sessions. Writers are prompted to clear their head of distracting thoughts before each writing session and, after each session, to debrief on their progress and recalibrate goals as needed.

Scholarly Writing Inventory (PDF)

This questionnaire helps writers identify and inventory their personal strengths and weaknesses as scholarly writers. Specifically, writers are prompted to answer questions pertaining to (1) the emotional/psychological aspects of writing, (2) writing routines, (3) research, (4) organization, (5) citation, (6) mechanics, (7) social support, and (8) access to help. By completing this questionnaire, scholarly writers will find themselves in a better position to build upon their strengths and address their weaknesses.

Stay ing Productive for Long Writing Tasks (PDF)

This resource offers some practical tips and tools to assist writers in staying productive for extended periods of time in the face of common challenges like procrastination. It discusses how the process of writing is more than putting words on a page and offers suggestions for addressing negative emotions towards writing, such as anxiety. The handout also lays out helpful methods for staying productive for long writing tasks: (1) time-based methods, (2) social-based methods, (3) output-based methods, (4) reward-based methods, and (5) mixed methods.

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8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing

Writing a master’s or doctoral thesis is a tough job, and many students struggle with writer’s block and putting off work. The journey requires not just skill and knowledge but a sustained motivation for thesis writing. Here are eight essential strategies to help you find and maintain your motivation to write your thesis throughout the thesis writing process.

Know why you lack motivation

It’s important to understand whether you’re just avoiding writing (procrastination) or if you genuinely don’t feel interested in it (lack of motivation). Procrastination is when you delay writing even though you want to finish it, while a lack of motivation for thesis writing is when you have no interest in writing at all. Knowing the difference helps you find the right solution. Remember, not feeling motivated doesn’t mean you can’t write; it just might be less enjoyable.

Recognize external vs. internal motivation

In the early stages of your academic journey, things like job prospects or recognition may motivate you to write your thesis. These are external motivators. Over time, they might become less effective. That’s why it’s important to develop internal motivators, like a real passion for your topic, curiosity, or wanting to make a difference in your field. Shifting to these internal motivators can keep you energized about your thesis writing for a longer period.

Develop a writing plan

As you regularly spend time on your thesis, you’ll start to overcome any initial resistance. Planning and thinking about your work will make the next steps easier. You might find yourself working more than 20 minutes some days. As you progress, plan for longer thesis writing periods and set goals for completing each chapter.

Don’t overwhelm yourself

Getting stuck is normal in thesis or dissertation writing. Don’t view these challenges as impossible obstacles. If you’re frustrated or unsure, take a break for a few days. Then, consult your advisor or a mentor to discuss your challenges and find ways to move forward effectively.

Work on your thesis daily

Try to spend 15-20 minutes daily on tasks related to your thesis or dissertation. This includes reading, researching, outlining, and other preparatory activities. You can fit these tasks into short breaks throughout your day, like waiting for appointments, during commutes, or even while cooking.

Understand that thesis writing motivation changes

Realize that thesis writing motivation isn’t always the same; it changes over time. Your drive to write will vary with different stages of your research and life changes. Knowing that motivation can go up and down helps you adapt. When you feel less motivated, focus on small, doable parts of your work instead of big, intimidating goals.

Recharge your motivation regularly

Just like you need to rest and eat well to keep your body energized, your motivation for thesis writing needs to be refreshed too. Do things that boost your mental and creative energy. This could be talking with colleagues, attending workshops, or engaging in hobbies that relax you. Stay aware of your motivation levels and take action to rejuvenate them. This way, you can avoid burnout and keep a consistent pace in your thesis work.

Keep encouraging yourself

Repeating encouraging phrases like “I will finish my thesis by year’s end” or “I’ll complete a lot of work this week” can really help. Saying these affirmations regularly can focus your energy and keep you on track with your thesis writing motivation .

Remember, the amount you write can vary each day. Some days you might write a lot, and other days less. The key is to keep writing, even if it’s just rough ideas or jumbled thoughts. Don’t let the need for perfection stop you. Listening to podcasts where researchers talk about their writing experiences can also be inspiring and motivate you in your writing journey.

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How to Stay Motivated During Your PhD Programme

Motivation is a tricky thing. Even if you are committed to your goals, it can be acting as a roller coaster at times due to accumulating stress or losing faith in the result. With PhD thesis writing , such terms as ‘second-year blues’ as well as statistics of academic dropouts and mental health issues strongly suggest that staying on track may be much more difficult than you might think. The best solution here is to understand the existence of motivation problems, accept their inevitability, and plan your journey in a way minimising them. In this article, we will discuss a number of ways to stay motivated during your PhD programme.

1. Start Small

As noted by multiple experts, a PhD programme is a marathon rather than a sprint. If you choose to follow the same mentality used by Undergraduate and Master’s students, this will lead to inevitable burnout down the road. The infamous second-year blues usually occur because practitioners take more obligations than they can possibly meet. Unfortunately, this approach is actively promoted in academia:

Most supervisors expect you to invest all your spare time and resources into your PhD project.
Other students discuss the importance of ‘giving it all that you have’ during your first year.
Everyone is certain that ‘sacrificing something’ is the key to getting good things in life.

Surprisingly, the optimal strategy for staying motivated and productive throughout your PhD programme is the direct opposite of this approach. Do not be mistaken, you will definitely have some ‘crunch’ periods caused by unexpected circumstances while writing your thesis. However, going slow and steady is the best long-term strategy to follow most of the time due to the following reasons:

Motivation stems from overall satisfaction and good physical and mental health.
Balancing your work and social life is a good way of achieving this state.
The duration of your PhD project implies that you will not have time to recuperate.

The last thought is especially important. The length of your PhD project means that you will have to maintain your current productivity levels for several years without any breaks. If you intend to end a marathon successfully, you may choose to not exhaust yourself in the beginning.

2. Be Humble

If you have ever been to a gym, you have probably seen people coming to do some weightlifting exercises for the first time. In many cases, they use too much weight to ‘not look wimpy’. Unfortunately, this decision effectively ruins their technique and future progress. Any personal trainer will tell you to start with the smallest weights possible and add more as you progress. In line with the previous recommendation, this means that your PhD journey should proceed in accordance with the following routine:

Start with a minimal daily workload and experiment with several daily and weekly schedules.
Proceed with this arrangement and always maintain a leeway for emergencies.
Increase your daily/weekly workload if you feel that you can successfully maintain optimal work/life balance with the previous ‘setting’ for several weeks at a time.

While trying to ‘lift as much weight as you can’ may look ‘cool’ at first glance, this is simply not sustainable in a marathon setting. If you feel that you cannot manage your current workload while staying motivated and productive, this is a clear sign that you need to negotiate a more reasonable schedule with your supervisor. No athlete will continue lifting excessive weight after feeling chronic pain in their body. However, many PhD students see this as a viable long-term strategy for avoiding the necessary PhD programme extensions and end up losing more time due to stress accumulation and burnout.

Staying humble can also be compared with speeding up in your car. Most vehicles cannot start running at 100 miles per hour in a single second. You need to start slow and gradually ‘change gears’ while also observing the road situation. In many cases, you simply cannot proceed at the desired speed due to unexpected turns, pedestrians, and other obstacles. Driving slowly is always preferable to crashing your car and making a very long stop in your academic journey as a result.

