All Blog Posts
I’ve Found My Research Gap – Now What?
🎯 The Short Answer: Create a detailed timeline working backward from your target completion date, then dive into your literature review to get familiar with the existing research. This foundation will guide every other decision you make throughout your dissertation....
How Do I Get My Dissertation Back on Track?
🎯 The Short Answer: Let go of the guilt, reread your work to reorient yourself, talk through your current progresss with a peer or mentor, then identify your next milestone and tackle it one step at a time. If life has knocked your dissertation or thesis schedule off...
How Do I Get Started With Chapter One?
🎯 The Short Answer: Start with your research purpose and research question(s) - then check your university handbook for required sections, and tackle remaining sections in the order you feel most confident writing them. Chapter one is often the most overwhelming...
How Do I Find Foundational (Seminal) Papers For My Literature Review?
🎯 The Short Answer: Look for papers cited repeatedly in your reading, use tools like Research Rabbit to map connections, and build a relationship with your university's research librarian. These strategies help you find foundational papers without drowning in hundreds...
I’m Completely Overwhelmed By My Dissertation. What Should I Do?
🎯 The Short Answer: First, recognize that overwhelm is a universal experience in dissertation writing. Second, identify the real cause (biological needs, knowledge gaps, or external stress) and address it directly. Third, lean on support from peers, faculty or a coach...
What’s the Difference Between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Theses?
🎯 The Short Answer: Undergraduate theses typically focus on synthesizing existing knowledge to show you understand your field. Postgraduate theses (master's and doctoral) generally require you to create new knowledge through original research that builds on what's...
How Do I Ask My Dissertation Advisor for Help?
🎯 The Short Answer: Be honest and transparent with supportive advisors. With less responsive advisors, be direct and specific about what you need from them. Either way, asking for help is part of the research process, not a sign of weakness. If you're worried about...
What If My Results Aren’t Statistically Significant?
🎯 The Short Answer: Non-significant results don't mean you've failed; they're still new knowledge that contributes to your field. With critical analysis, you can still earn good marks and help the research community. Getting a non-significant result can feel like a...
Should You Start Coding Your Interviews Before You’ve Finished Them?
🎯 The Short Answer: Ideally, finish all your interviews before you start coding. This prevents earlier codes from biasing how you conduct and analyze later interviews. Only start coding early if you have a very tight deadline, and if you do, use a rigid interview...
How to Use AI Tools For Your Literature Review
🎯 The Short Answer: Use AI to assist your research process (finding papers, organizing sources, refining language), but never to replace your own reading, thinking, or scholarly judgment. Your literature review must reflect your critical analysis, not an algorithm's...
How Do I Know If My Qualitative Themes Are Strong Enough – Or Even Real?
🎯 The Short Answer: Strong qualitative themes show up repeatedly across multiple participants, directly answer your research questions, and you can clearly explain where they came from. If a theme only appears once or you can't defend it, it probably needs more work....
What Are the Key Stages of Qualitative Analysis?
🎯 The Short Answer: Qualitative analysis follows a structured process: collect and record your data (like interviews), transcribe it, clean and verify the transcripts, code the data to identify patterns, group codes into themes, and finally select supporting quotes...
Should You Ask All Interview Participants Exactly the Same Questions?
🎯 The Short Answer: Yes. You need to ask all participants the same core questions to ensure consistency and maintain IRB approval. You can use follow-up questions in semi-structured interviews, but your base questions must stay the same throughout your study. If...
NVivo, Dedoose, MaxQDA – Do You Really Need Qualitative Analysis Software?
🎯 The Short Answer: Use qualitative analysis software if you have a large corpus (50+ interviews or hundreds of documents) or plan to do qualitative research long-term. For small projects, a simple spreadsheet works just fine. When you're working with qualitative...
Can You Remove Outliers From Your Dataset?
🎯 The Short Answer: Yes, you can remove outliers, but only using a standardized, mathematically defensible method like the IQR (interquartile range) test. Always document and cite your approach to maintain transparency and credibility. One of the most common concerns...
Which Qualitative Analysis Software Is Best?
🎯 The Short Answer: If you're working with a large volume of data (50+ interviews or 200+ documents), dedicated software like NVivo or Dedoose is (potentially) worth the investment. For smaller projects, a simple spreadsheet approach works just fine. One of the most...
What Do Dissertation Markers Really Want?
🎯 The Short Answer: Dissertation examiners want to see clear, coherent research that demonstrates your methodological competence, strong engagement with existing literature, and honest acknowledgment of your study's limitations. They're looking for evidence that you...
Qualitative Analysis 101: The Big Picture Process
🎯 The Short Answer: Qualitative analysis follows a structured process: collect and record your data, clean and verify your transcripts, code your data to identify patterns, organize codes into themes, and then write up your findings with supporting quotes. If you're...
Too Many Qualitative Codes? Here’s What To Do.
🎯 The Short Answer: Start by cleaning up similar codes, then create category layers that nest related codes together. This lets you write about the bigger picture while preserving the detailed nuance underneath. If you're sitting on a hundred or more qualitative codes...
How Do I Choose the Right Statistical Test?
🎯 The Short Answer: Start by reviewing the statistical tests you've already learned, then match your research question to what you're actually trying to accomplish (describe, compare, find relationships, or predict). Different tests do different things, so...
What Does P-Value Actually Mean?
🎯 The Short Answer: A p-value tells you the probability of getting your statistical results if there's actually no real effect or relationship (in other words, by chance). It's not the probability that your hypothesis is true, and it's definitely not a measure of how...
What’s the Difference Between Ontology and Epistemology?
