Preparing for a PhD by Publication: 8-Session Online Bootcamp

Overview

• Understanding the importance of evaluating evidence in academic research.
• Introduction to the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) for assessing the quality of sources.

Hierarchy of Evidence:

• Explanation of different levels of evidence, from anecdotal to systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Discussion on the reliability and validity of various types of evidence.

Grey Literature:

• Definition and examples of grey literature (e.g., reports, theses, conference papers).
• Strategies for finding and using grey literature in research.

Practical Exercises:

• Hands-on activities to evaluate different types of evidence using the CRAAP test.
• Group discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of various sources.

Overview

• Exploring the balance between originality and academic subservience in research writing.
• Understanding the importance of citation practices in maintaining academic integrity.

Citation Practices:

• Detailed explanation of different citation styles and their applications.
• Strategies for integrating citations seamlessly into your writing.

Balancing Originality:

• Techniques for presenting original ideas while appropriately referencing existing literature.
• Discussion on the ethical considerations of academic writing.

Practical Exercises:

• Group activities to practice citation techniques.
• Interactive discussions on maintaining originality in academic writing.
• Case studies to explore the balance between originality and academic subservience.

Overview

• Introduction to various stylistic devices used in academic writing.
• Understanding how stylistic choices can reflect the writer's identity and enhance the readability of research papers.

Incorporating Identity:

• Techniques for embedding personal voice and identity into academic writing.
• Discussion on the importance of maintaining a consistent writing style.

Stylistic Devices:

• Explanation of different stylistic devices and their applications.
• Strategies for using stylistic devices to improve clarity and engagement.

Practical Exercises:

• Group reading and analysis of academic texts to identify stylistic devices.
• Writing exercises to practice incorporating stylistic devices into your own work.
• Interactive discussions on the impact of stylistic choices on the reader's perception.

Overview:

• Understanding the importance of developing a critical voice in academic writing.
• Techniques for critically analyzing and synthesizing information.

Critical Analysis:

• Strategies for evaluating arguments and evidence.
• Methods for identifying biases and gaps in the literature.

Synthesizing Info:

• Techniques for integrating multiple sources to form a coherent argument.
• Discussion on the importance of originality and critical thinking.

Practical Exercises:

• Group activities to practice critical analysis and synthesis.
• Writing exercises to develop a critical voice in your own work.
• Interactive discussions on the role of critical thinking in academic writing.

Overview:

• Learn to enhance your reflective writing skills to produce insightful and critical reflections.
• Understanding the role of reflective writing in academic and professional development.

Reflective Techniques:

• Introduction to various reflective models (e.g., Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Schön's Reflective Practice).
• Strategies for applying these models to your own writing.

Critical Reflection:

• Techniques for moving beyond descriptive reflection to critical analysis.
• Discussion on the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking in reflective writing.

Practical Exercises:

• Group activities to practice reflective writing using different models.
• Writing exercises to enhance the depth and quality of your reflections.
• Interactive discussions on the impact of reflective writing on personal and professional growth.

Overview:

• Understanding the challenges and opportunities of conducting literature reviews in a multi-disciplinary context.
• Exploring the concept of paradigm conflict and its implications for literature reviewing.

Multi-Disciplinary Approaches:

• Techniques for integrating literature from different disciplines.
• Strategies for identifying and addressing paradigm conflicts in your research.

Types of Literature Reviews:

• Explanation of different types of literature reviews, including systematic, semi-systematic, scoping, rapid, and qualitative evidence synthesis.
• Discussion on how harnessing a specific methodology can improve the scrutiny and reliability of your evidence.

Practical Exercises:

• Group activities to practice conducting multi-disciplinary literature reviews.
• Case studies to explore paradigm conflicts and their resolution.
• Interactive discussions on the benefits and challenges of multi-disciplinary research.

Overview:

• Detailed examination of various appraisal tools for systematic reviews and qualitative research.
• Understanding the criteria for evaluating the quality and reliability of research.

Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews:

• Introduction to tools like the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools, CASP Checklists, and PRISMA.
• Techniques for using these tools to assess the trustworthiness and relevance of systematic reviews.

Qualitative Research Appraisal Tools:

• Overview of tools such as the CASP Qualitative Checklist and JBI QARI.
• Strategies for evaluating qualitative research using these tools.

Other Criteria:

• Discussion on additional criteria for appraising research, including risk of bias, methodological quality, and relevance.
• Practical exercises to apply these appraisal tools to different types of research.
• Interactive discussions on the importance of rigorous appraisal in ensuring the quality of academic publications.

Overview:

• Understanding the importance of selecting the right journal for your research.
• Exploring different academic writing styles and their significance.

Choosing Your Publication:

• Steps for selecting a journal, including evaluating journal metrics, reading key articles, and reviewing the journal's aims and scope.
• Strategies for targeting the right audience and maximizing the impact of your research.

Knowing Your Academic Style:

• Introduction to various academic writing styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard) and their applications.
• Techniques for adapting your writing style to suit different disciplines and audiences.

Practical Exercises:

• Group activities to practice selecting appropriate journals for different types of research.
• Writing exercises to adapt your academic style to different contexts.
• Interactive discussions on the benefits of knowing your academic style before starting your research.