3. Have a Plan

Progressing in small steps means that you should carefully plan each one of them to maximise your outputs. Motivation stems from measurable and manageable tasks that you complete successfully. Here are some ideas on how you can maintain it:

Set small and manageable tasks for each day (e.g. reading 5 articles or writing 300 words of your thesis);
If a task cannot be quantified, set it as ‘working on … for … minutes’;
Focus on the formal completion of the task rather than specific outputs or deliverables;
Keep track of your progress over time.

Keeping a diary is a must for staying motivated and productive during your PhD programme. Make sure to record the completion of individual tasks and your overall progress. This allows you to remind yourself about the substantial results you have already achieved in moments of doubt. A lack of such a diary leaves you one-on-one with your fears of underperforming and pushes you into the dreadful ‘sprinter’s mentality’ leading to burnout and academic failures.

Additionally, try to record non-quantifiable tasks as ‘time spent working on it’ instead of results. If you are looking for quality references in a particular field, you have no control over the actual existence of recent peer-reviewed articles in it. Hence, ending an hour of work with no quantitative results should still be recorded as progress and not a failure if you are willing to stay motivated and maintain an internal locus of control.

4. Stay Focused on the Bigger Picture

When you decided to enter a PhD programme, you were motivated by some long-term goals. They could include better employment perspectives, your in-depth interest in a certain field or your willingness to build a career in academia. Losing track of these objectives is one of the main reasons leading to poor productivity and low motivation. While your daily routine is probably filled with smaller tasks as suggested earlier, sticking a printed list of your long-term goals on your fridge may be a good way of reminding yourself why you are doing this in the first place.

In some cases, this ‘bigger picture’ needs to be adjusted over time. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many PhD journeys and has substantially decreased the number of positions available in academia. If a certain student saw their long-term goal as a career in this sphere, this inevitably decreases their motivation at the moment. Effectively, their actions and progress are leading them nowhere according to the opinions of multiple experts and practitioners that they read.

If you find yourself involved in a disruptive trend like this one, you may need to make some hard decisions and reconsider your overall direction. The same is true for problems with a certain supervisor or not making progress with your initial topic. Biologically speaking, the loss of motivation is a physiological sign of not achieving your goals and losing interest in them. Reconsidering your objectives can be a better option than ignoring this increasing resistance.

5. Talk with Others

Networking is a powerful instrument for getting relevant information and minimising the amount of wasted effort. Make sure to ask a lot of questions during your meetings with your supervisor. This way, you can clarify their expectations and make sure that all your activities are rewarded with favourable outcomes afterwards. Not getting positive reinforcement for your efforts is a very short road to the loss of motivation.

Similarly, peer communication opens new opportunities for being productive and making better decisions. This can include writing articles with other PhD students, exchanging valuable information about your thesis-writing activities, and sharing your feelings and insights about your academic journeys. In many cases, this knowledge will help you set realistic goals and expectations and avoid a feeling of lagging behind your peers.

A good strategy here is to start up accounts on several popular online PhD forums. As opposed to social media, you can stay more or less anonymous, which protects you from your supervisor or your peers discovering your questions to community members. Such forums usually have hundreds of persons who lived through their PhD programmes and can share their stories or confirm your doubts. This will provide additional ‘reality checks’ for your ambitious plans and help you set realistic goals.

Staying motivated and focused for 3+ years of PhD writing is a challenging task. As stated earlier, some motivation problems in this sphere may stem from incorrect strategic choices made early on. Try to obtain multiple opinions and seek PhD help before you start your PhD programme. This way, you will know that you are working with a promising topic and a high-quality long-term plan for completing your PhD dissertation. If you feel like you are losing your overall direction and your supervisor is not providing sufficient help and support, contacting a reputable PhD writing service may be a good idea to get things under control. They can help ease the workload and help you stay motivated during your PhD programme.

Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report

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Published: 19 June 2012
Volume 1 , pages 155–157, ( 2012 )

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Rashmi Kusurkar 1 , 2

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The aims of this thesis were to gather insights and investigate the factors influencing, outcomes and applications of medical students' motivation. This thesis consists of three literature reviews, four research papers and two application papers. Two research studies investigated the relationships of student motivation with study strategy, effort and academic performance through structural equation modelling and cluster analysis. The relationships of age, maturity, gender and educational background with motivation were investigated through multiple regression analysis. The results of this thesis were 1. Developments in medical education appear to have undervalued student motivation. 2. Motivation is an independent variable in medical education; intrinsic motivation is significantly associated with deep study strategy, high study effort and good academic performance. 3. Motivation is a dependent variable in medical education and is significantly affected by age, maturity, gender, educational background; intrinsic motivation is enhanced by providing students with autonomy, feedback and emotional support. 4. Strength of motivation for medical school can be reliably measured by Strength of Motivation for Medical School questionnaire. The conclusion of this thesis was that it is important to give consideration to motivation in medical education because intrinsic motivation leads to better learning and performance and it can be enhanced through giving students autonomy in learning, feedback about competence and emotional support.

Is problem-based learning associated with students’ motivation? A quantitative and qualitative study

Exploring the experiences of dentistry students of tabriz university of medical sciences of academic motivation: a content analysis study, validation of the physician teaching motivation questionnaire (ptmq).

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Introduction

The importance of motivation in learning behavior and performance is not well substantiated in medical education. There is sometimes focus on increasing the quantity of motivation, but the how and why need more evidence. The aims of this thesis were to investigate the outcomes of motivation in medical students and to determine the factors influencing motivation and ways to enhance it. The main research questions were: (1) Is motivation a predictor for learning and academic performance? (2) What factors affect motivation? (3) How can intrinsic motivation be enhanced?

The literature was reviewed to explore whether the developments in medical curricula were geared towards student motivation. It was also reviewed to determine how motivation was investigated as a dependent and an independent variable in medical education. The validity of a scale to measure the strength of motivation for medical school was investigated. Two research studies investigated the relationships of student motivation with study strategy, effort and academic performance through structural equation modelling and cluster analysis. Studying motivation using an approach which combined quantity and quality of motivation was proposed through a review of the literature. As a dependent variable the relationships of age, maturity, gender, and educational background with motivation were investigated through multiple regression analysis. Applications of this research were described and recommendations were made.

Developments in medical education appear to have undervalued student motivation.

Motivation is both an independent and a dependent variable in medical education.

Motivation as an independent variable, particularly intrinsic motivation, is significantly associated with deep study strategy, high study effort, and good academic performance.

Motivation as a dependent variable is significantly affected by age, maturity, gender and educational background, and intrinsic motivation is enhanced by providing students autonomy, feedback, and emotional support.

Strength of motivation for medical school can be reliably measured by the Strength of Motivation for Medical School questionnaire.

Student motivation has been given low consideration in medical education and medical curricular reforms are not geared towards enhancing student motivation. Studying motivation through an approach giving importance to both the quality and quantity of motivation is recommended. Intrinsic motivation (learning for the sake of learning) leads to better learning and performance as compared with extrinsic motivation (learning for reward), and can be enhanced by providing students with autonomy in learning, feedback on their performance, and emotional support.

Conclusions

It is important to give consideration to motivation in medical students because intrinsic motivation leads to better learning and performance and it can be enhanced through teaching–learning practices.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my promoters Prof. Dr. Olle ten Cate, UMC Utrecht and Prof. Dr. Gerda Croiset, VUmc Amsterdam, for giving me the opportunity to pursue a PhD in medical education and for their guidance, encouragement, and support during my research period. I would also like to thank Prof. Dr. Karen Mann for her guidance in scientific writing.

Conflict of interest

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This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.

