Abstract
A PhD is a series of decisions made around aspects such as the topic, methodology, and theoretical framework. Decisions made throughout the PhD may, however, need to change as the project as well as the researcher’s context evolves. The key to a well-considered PhD is, therefore, somewhat dependent on the researcher’s ability to reflect on changes and explore new ideas. Time spent exploring and changing ideas is not wasted as they will add to the researcher’s skills and knowledge, allowing for a better PhD outcome in the end. In this chapter, I will explore the decision-making process involved in taking specific actions to navigate the process of writing a thesis. By reflecting on my own experiences, I show that Rogers’ Theory of Diffusion and Innovation is an effective lens to provide more certainty in the decision-making process.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
ACARA. (2017). The Australian Curriculum. Retrieved from http://australian-curriculum.org/
Ajzen, I. (2011). The theory of planned behaviour: Reactions and reflections. Psychology and Health, 26(9), 1113–1127. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2011.613995
Antonovsky, A. (1979). Health, stress, and coping (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Antonovsky, A. (1996). The salutogenic model as a theory to guide health promotion. Health Promotion International, 11(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/11.1.11
Boud, D., Keogh, R., & Walker, D. (1985). Reflection: Turning experience into learning. London, UK: Kogan Page.
Butin, D. W. (2010). The education dissertation: A guide for practitioner scholars. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Cahusac de Caux, B. K. C. D., Lam, C. K. C., Lau, R., Hoang, C. H., & Pretorius, L. (2017). Reflection for learning in doctoral training: Writing groups, academic writing proficiency and reflective practice. Reflective Practice, 18(4), 463–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2017.1307725
Callary, B., Werthner, P., & Trudel, P. (2012). The lived experience of a doctoral student: The process of learning and becoming. Qualitative Report, 17(43), 1–20. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol17/iss43/2/
Cotterall, S. (2013). More than just a brain: Emotions and the doctoral experience. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(2), 174–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2012.680017
Denicolo, P., Reeves, J., & Duke, D. C. (2018). Fulfilling the potential of your doctoral experience. London, UK: SAGE.
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the educative process. Boston, MA: D.C. Heath and Company.
Goward, P. (2015). Stories from my PhD journey: Rewriting my methodology chapter. International Journal for Researcher Development, 6(1), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRD-06-2014-0013
Hoang, C. H., & Pretorius, L. (this volume). Chapter 12: Identity and agency as academics: Navigating academia as a doctoral student. In L. Pretorius, L. Macaulay, & B. Cahusac de Caux (Eds.), Wellbeing in doctoral education: Insights and guidance from the student experience. Singapore, Singapore: Springer.
Hopwood, N. (2010). Doctoral experience and learning from a sociocultural perspective. Studies in Higher Education, 35(7), 829–843. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070903348412
Janssen, K. C., & Phillipson, S. (2015). Are we ready for BYOD? An analysis of the implementation and communication of BYOD programs in Victorian schools. Australian Educational Computing, 30(2), 1-14. Retrieved from http://journal.acce.edu.au/index.php/AEC/article/view/54
Janssen, K. C., O’Connor, J., & Phillipson, S. (2018). Groups in action: A closer look at how students respond to group work. In M. Barnes, M. Gindidis, & S. Phillipson (Eds.), Evidence-based learning and teaching: A look into Australian classrooms. London, UK: Routledge.
Kearns, H., & Gardiner, M. (2013). Planning your PhD: All the tools and advice you need to finish your PhD in three years. Adelaide, Australia: Thinkwell.
Morgan, D. L. (2014). Pragmatism as a paradigm for social research. Qualitative Inquiry, 20(8), 1045–1053. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800413513733
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.
The Rule of Common Sense. (2002, May 4). Special report. The Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/special-report/2002/05/02/the-rule-of-common-sense
Sperka, L. (2019). Selecting, understanding and applying theory as a neophyte researcher. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(3), 348-363. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2018.1510430
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to my PhD. Firstly, I would like to thank Dr. Justen O’Connor and Professor Sivanes Phillipson for all their feedback and guidance through so many of my decisions. Secondly, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Anna Podorova for helping me find the time and space in my working life to complete this PhD, as well as Dr. Lynette Pretorius for giving me the opportunity to write this chapter. Thirdly, I would like to thank Roy Smalley for being an invaluable source of knowledge, as well as my close friend Dr. Diana Johns for assisting me in so many different ways at such crucial times. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my husband, kids, and friends for listening to me as I have tried to make sense of my many learning experiences.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Janssen, K.C. (2019). Understanding the Uncertainty: The Use of Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Inform Decision-Making During the Doctoral Experience. In: Pretorius, L., Macaulay, L., Cahusac de Caux, B. (eds) Wellbeing in Doctoral Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9302-0_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9302-0_16
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-9301-3
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-9302-0
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)