So I defended the next stage of my research as challenged. Kinda.
I clarified a lot of things which I had forgotten to say and learned some important lessons:
- Be explicit
- Focus
I shaped an analysis plan for this coming year which effectively showed I need to:
- Work very hard
- Focus
Unfortunately some issues are still unresolved. As I am looking for my hypothesis to arise from my data I am currently in the worrying position of being able to produce a thesis suitable for social science and of interest to practitioners, but that in itself isn't necessarily a passable informatics thesis.
This could be a serious problem, especially if my data proves less amenable than I hope. Sadly my data doesn't support incremental analysis - it is all or nothing, so I cannot fail fast.
I know I can do this, but I am mildly amused that I have effectively just argued that I be allowed to conduct waterfall research. Single loop: Gather, Analyse, Deliver.
I have also promised to focus. This means cutting back on all my other commitments and getting on with my research for a change.
We shall see next Easter how well this has all succeeded. Until then, wish me luck.
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