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Research in Medical Education, Institute for Education and Training, VU University Medical Center, A-114, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Rashmi Kusurkar

Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Correspondence to Rashmi Kusurkar .

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Promoters: Prof dr Olle ten Cate, Director, Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. Prof dr Gerda Croiset, Director of Medical Studies Programme, Institute for Education and Training, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

This work was carried out when the author was Researcher in Education at the Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.

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Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Kusurkar, R. Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report. Perspect Med Educ 1 , 155–157 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-012-0016-1

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Published : 19 June 2012

Issue Date : August 2012

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-012-0016-1

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How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting

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Writing helps you share your work with the wider community. Your scholarship is important and you are making a valuable contribution to the field. While it might be intimidating to face a blank screen, remember, your first draft is not your final draft! The difficult part is getting something on the page to begin with.

As the adage goes, a good dissertation is a done dissertation, and the goal is for you to find balance in your writing and establish the steps you can take to make the process smoother. Here are some practical strategies for tackling the PhD dissertation.

Write daily

This is a time to have honest conversations with yourself about your writing and work habits. Do you tackle the most challenging work in the morning? Or do you usually start with emails? Knowing your work routine will help you set parameters for the writing process, which includes various elements, from brainstorming ideas to setting outlines and editing. Once you are aware of your energy and focus levels, you’ll be ready to dedicate those times to writing.

While it might be tempting to block a substantial chunk of time to write and assume anything shorter is not useful, that is not the case. Writing daily, whether it’s a paragraph or several pages, keeps you in conversation with your writing practice. If you schedule two hours to write, remember to take a break during that time and reset. You can try:

The Pomodoro Technique: a time management technique that breaks down your work into intervals
Taking breaks: go outside for a walk or have a snack so you can come back to your writing rejuvenated
Focus apps: it is easy to get distracted by devices and lose direction. Here are some app suggestions: Focus Bear (no free version); Forest (free version available); Cold Turkey website blocker (free version available) and Serene (no free version).

This is a valuable opportunity to hone your time management and task prioritisation skills. Find out what works for you and put systems in place to support your practice.

Resources on academic writing for higher education professionals
Stretch your work further by ‘triple writing’
What is your academic writing temperament?

Create a community

While writing can be an isolating endeavour, there are ways to start forming a community (in-person or virtual) to help you set goals and stay accountable. There might be someone in your cohort who is also at the writing stage with whom you can set up a weekly check-in. Alternatively, explore your university’s resources and centres because there may be units and departments on campus that offer helpful opportunities, such as a writing week or retreat. Taking advantage of these opportunities helps combat isolation, foster accountability and grow networks. They can even lead to collaborations further down the line.

Check in with your advisers and mentors. Reach out to your networks to find out about other people’s writing processes and additional resources.
Don’t be afraid to share your work. Writing requires constant revisions and edits and finding people who you trust with feedback will help you grow as a writer. Plus, you can also read their work and help them with their editing process.
Your community does not have to be just about writing! If you enjoy going on hikes or trying new coffee shops, make that part of your weekly habit. Sharing your work in different environments will help clarify your thoughts and ideas.

Address the why

The PhD dissertation writing process is often lengthy and it is sometimes easy to forget why you started. In these moments, it can be helpful to think back to what got you excited about your research and scholarship in the first place. Remember it is not just the work but also the people who propelled you forward. One idea is to start writing your “acknowledgements” section. Here are questions to get you started:

Do you want to dedicate your work to someone?
What ideas sparked your interest in this journey?
Who cheered you on?

This practice can help build momentum, as well as serve as a good reminder to carve out time to spend with your community.

You got this!

Writing is a process. Give yourself grace, as you might not feel motivated all the time. Be consistent in your approach and reward yourself along the way. There is no single strategy when it comes to writing or maintaining motivation, so experiment and find out what works for you.

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Perspect Med Educ
v.1(3); 2012 Aug

Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report

Rashmi kusurkar.

1 Research in Medical Education, Institute for Education and Training, VU University Medical Center, A-114, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands

2 Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Introduction

Developments in medical education appear to have undervalued student motivation.
Motivation is both an independent and a dependent variable in medical education.
Motivation as an independent variable, particularly intrinsic motivation, is significantly associated with deep study strategy, high study effort, and good academic performance.
Motivation as a dependent variable is significantly affected by age, maturity, gender and educational background, and intrinsic motivation is enhanced by providing students autonomy, feedback, and emotional support.
Strength of motivation for medical school can be reliably measured by the Strength of Motivation for Medical School questionnaire.

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

Conflict of interest

Open access.

is an Indian medical doctor (specialization Physiology) and has a rich experience in teaching medical students and has a special interest in motivation research in medical education through her PhD research work. She is currently Team Leader, Research in Medical Education, Institute of Research and Training, VUmc Amsterdam.

This work was carried out when the author was Researcher in Education at the Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.

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Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report

Affiliation.

1 Research in Medical Education, Institute for Education and Training, VU University Medical Center, A-114, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands ; Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
PMID: 23316471
PMCID: PMC3540346
DOI: 10.1007/s40037-012-0016-1

Keywords: Autonomy; Competence; Feedback; Intrinsic motivation; Medical students; Motivation.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

PhD Motivation: How to Stay Driven From Cover Letter to Completion

Graphic of scientist writing on a whiteboard with a laptop in front of them. A thought bubble contains a graduation cap showing that they are maintaining PhD motivation

PhDs can be a long slog and it’s easy to lose touch with why you set out to do one in the first place. If you’re falling out of love with your PhD why not try these tips to help boost your motivation.

Note – This post, and its predecessor about PhD Burnout , were inspired by a reader who asked for suggestions on tackling PhD fatigue. I love hearing from readers of the blog, so if you have any ideas for posts which you, or others, could find useful please do let me know! Just pop a note in the comments section below or drop me a message .

This post is part of my PhD mindset series, you can check out the full series below:

PhD Burnout: Managing Energy, Stress, Anxiety & Your Mental Health
PhD Motivation: How to Stay Driven From Cover Letter to Completion (this part!)
How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Studying

Focus on the Big Picture

If you’re struggling with motivation during your PhD it can be helpful to consider what originally motivated you to pursue one. One way you may find it useful to capture these thoughts is through a vision board or spider diagram.

Try listing out each of the following:

What you hope to achieve during your PhD (both personally and professionally)
How you picture your life and career post-PhD

The vision board for the PhD itself will help you make the most of your time now, while your post PhD vision board will serve as a reminder of where you are going.

This can be a great way to increase your motivation and identify opportunities within your PhD that may help you to realise your long term vision.

Here is an example one I created about life after the PhD which could serve as some motivation during the PhD:

Brainstorm showing ideas for life post PhD: including moving to Germany, living alone, work/life balance etc

Set Short Term Goals

Depending on how far along you are in your PhD, reaching the finishing line may seem like a herculean task. Rather than risking getting overwhelmed, focus on making regular progress by setting achievable short term goals.

What are some examples of short term goals? Well let’s start by highlighting a few potential milestones during a PhD:

Completing your first set of experiments
Writing your first paper
Drafting your thesis
Passing your viva

Try to break down these large tasks into sub-tasks and set yourself short term goals. Importantly, make sure that the goals are actually realistically achievable! Although it is great to push yourself, if you set goals that are too lofty you risk demotivating yourself further! Small and consistent progress is what we’re aiming for.

Breaking tasks down will allow you to recognise your progress and how far you’ve come. While recognising what you’ve already accomplished with your PhD will help provide the motivation to achieve even more.

