![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by javableue on January 9, 2006, at 22:38:18
As I've posted before, I have a sort of mini thesis due on February 13th. I need this to graduate with my IB diploma, which would be a rather good idea given the money and effort which have gone into it. I am also completely unmotivated, despite having chosen a topic I would find fascinating if anything could interest me right now.
I'm about halfway through but can't seem to get going enough to get further. Somebody nag me to get this thing finished, please? I start an evening job on the 15th and resume classes on the 23rd, so it would be best to get a move on...
jb
Posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 8:24:22
In reply to Somebody give me a good nagging., posted by javableue on January 9, 2006, at 22:38:18
What are the steps for completing your thesis? Have you done the research? Do you have an outline? Have you started writing? How long will it be? What is it about?
I find that if I tell someone I'm going to accomplish a particular thing (I usually choose very small goals!), then it helps me to get them done. Plus, then I have someone to celebrate with when I do get it done! I'm a fan of ice cream, myself, for celebrations.
It also helps me sometimes to explain the process I will use and describe the mini-goals. That helps me to get them straight in my own mind. And if there is something that I haven't thought through yet, it becomes clear when I try to explain it.
So, if you want, give us some details!
Posted by javableue on January 10, 2006, at 10:46:26
In reply to Re: Somebody give me a good nagging. » javableue, posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 8:24:22
Thanks for posting. :)
>What are the steps for completing your thesis?
If only I knew. ;) I think at this point I need to get the last bits of research done, finish writing it, and revise like crazy.
>Have you done the research?
I mostly have, but, as I said, I have a little bit left to be done to fill in some holes here and there.
>Do you have an outline?
Only a very vague one. I must admit that I am terrible at outlines.
>Have you started writing?
I have. I think I'm about a third to half of the way through.
>How long will it be?
The word limit is 4,000. I'm aiming for about 3,000-3,500, although I usually end up exceeding my goal.
>What is it about?
It's about the effects of lack of secure attachment in infancy on later life; if my plan stays the same, the focus will be on later relationships, work, and mental health.
I think my celebration is going to involve a lengthly nap, because I'm certainly going to need one by the time it's over. That or waiting until the 15th and taking advantage of post-Valentine's Day sales.
Unfortunately, I don't know that my process is solid enough to make mini-goals. Right now it consists of looking at the essay, looking at the research materials, and seeing what holes I have yet to fill in, filling in those holes, etc. I think I'll give myself until the start of classes (January 23rd) for a decent draft, though.
jb
Posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 13:39:53
In reply to Re: Somebody give me a good nagging. » fallsfall, posted by javableue on January 10, 2006, at 10:46:26
Wow! Can I read it when you are done? Or if you want a really picky edit, I can do that, too.
My class last semester was my first class in 25 years. I had to write a 10 page research paper. It has been a LONG time since I've done something like that!
Maybe we can talk about process a little... It would help me!
Posted by javableue on January 10, 2006, at 19:27:36
In reply to Re: Somebody give me a good nagging. » javableue, posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 13:39:53
You can read it if you wish, although I warn that I am way in over my head here and it shows. A picky edit would be helpful, if you're willing at the time.
>My class last semester was my first class in 25 years. I had to write a 10 page research paper. It has been a LONG time since I've done something like that!
That must have been a difficult transition. How did you handle it?
Personally I've found even making the jump from a 1,000 - 2,000 word essay in literature or philosophy to what I'm doing now difficult.
Well, I'll try to at least take a look at the essay tomorrow, and see where I'm at. I have my driving test in the morning, though, so until then, I have enough stress on my plate as is. I'll report back on the essay if I make it back in one piece. ;)
jb
Posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 22:13:30
In reply to Re: Somebody give me a good nagging. » fallsfall, posted by javableue on January 10, 2006, at 19:27:36
Posted by javableue on January 12, 2006, at 0:24:09
In reply to Good luck on your test!! (nm) » javableue, posted by fallsfall on January 10, 2006, at 22:13:30
Well, as the title says, I passed the test. This won't change anything, really (my parents value their cars too highly to let me drive alone), but it's done with.
The bad side is that I came home from the test, munched on a brownie in celebration, and slept for six hours. I then proceeded to do absolutely nothing. Oops... Well, I'll get to it tomorrow, when I have nothing to do.
Posted by fallsfall on January 12, 2006, at 18:34:11
In reply to Passed, then slacked off. » fallsfall, posted by javableue on January 12, 2006, at 0:24:09
Rah, Rah! I have my p*m-p*ms out for you!
Now get to work!!
I got my books for next semester today! I'm excited.
Posted by javableue on January 14, 2006, at 20:15:12
In reply to Re: Passed, then slacked off., posted by fallsfall on January 12, 2006, at 18:34:11
I always enjoy getting new books for the semester, money aside. Better still when the excitement extends to classes. When do you start?
So I've been bad, but I'm looking over the essay now. I really don't know what to think. I'm not used to writing in anything resembling an academic tone (our philosophy papers are freakishly laid back; I've been known to use examples involving drinking coffee and walking into walls while sleep-deprived) so it's hard to tell whether it sounds fake. At a few points I know that I need to go back and change the wording or add quotation marks because I took some sentences directly from my notes, and some of those notes directly from the text. Not good. (They are, however, already cited, or at least marked with CITE THIS OR DIE! in big red letters.) At any rate, I have about 1,500 words to go, and I'm not really sure of how to do it. I have lots of stuff to add, and I think I need to elaborate on a lot of points, because the first section goes rather quickly. I may end up needing to take out the section on work.
I think I'll get my notes and books together so I know what I have left to put in, and call it a night. I've spent a good three hours trying to figure out the language policies of the local French universities, which has been a frustrating exercise.
jb
Posted by fallsfall on January 15, 2006, at 11:42:23
In reply to Re: Passed, then slacked off. » fallsfall, posted by javableue on January 14, 2006, at 20:15:12
I'm just starting a Library Science degree. So I was working through some of the tutorials at my school's library site. One was on plagiarism. Now, I am an excessively honest/law abiding person. But I was having a hard time deciding if their examples were plagiarism or not. Definately something I need to look into more - since I need to not only be able to produce papers without plagiarism, but also be able to explain/teach it to others. Cite early and often!
For the academic tone, I try to think of the stodgiest old coot I know and write the paper for him.
My classes start on 1/25. I'm supposed to be getting my house cleaned and my life in order before that. Well, I am making some progress - so that's a good thing. Did some significant organizing in my family room last night.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Students | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.