So for instance breaking down the first of those example milestones, completing your first set of experiments, could be broken down into much smaller short term goals:

Breaking down goal 1: Completing your first set of experiments

Read five relevant papers to get ideas from other studies. Which techniques did they use? What further work did they recommend?
Speak with my supervisor about first potential experiments. What is achievable in the lab? Do we need to order any consumables?
Get inducted into the lab if necessary and get trained on key equipment.
If relevant, shadow someone else in the lab to understand certain processes.
Give it a go: conduct a few preliminary experiments.
Build on these first experiments and suddenly you’ve become a self-sufficient researcher. Good job!

You may personally choose to set goals monthly, weekly or even set yourself one task to achieve each day. Try different lengths and see what works best for you.

Now as a postdoc I personally have an ongoing document which I always keep open with goals and tasks for me to complete which I add to as I have new thoughts and conversations. Every day I set myself a short list of tasks I set to complete myself to work towards these bigger goals and projects. Without this not only would I lack focus but also motivation.

Recognise What You’ve Already Achieved

As mentioned above it can feel like you haven’t achieved much when the big picture PhD goals still seem far away.

Sometimes we can get motivation from realising how much we already have to be proud of. I know what it is like to be in a downbeat part of your PhD and it can be tough to appreciate your successes but this is exactly the time when we need harness positive and motivational thoughts!

Let’s play a quick game. Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes and write down a few things about your PhD you’re already proud of. Don’t worry, I’m not expecting a list of potential Nobel prize winning discoveries.

Here are some ideas:

Coming up with some ideas for experiments
Learning a new research technique
Facing a personal fear – such as public speaking

If you’re in the early stages, remind yourself that pushing yourself to apply for the PhD is an achievement and getting accepted into a PhD programme is no mean feat. Go you!

Reward Your Accomplishments

Along with setting short term academic goals it’s important to reward yourself once they’re completed. Depending on what length goal you set, the reward may be as simple as taking a break and indulging in something unproductive, taking an afternoon off to relax or treating yourself to your favourite meal.

It can be tempting to skip this step but celebrating when you complete tasks is really important. This will help to get you in the right mindset for progressing towards the next goal. Celebrating achievements is also a great way to instill better habits and we’ll cover more on this next.

Build Better Habits

Mastering self discipline and consistency is one of the best ways to maximise your potential both during your PhD and beyond. If this is something you struggle with then now is the perfect time to try making improvements in a very low risk environment. Here is some great advice on this subject by an incredibly successful guy:

Making these improvements through small actions can make surprisingly big differences. To illustrate this: a person who improved by 1% each day would be 37 times better after a year!

Consistently improving 1% each and every day isn’t likely, but the cumulative effect of working on yourself by building better habits is undeniable.

It typically takes 40 days to master a habit, so start small and once you have your first habit ingrained you can start on the next. Realising success will empower you to master harder challenges too and also provide you with the confidence to know that you can achieve what you set your mind to.

Some ideas for areas you may wish to develop better habits for are:

Work schedule
Healthy eating

Habit Building Tips

Start small and focus on just turning up – When building new habits it is much more important to be consistent than to set lofty goals.
Gamify it – In 2020 I decided to start using Duolingo to learn Spanish. Not only is the format on Duolingo very engaging, so is the “streak” of uninterrupted days you use the app for. It is surprising how powerful motivation can become to keep the streak going. In fact, as of writing this post I’ve just passed 600 uninterrupted days on Duolingo! I now try to apply similar concepts in other parts of my life.
Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up – It’s natural to make mistakes but it’s what you do afterwards that counts. If you slip up with your habit fight the urge to give it up. Instead move on and work to get back.
Be accountable – Tell others about your goals and if you know another PhD student struggling with the same issue why not team up together to try and improve.

I’d also highly recommend giving the below video from Kurzgesagt a watch to learn more about how to build positive habits.

Prioritise Self-Care

PhDs are a marathon not a sprint and in order to make it to the end it’s vital to take care of yourself along the way. Exercising, socialising, eating healthily and prioritising mental health will all put you in the best position to keep your energy levels high.

PhD Burnout is a very real thing and the last thing you want is to lose all passion for research entirely. Check out my post here on PhD Burnout to learn the warning signs and how to intervene before things go to far.

Make sure to take time each week to recharge and don’t prioritise your research to the detriment of all else. It isn’t worth sacrificing your own health for your research. Make the most of opportunities during your PhD and find things you’re passionate about and look forward to.

I personally found it helpful to treat my PhD like a full-time job which meant having weekends and weekday evenings off. There were exceptions to this of course but in general it meant that I had a good work/life balance and didn’t feel desperate for the PhD to end.

Everyone will have different ways of structuring their time, but recognise that YOU are a priority and your life shouldn’t go on hold until your PhD is complete.

Define Success Differently

Reframe what you see as success. Instead of defining success by the achievement of a long term goal instead define success by the consistent actions taken to progress towards it.

For instance, if you’re nearing the end of your PhD then completing your PhD thesis may be months away. But, if you commit to working on your thesis for at least one hour a day (and achieve it) you’re already on a successful path.

I’d suggest giving the intro to this newsletter by Andrew Ng a read to learn more about process goals versus outcome goals.

Avoid Comparisons to Other PhD Students

We all know this one but it can be easy to forget. Looking at what others have achieved can sometimes be motivating, but it can also leave you feeling inferior.

No two PhD journeys will ever be the same so all you can do is aim to achieve the “best” version of your own journey.

Top Tips to Boost PhD Motivation

Focus on the big picture
Set achievable short term goals
Recognise what you’ve already achieved
Reward your accomplishments
Build better habits
Prioritise self-care
Define success differently
Avoid comparisons to other PhD students

I hope you found these suggestions on how to boost PhD motivation helpful. Do you have any advice of your own to share? Let me know in the comments section below.

You can subscribe for more content here:

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Privacy Overview

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

Applying to a PhD

A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?

A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:

A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
Your academic background and professional work experience,
Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
Your interest and motivation for applying,
Concluding remarks and thanks.

This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.

However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.

To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
Do you have any research experience?
Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
Have you read any literature within the research area?

Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.

The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.

With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.

Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

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Motivation Letter Format

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:

Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
Write in the first person,
Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.

How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?

A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.

Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.

It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.

Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.

You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.

Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.

PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution

There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.

While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.

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The PhD journey can be exceptionally challenging and stressful, and it is not unusual for PhD candidates to sometimes feel so overwhelmed and demotivated that they feel unable to continue with their research. If you find yourself in this state, take comfort in that fact that you are not alone – there are doctoral students in disciplines and universities across the world who have experienced or are dealing with many of the same feelings.

Take heart that there are always ways of dealing with these blocks and stressors that can help you begin to feel better about your research again. Sometimes, all it takes is a slight tweak to your work routine, a fresh, alternative perspective on your research or the adoption of a few new practices or activities to get you back on track. Consider some of our suggestions below for reviving your PhD mojo.

1. Talk to someone

Don’t try to struggle through these difficult moments alone. Find someone to talk to. This could be someone more senior to you who can offer guidance and advice, such as your supervisor , a mentor or another academic in your department. They should be able talk you through your current situation or offer practical solutions for dealing with whatever is causing you to feel demotivated and stuck.

Alternatively, you might find it helpful to talk to other PhD students , either from your own department or a different discipline. By speaking with others who are on a similar journey to you, you may gain tips and solutions for addressing similar challenges. In turn, these conversations might prompt you to think and talk about your research in novel ways that can provide exciting new perspectives and ideas to incorporate into your work.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of empathy and solidarity . You may find a lot of relief and reassurance just from speaking with other people who understand what you’re going through and who are willing to share their own experiences. Remember that you are not the only PhD student who feels this way and the researcher community can be a valuable source of support and understanding to help you get through a rough patch.

2. Read or watch something you love

If you’re finding it hard to progress with your own research or writing, find inspiration by reading research and writing by other people you admire.

You might want to return to a journal article or a book that has always excited you about your area of research. Revisit old writings, theories or discussions that first got you interested in your subject or return to material that has been a constant inspiration for your own work. This type of inspirational material doesn’t have to be limited to academic texts.

Alternatively, you could branch out and read something completely different – for example, a new theory in your field or writing from another discipline.

Or, take a break from academic work altogether! Check out podcasts, magazines, online blogs for new, refreshing ideas, perspectives and styles of writing.

3. Turn to your research journal

Writing in a research journal to record your reflections on your research or to reflect upon the challenges you are facing can be very helpful for sorting through exactly what is causing you to feel demotivated or stuck. Keep this as a safe space just for you to work through the issues that you’re struggling with. Use it to ask yourself questions, articulate what feels wrong and clarify what you need to move forward.

You could use mind mapping methods, drawing, free writing or any creative tool that will help you to be open and honest with what you are going through. You might find that the practice of getting your frustrations down on paper is enough for you to release some of your stressors and move on. Or, it could help you identify exactly what your obstacles are and what you need to move forward.

4. Make (tiny) notes

Even if you still don’t feel motivated enough to return fully to your research, try to reignite your creative thinking by working around the material you’re reading or watching. Write down useful quotations, jot down first impressions or ideas from whatever you’re reading, or write very short thought pieces to reflect upon any new material you’re engaging with. You never know where these ideas might lead you . It might spark some new thinking and incite you to pick up some aspect of your research and start writing again . Or, even if you don’t use these ideas straight away, they might come in useful at a later time.

5. Don’t chase the motivation

This option may seem contradictory. After all, isn’t the whole point to find new motivation so we can keep progressing? However, trying to force yourself to be motivated when you’re feeling exhausted, fed up and overwhelmed can be counterproductive, and end up causing more frustration. Motivation is not something that can be manufactured just because you want to feel motivated.

Instead, sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re feeling really stuck and stressed is to take a break from the PhD altogether . Ensure you catch up on rest. This does not just mean physical rest, but a mental and emotional break away from thinking about the PhD altogether. Allow yourself to find relief and enjoyment in other activities that you enjoy, even if it is something that is not at all academic, such as sport, crafting or baking. Getting enough rest and distance from your PhD will help you move into a more relaxed, receptive mental space and be open to new creative ideas and solutions.

So, go out and have some fun! It’s the most productive thing you can do for yourself.

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How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential.

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals.

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words.

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study.

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application.

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same.

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How to Write an INTRODUCTION Chapter (of a Thesis)

So it seems like you’ve read my previous article on how to develop a fantastic marketing or management thesis idea , right?

That is great. But perhaps now you have a clear idea of what to do for your research project but you don’t know exactly how to start your bachelor or masters thesis?

No worries! We’ve got your back. Here are some (hopefully) useful tips to do a great job and impress your supervisor and reviewers!

First of all: There is NO specific correct way to structure the Introduction chapter. But I suggest you cover the following structure:

***********************************************************

Introduction

1.1 Personal Motivation

1.2 Research Aims and Objectives

1.2.1 Aim

1.2.2 Objectives

1.3 Structure of the Thesis

Let’s discuss each topic in detail so that you don’t miss anything and can look impressively smart!

Imagine that your grandma is going to read your thesis and it is entitled “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals”.

Would she know what “Machine to Machine Interaction” is? (Maybe she does and even more than us two put together!). But let’s assume she has no clue!

Would she know which sustainability practices are applied in music festivals? (Well, maybe she went to Woodstock in 1969, had an affair with Jimmy Hendrix and helped them reduce water consumption!). But let’s assume she has no clue of what it is!

This is exactly the point of an introduction! The reader (whoever he/she may be!) has to be able to read your introduction and have an OVERALL idea and be FAMILIARIZED with the CONTEXT of your study.

And how do you achieve it? SIMPLE. Do the following:

What is it? When did it start?
Which are they? What are examples of practices applied to music festivals?
What is the trend within the industry sector/product type/service type you are discussing? In the last decade, has it increased? Decreased? How large is the global/regional market size? What are sales volumes of key players?
Use RELIABLE sources for your data: renowned institutions and organizations, research groups, scientific publications.
Make sure to REFERENCE all your data.

Video Support: Introduction Chapter

In case you are enjoying the article, do not forget to watch the video with further support on how to write the introduction chapter of your thesis.

Here is the section of the thesis where you describe your motivation for conducting a study on this topic.

In other words: Explain why you are writing about “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals” and not about any other random topic such as: “If there is life on other planets, aliens would also be fans of The Beatles”.

To explain your motivation and why you chose this topic you should ideally be very personal and even write this section in the first person ( other academics might disagree with me on this, but it’s ok ).

And keep this section SHORT. Two GOOD paragraphs should be enough.

Here it is VERY SIMPLE. You have read the recommendations on LiveInnovation.org on “ How to Develop a Research Project (or Thesis) Idea ”, right? NO? (Oh man, it’s not easy being your supervisor. Honestly!). So go check the site for it!

If you have, (Good on you, I’m proud!), then simply describe your aim in a sub-section 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 your objectives.

The objectives in 1.2.2 can even be stated in bullet points.

And here it is absolutely easy!

Even if you have a headache, you team has lost, you ran out of Oreo Ice cream Sandwich in the fridge and your 6 year old neighbor is learning to play the violin, you can still write this section.

It will only take you one or two paragraphs to describe in GENERAL terms what will be discussed in the following chapters.

ONE SUGGESTION: Leave this for last and only write it once you have finished the entire thesis.

So basically you should have done the following in this chapter:

First you have familiarized your reader with the context of your study, regardless of who is reading (Your former hippie grandma or Michael Jordan).
You have familiarized the reader with YOU, by explaining WHY you are writing about this topic.
You have explained what the thesis will be about.
Finally you have anticipated the reader with what he/she/it will face on the coming chapters until the end of the thesis.

So now you are DONE with Chapter one and can focus on the rest of the thesis!

(In case you want to thank me later: I truly enjoy beer, Port wine and Whiskey).

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Did you like this article? Would like to have these recommendations with you while studying?

GREAT! Simply download the file here with all details: LiveInnovation.org - Introduction Chapter of a Thesis.pdf

In case you would like to have more research suggestions, check our research resources section .

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5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

Crafting a PhD thesis acknowledgement can be a challenging task, but it can also be an enjoyable one. There are no strict rules or guidelines to follow, allowing for creative freedom. However, seeking inspiration from sample acknowledgements can greatly assist in initiating your own writing process. Here are five PhD thesis acknowledgement examples!

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 1

Phd thesis acknowledgement example 2, phd thesis acknowledgement example 3, phd thesis acknowledgement example 4, phd thesis acknowledgement example 5.

I started my PhD just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that presented numerous challenges and uncertainties. Nonetheless, I made it to the finish line! I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the exceptional individuals who supported and guided me throughout this transformative journey, enabling me to successfully obtain my doctorate despite the many unforeseen obstacles that arose.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my PhD supervisors, Prof. Xiu Ling and Prof. Frederic Semoas. Their constant support, guidance, and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the entire process. From the initial stages of refining my research proposal to the final submission of my thesis, their unwavering presence and wealth of wisdom have been instrumental in shaping my academic growth. I highly valued the biweekly meetings we held, which not only served as crucial checkpoints to keep me on track academically, but also provided me with plenty of encouragement. I am profoundly grateful for the immeasurable contributions they made to my development.

In addition to my supervisors, I am indebted to my exceptional lab mates, whose support has been a constant source of motivation. Our collaborative writing sessions and informal chats, whether conducted via screens during lockdowns or in person whenever circumstances allowed, provided a lifeline during the most challenging times. I am proud to say that we became more than just lab partners, but good friends. Paul, thanks for always providing a steady supply of cookies that brought much-needed sweetness to our intense work sessions. Ina, your late-night phone calls helped me to keep my self-doubt in check. And Valeria, your enthusiasm and upbeat character made spending long hours in the lab an enjoyable experience.

Among the most memorable highlights of my PhD journey was the opportunity to participate in the Applied Chemistry Summer School in Belfast. This enriching experience would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of Dr. Simone and Dr. Erek. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, connections, and friendships that were forged during that time.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family whose belief in my abilities and support. Your encouragement played an integral role in my accomplishments. To my mom, dad, and Maria: Thank you for everything. I dedicate this PhD thesis to you.

It takes a village to raise a child” is a well-known proverb, and I strongly believe that completing a PhD also requires the support of a village. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who played significant roles in my PhD journey.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Patricia Renault. Your exceptional academic expertise, coupled with your commitment to support early career researchers truly make you a role model in the often competitive realm of academia. Your guidance and encouragement have been invaluable .

I would also like to express my gratitude to my PhD thesis committee members: Prof. Dr. Hels, Prof. Dr. Frontstotten, Dr. Buwo, and Dr. Luis. Thank you for your time and effort, reading the 284 pages of my thesis thesis for providing valuable feedback and thought-provoking questions. Your insights have greatly enriched the quality of my work.

Furthermore, I want to thank all the interviewees who generously shared their thoughts and life stories for my research. Without your willingness to participate, my thesis would not have been possible.

A special appreciation goes to my colleagues and peers at the Department of Anthropology. Engaging in stimulating academic exchanges with all of you while maintaining a personal connection has been truly enriching.

Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife. Thank you for always being my rock, accompanying me through the highs and lows of this academic journey. Your support and belief in me have been a source of strength and motivation.

When I embarked on my PhD journey five years ago, little did I know the profound experiences that lay ahead. Fulfilling my long-held dream of pursuing a PhD, time seemed to pass swiftly as I immersed myself in the world of academia. Transitioning from several years in professional practice back to the university environment was both daunting and exhilarating.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an exceptional research institute that provides deep insights into seismology. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my advisor, Prof. Dr. Daniels Selwas, for generously sharing his extensive academic knowledge and playing a pivotal role in helping me establish myself within the academic community. I am truly thankful for his firm yet compassionate guidance, which not only facilitated significant contributions to publications during my PhD but also opened doors I never thought possible.

Undoubtedly, pursuing a PhD presented its fair share of challenges. Early on, I encountered setbacks when some of my experiments failed, leading me to readjust my research proposal in my second year. However, what initially appeared as hurdles eventually revealed themselves as blessings in disguise. These challenges allowed me to refocus my efforts on seismic tomography, a subject that ignited a genuine passion within me. I apologize to everyone who patiently endured my enthusiastic ramblings about my research!

During my third and fourth years, I had the privilege of working as a teaching assistant for Prof. Susan Meyers. This role introduced me to the immensely fulfilling world of teaching, from which I gained invaluable knowledge and insights. Prof. Meyers provided exceptional guidance and unwavering support throughout my teaching endeavors.

As I diligently worked on documenting my research results, the small breaks organized by my best friend Andy became cherished highlights after long days of writing. These rejuvenating moments kept me motivated and inspired to persevere.

As I bring my five-year-long PhD journey to a close, I can genuinely say that I am immensely proud of my accomplishments. This transformative journey has not only shaped me as a researcher but also as an individual, imparting the invaluable lesson that perseverance yields fruitful rewards in the long run. The unwavering commitment and determination displayed by those around me have profoundly influenced my character.

My greatest aspiration is that my research proves beneficial and contributes to a better understanding of earthquakes. The drive to advance knowledge in this field continues to fuel my motivation and determination. I am deeply grateful to all the individuals mentioned, as none of this would have been possible without their guidance and encouragement. I am excited to see what the future holds.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” —Dr. Seuss

This quote has always resonated with me, but as I approach the end of my PhD, its profound meaning has taken on new significance in my life.

Throughout my PhD journey, I have been fortunate to explore various places and experiences. Moving to Chicago, I had the privilege of joining an exceptional literature department, surrounded by individuals who share a deep passion for reading. Relocating to a new city on my own was challenging, but fate led me to forge a wonderful friendship with my flat mate, Loreen. Loreen, I am grateful for your companionship and support from the very beginning of my PhD.

Furthermore, I cannot envision a better PhD supervisor than Dr. Molly Glours. Her countless feedback and guidance have played a pivotal role in refining my academic writing and sharpening my arguments. Molly, your unwavering passion for literature is truly inspiring, and I aspire to follow in your footsteps one day.

My academic journey has also taken me to conferences in Canada and Belgium, marking my first experiences in Europe. Beyond the intellectually stimulating discussions, these trips have provided unforgettable adventures for a small-town girl from the Midwest.

Participating in a three-minute research pitch competition not only pushed me beyond my comfort zone but also introduced me to an incredible partner, Joshua. It is remarkable how life leads us to unexpected places and introduces us to remarkable people when we least expect it.

My research has also led me to the Chicago Public Library, where I had the opportunity to work with children’s reading clubs as part of my fieldwork. This collaboration has been incredibly rewarding, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to George Newton and Immania Hikale for making this partnership possible.

Finally, I would like to thank my family. Mom, your tireless work and unwavering commitment to provide for Joan and me while always emphasizing the value of education have made a profound impact on my journey. From those early hours spent in the library together, you instilled in me a deep love for reading. Completing a PhD in comparative literature feels like the natural culmination of our shared journey, and I hope you are aware of and proud of the significant role you have played in shaping my path.

Grandma and Grandpa, you made immense sacrifices and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for your children and grandchildren. Look how far we have come! Your dedication and resilience continue to inspire me as I reflect on my achievements.

Completing a PhD is a monumental achievement, and I still find it hard to believe that I have reached this milestone. I want to raise a toast to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey with me.

First and foremost, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Professor Dr. Suna Shikrati, who has been instrumental in my success over the past four years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the guidance and mentorship of such a highly respected academic.

To Katie, Felicitas, Aron, Xime, and Andy – you are the best PhD crew in the entire department. Together, we have navigated the challenges and celebrated the triumphs, and I am grateful to have had you by my side.

Sonya, words cannot express how much your unwavering belief in me has meant. You have been my biggest cheerleader throughout this journey, and I cannot thank you enough for your love and support.

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to coffee and my dog Ben. Coffee has fueled countless late nights and early mornings, providing the necessary jolt to keep me going. And Ben, my loyal companion, you have been my faithful reminder to take breaks, dragging me away from my computer and insisting on regular outdoor excursions.

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Doctoral fellows

PhD Student

Job description.

Engineered and controlled in-vitro cell cultures will become key in future production of biologics, drug tests, tissue engineering, and even food production (e.g. artificial meat). The behaviour of those cells not only depends on their genetics; they also respond to changes of chemical signals, to their organization and embedding, and to bio-physical cues such as forces. Computational models to predict experimental outcomes have the potential to speed up our knowledge and reduce the costs of development. For example, Individual-Based Models (IBMs) can reproduce complex emergent behaviours of many species systems as a consequence of the interactions between the individual species (agents). Currently, these methods are more and more combined with machine learning techniques. BIONAMIX is a team embedded in the department of data analysis and mathematical modelling in the Faculty of Bioscience engineering. We develop new methods for better (fundamental) understanding of biosystems as well as for applied research projects. Within the BionamiX team we provide a stimulating environment:

Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers and scholars.
Gain invaluable experience with mathematical modelling and programming to enhance your (academic) career.
Possible collaboration with industrial partners

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Job profile

The candidate will develop state-of-the-art computational models and new methods for (engineered) biological systems that aim to capture bio- physical characteristics of cells, their internal machinery, environment effects such as gradients of chemical species and hydrodynamic stresses from fluids. In addition, hybrid strategies whereby these mechanistic modelling approaches and machine learning methods are combined will be investigated. We give some freedom to the precise research area but should be related to the following areas: Cell culturing, Tumors, Bioreactors, Bacteria (biofilms), Micro- ecological systems, .. Candidate requirements:

You have a MSc degree in a quantitative field such as (Applied) Mathematics, Mathematical Biology or Mathematical Sciences, (Bioscience) Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
You have a strong interest and genuine passion for (computational) modelling of biological systems. You are motivated to collaborate with people with a different background or with a different occupation (such as biologists or research managers in companies)
Your goal is to obtain a PhD.
You have experience in at least one modern programming language (Python, Julia, R, C++, etc.)
Being fluent in English (both written and spoken)
Having prior knowledge of spatio-temporal modelling paradigms, agent-based models, particle-based methods, or CFD are considered as strong quantitative assets

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
Your contract will start on September 1, 2024 at the earliest.
The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

The PhD position will begin at the earliest beginning of September 2024. Interested candidates should apply by sending their motivation letter, at least one reference letter, and their CV to [email protected] before August 15, 2024. The selection procedure consists of two steps. Firstly, a shortlist of the candidates will be made based on their motivation letter and CV. Secondly, the shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview during which they’ll have the opportunity present their master thesis research.

Mohammad Arif Hossain - ECE PhD Student of the Month - May 2024

Mohammad Arif Hossain has successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focus was on AI-assisted next generation wireless networks, distributed machine learning, cloud and edge computing, 6G and 5G Networks and internet of things (IoT) during his Ph.D. Before joining his Ph.D. program, he served as a faculty in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of East Delta University, Bangladesh from 2016 to 2018.

He has co-authored around 50 technical publications in prestigious venues such as IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing , IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology , IEEE Internet of Things (IoT) Journal and IEEE Transactions on Green Communications and Networking to name a few. He held a research position during his internship at Futurewei Technologies. He actively participated in IEEE Standardization Groups such as IEEE 802.15.7r1, IEEE 802.15 TG7, IEEE 802.15 IG DEP, and holds a patent in his area of expertise. He has made more than 25 technical contributions to IEEE 802.15.7r1, IEEE 802.15 TG7, IEEE 802.15 IG DEP standardizations. He was also a member of Action Planning for Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. Program at NJIT.

His unwavering commitment to academic excellence shines through his extensive involvement as a reviewer for esteemed journals and conferences, such as the IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing, IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, Scientific Reports (Nature), and others. Additionally, his role as a Technical Program Committee (TPC) member at the 2022 IEEE 23rd International Conference on High-Performance Switching and Routing (HPSR 2022) underscores his dedication to fostering scholarly dialogue in his field. He has garnered recognition through nominations for various fellowships and awards, both during his Ph.D. candidacy and prior.

In his research endeavors, he intends to explore several research topics such as AI-enhanced Security and Privacy for Distributed Machine Learning in Wireless Networks, AI-enabled Architectures for Distributed Wireless Networks tailored to Large Language Models (LLMs), AI-enhanced Integrated Sensing, Communication, and Computation in Wireless Networks, and Sustainable and Green Machine Learning and Wireless Networks, etc. Securing a tenure-track faculty position marks the next stage in his career, where he is eager to delve into these research interests and share his expertise with students, fostering their intellectual growth and development.

Mohammad Arif Hossain 1.jpg

Thanks to your solid research achievement, you have successfully secured faculty job offers without the need for a postdoc phase. What would you say are the benefits/privileges of a faculty job?

Securing a faculty job is undoubtedly a significant accomplishment and opens up a world of benefits and privileges. Firstly, as a faculty member, you have the autonomy to pursue your research interests and explore topics that fascinate you. This freedom allows for creativity and innovation in your work, leading to potentially groundbreaking discoveries. Secondly, working within a university setting provides unparalleled access to a diverse community of scholars, researchers, and students. Engaging with colleagues from various disciplines fosters intellectual stimulation and can lead to collaborative opportunities that enrich your research. Furthermore, a faculty position typically includes responsibilities for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses. This allows you to share your expertise with the next generation of scholars and contribute to their intellectual and professional development. Also, tenure-track positions provide a level of job security not always available in other career paths. Once granted tenure, you have greater protection against termination without just cause, providing stability and peace of mind. Additionally, becoming a faculty member at a reputable institution brings with it a certain level of prestige and recognition within your academic community. This can open doors to additional opportunities, such as speaking engagements, consulting roles, and leadership positions. Perhaps most importantly, a faculty position allows you to make a meaningful impact on your field of study and society through your research, teaching, and service.

For those who are considering finding a faculty job, what would you say they should pay attention to most?

When considering a faculty position, they should prioritize several key factors to ensure the right fit for their career aspirations and personal goals. In my opinion, they should look for institutions that support their research interests and offer resources such as funding, lab facilities, and collaborations with other scholars. It is also very important to find a position that offers a balance between teaching responsibilities and research pursuits, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to both their students' education and scholarly endeavors. Seeking out departments with a strong culture of mentorship and support for junior faculty members should be another key step while looking for a faculty job. I believe that these are the most important factors one should keep in mind for pursuing a career in academia.

Mohammad Arif Hossain 2.jpg

Over the years, you have built an excellent publication record, even before your PhD studies. What advice do you have for junior PhD students who are working on publishing their first research paper?

Publishing the first research paper as a junior Ph.D. student can be both exciting and daunting. Here are my two cents:
You should select a research topic that you are passionate about and that aligns with your academic interests. This will not only make the research more enjoyable but also increase your motivation.
Do not wait for a particular time to start working on your first research paper. Procrastination can lead to rushed work and subpar the quality of the work. Always try to work on your paper even if it is just a few hours every week.
Select a journal or conference that aligns with the scope and impact of your research. Consider factors such as the reputation and impact factor of the journal or conference.
Familiarize yourself with the publication process, including the structure of academic papers, journal/conference guidelines, and peer review procedures. This knowledge will help you tailor your research and writing to meet the standards of your targeted journal/conference.
Pay careful attention to the structure, clarity, and coherence of your paper. Present your research findings logically, supported by relevant evidence and analysis. Ensure that your writing is concise, precise, and free of errors.
Take the time to thoroughly review relevant studies and incorporate them into your paper to provide context and support for your own findings with respect to existing literature.
Never hesitate to seek feedback from your advisor, peers, or other experts in your field. Constructive criticism can help you identify weaknesses in your paper and make improvements before submission.

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COMMENTS

Leadership's Impact on Employee Work Motivation and Performance
et al., (2018) asserted that numerous studies prove that the correlation between the leader. and employee performance is successful, and the studies show that the leader has a. positive effect on employee work performance. Thus, the theory of leadership style is. best suited for improved employee performance.
Advice for how to get (and stay) motivated to write your dissertation
Writing a dissertation is a grueling process that does not just require academic prowess, an excellent writing style and mastery of a very specific area of knowledge. It also demands discipline (in setting a writing schedule), perseverance (in keeping that schedule) and motivation (to get the writing done and the project completed).
Setting Goals & Staying Motivated
Setting Goals & Staying Motivated. This vidcast talks about how to set goals and how to maintain motivation for long writing tasks. When setting goals for a writing project, it is important to think about goals for the entire project and also goals for specific writing times. These latter goals should be specific, measurable, and manageable ...
7 Ways To Successfully Keep Your Motivation During Your PhD
Here are seven ways to maintain your motivation as a PhD or postdoc…. 1. See the big picture. It is easy to become demotivated by a never-ending to-do list of mundane tasks. Ditch your addiction to the to-do list and focus on how each action you take contributes to a larger overall goal.
8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing
Try to spend 15-20 minutes daily on tasks related to your thesis or dissertation. This includes reading, researching, outlining, and other preparatory activities. You can fit these tasks into short breaks throughout your day, like waiting for appointments, during commutes, or even while cooking. Understand that thesis writing motivation changes
How to Stay Motivated During Your PhD
With PhD thesis writing, such terms as 'second-year blues' as well as statistics of academic dropouts and mental health issues strongly suggest that staying on track may be much more difficult than you might think. The best solution here is to understand the existence of motivation problems, accept their inevitability, and plan your journey ...
Full article: PhD students' relatedness, motivation, and well-being
While PhD supervision may require different approaches for different students and supervisors (related to individuals' competence, circumstance, personality, and cultural background), valuing relatedness is shown as a key factor affecting PhD students' motivation and well-being. The remainder of the paper is structured as follows.
Reasons, motives and motivations for completing a PhD: a typology of
rooted in the reasons, motives and motivation s of a person for undertaking and persisting in. ... study as well as a PhD student and a thesis supervisor from one of the six HSS faculties.
Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report
The aims of this thesis were to gather insights and investigate the factors influencing, outcomes and applications of medical students' motivation. This thesis consists of three literature reviews, four research papers and two application papers. Two research studies investigated the relationships of student motivation with study strategy, effort and academic performance through structural ...
How to tackle the PhD dissertation
There is no single strategy when it comes to writing or maintaining motivation, so experiment and find out what works for you. Suggested readings. Thriving as a Graduate Writer by Rachel Cayley (2023) Destination Dissertation by Sonja K. Foss and William Waters (2015) The PhD Writing Handbook by Desmond Thomas (2016).
What to do if you lack motivation in your PhD
See the bigger picture. An effective way of managing your expectations is to see the bigger picture. Remind yourself why you started out on your PhD journey in the first place, what motivates you, and what your goal is with the thesis and beyond. Focusing on the bigger picture means you can see each day for what it is: a small component of that ...
Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report
The results of this thesis were 1. Developments in medical education appear to have undervalued student motivation. 2. Motivation is an independent variable in medical education; intrinsic motivation is significantly associated with deep study strategy, high study effort and good academic performance. 3.
How to stay motivated during your PhD
There is still a surprising amount of administrative work to do before you are ready to submit. Don't underestimate the amount of time it will take to turn your finished text into a final, bound copy. In these free resources, we discuss the emotional challenges of doing a PhD and offer tips to help you stay engaged and motivated.
Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report
The results of this thesis were 1. Developments in medical education appear to have undervalued student motivation. 2. Motivation is an independent variable in medical education; intrinsic motivation is significantly associated with deep study strategy, high study effort and good academic performance. 3.
Motivation for PhD studies: Scale development and validation
The goal of this study was therefore to develop and validate an SDT-based scale to assess motivation for PhD studies, called the Motivation for PhD Studies scale (MPhD). 1.1. Self-determination theory. SDT proposes that various types of motivation regulate human behavior ( Deci and Ryan, 1985, Deci and Ryan, 2012 ).
The Effects Of Technology On Student Motivation And Engagement In
THE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON STUDENT MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN CLASSROOM-BASED LEARNING . By . James Francis . B.A. University of Connecticut 2008 . M.S. Ed University of New England 2013 . A DISSERTATION . Presented to the Affiliated Faculty . Of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies . at the University of New England
PhD Motivation: How to Stay Driven From Cover Letter to Completion
While recognising what you've already accomplished with your PhD will help provide the motivation to achieve even more. So for instance breaking down the first of those example milestones, completing your first set of experiments, could be broken down into much smaller short term goals: Breaking down goal 1: Completing your first set of ...
thesis
This is actually really hard and usually takes much more experience than it did to solve the research problem in the first place. So I think its common for e.g. a graduating PhD student to have the technical knowledge to solve the problem but to find it difficult to articulate where the problem lies within a much bigger field of inquiry.
How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter
A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include: A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for, Your academic background and professional work experience, Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate, Your interest and motivation for applying, Concluding remarks and thanks.
What to do when you lose your motivation to complete your PhD?
Consider some of our suggestions below for reviving your PhD mojo. 1. Talk to someone. Don't try to struggle through these difficult moments alone. Find someone to talk to. This could be someone more senior to you who can offer guidance and advice, such as your supervisor, a mentor or another academic in your department.
How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips
1. Don't Forget About the Formatting. PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length.
PDF Motivation for Writing This Thesis
MOTIVATION FOR WRITING THIS THESIS. Most of the work described in this thesis was conducted at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. The reasons for conducting the research work at this university were: (1) I have served as a clinician-educator in the Faculty of Health Sciences of this university for more than a 15 years and, thus ...
How to Write an INTRODUCTION Chapter (of a Thesis)
1.1 Personal Motivation. Here is the section of the thesis where you describe your motivation for conducting a study on this topic. In other words: Explain why you are writing about "Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals" and not about any other random topic such as: "If there is life on other planets, aliens would also be fans of ...
5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples
PhD thesis acknowledgement example 2. It takes a village to raise a child" is a well-known proverb, and I strongly believe that completing a PhD also requires the support of a village. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who played significant roles in my PhD journey. First and foremost, I would like to thank ...
PhD Student
The PhD position will begin at the earliest beginning of September 2024. Interested candidates should apply by sending their motivation letter, at least one ... candidates will be invited for an interview during which they'll have the opportunity present their master thesis research. Programmes. Master programmes; Exchange programmes;
Mohammad Arif Hossain
Mohammad Arif Hossain has successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focus was on AI-assisted next generation wireless networks, distributed machine learning, cloud and edge computing, 6G and 5G ...

Setting Goals & Staying Motivated

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing

Know why you lack motivation

Recognize external vs. internal motivation

Develop a writing plan

Don’t overwhelm yourself

Work on your thesis daily

Understand that thesis writing motivation changes

Recharge your motivation regularly

Keep encouraging yourself

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How to Stay Motivated During Your PhD Programme

1. Start Small

2. Be Humble

3. Have a Plan

4. Stay Focused on the Bigger Picture

5. Talk with Others

Motivation in medical students: a PhD thesis report

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