🎯 The Short Answer: Ontology asks "what is real?" while epistemology asks "what is knowledge and how do we know it?" Both matter for your research because you're essentially creating new knowledge, and you need a clear framework for how you'll do that. If you're...
Which AI Research Tools Are Safe to Use?
🎯 The Short Answer: Use AI tools to speed up your research workflow, not to generate your dissertation/thesis text. Choose specialized AI research tools like Consensus, Elicit, or Research Rabbit instead of broad generative AI. Always verify your university's policies...
How Do I Narrow Down My Literature Search?
🎯 The Short Answer: Use your research questions to build a search strategy before you start. Break your questions into keywords, choose your databases and filters (like publication year or geographic location), then screen papers by title and abstract. Ask yourself:...
How Can I Shake “Dissertation Perfectionism”?
🎯 The Short Answer: Perfectionism delays dissertations because it makes you endlessly refine drafts instead of moving forward. The antidote? Accept that your dissertation won't be perfect, separate drafting from finalizing, and remember that a finished dissertation...
What Should I Do While Waiting for My Advisor’s Feedback?
🎯 The Short Answer: You have two solid options: give yourself permission to genuinely rest and recharge, or work ahead on the next section of your dissertation. The key is picking the strategy that works for your mental health, not forcing yourself into either box. If...
How Do I Find the Right Research Topic?
🎯 The Short Answer: A good way to find a research topic is to start with a broad area that genuinely interests you, and then look for gaps in recent research (the literature). You can also align with your advisor’s interests or build on past coursework to help narrow...
How Do I Use “Gray Literature” Properly?
🎯 The Short Answer: If your topic has limited peer-reviewed, academic research, it’s completely acceptable to use gray literature. The key is to clearly separate it from academic sources, organise it thoughtfully, and show your examiner that you understand the...
I’m Behind on My Dissertation. What to Do?
🎯 The Short Answer: If you’re behind on your dissertation, the most important next step is to clearly map out where you are and identify one small, concrete task to complete next. Break the process into manageable steps, set short deadlines, and build momentum by...
How Should I Structure My Literature Review?
🎯 The Short Answer: The best way to structure your literature review is typically either thematically, chronologically or methodologically. Choose the structure that best fits your research topic, use a clear note-taking system, and stay flexible as you refine your...
How Do I Improve Flow in My Literature Review?
🎯 The Short Answer: To improve flow in your literature review, think of it as telling a story. Plan your structure before you write, move from broad to specific, and use clear linking sentences to connect paragraphs. Most importantly, always organise your content in a...
What Terminology Should I Use to Synthesise Literature (Not Just Summarise It)?
🎯 The Short Answer: In your literature review synthesis, use clear compare and contrast language to connect studies, show agreements and disagreements, and explain why those differences exist. The goal is not to summarise each study, but to weave them together into a...
AI Research Tools: What Do I Need to Know?
🎯 The Short Answer: Use AI research tools to support your research process, not to create your final written work. Let AI help you find, organise, and think through information, but keep the actual writing and critical thinking your own. If you're working on a...
How Do I Choose the Right Research Methodology for My Dissertation?
🎯 The Short Answer: Choose a methodology that aligns with your research question, fits your skills, and works within your time and access constraints. Your methodology should help you answer your question clearly and realistically, not impress anyone with...
Should I Use Mixed Methods Research?
🎯 The Short Answer: Mixed methods studies can be powerful, but they require far more time, planning, and integration than most students expect. The biggest pitfalls are workload overload, poor integration between methods, IRB delays, and weak justification. If you...
How Do I Use Saunders’ Research Onion?
🎯 The Short Answer: The research onion is a planning framework that helps you design your methodology step by step, from big-picture philosophy down to specific data collection techniques. Use it early on to clarify your research design, then adapt those decisions to...
How Do I Justify My Research Methodology?
🎯 The Short Answer: To justify your research methodology, show two things: first, that your chosen method is appropriate and supported by existing studies; second, that you briefly considered other relevant methods and had clear reasons for rejecting them. You don’t...
What Exactly Is Literature Snowballing?
🎯 The Short Answer: Literature snowballing is a good way to find relevant academic sources by starting with a few strong papers and using their reference lists discover more papers. You “snowball” backward and forward through the literature until you’ve identified the...
How Do I Create a Literature Search Strategy?
🎯 The Short Answer: To craft your literature search strategy, start by choosing the right databases and defining clear, relevant keywords before you begin searching. Then use tools like Boolean operators to refine and control your results. A little upfront planning...
Do I Need to Read the Entire Journal Article?
🎯 The Short Answer: No, you don’t need to read every word of every paper for your literature review. Instead, read strategically based on your goal, starting with the abstract and then focusing on the sections that matter most for your current stage. If you’re working...
How Should I Explain My Interview Protocol?
🎯 The Short Answer: Examiners want clear, detailed explanations of how your interviews were designed, conducted, recorded and stored. In interview-based research, you need to explain who you interviewed, why you chose them, how the interviews were run, and how you...
What Goes Wrong in Most Literature Reviews?
🎯 The Short Answer: The two biggest mistakes in a literature review are treating it like an annotated bibliography and accidentally plagiarising through poor paraphrasing. To avoid them, focus on synthesising studies into a clear narrative and use a...
Why Do Research Methodology Chapters Fail?
🎯 The Short Answer: Research methodology chapters usually fail because they lack detail, clear justification, and alignment with the research questions and literature review. To pass with confidence, you need to explain exactly what you did, why you did it, and how it...
How to Write Your Dissertation Without the All-Nighters
The Smart Way To Write A DissertationFrom MIT lecturers to project management experts: Here's what works 🎓By: Derek Jansen | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Published: 21 November 2025TL;DR – The Quick Guide 📌 Stop confusing activity with progress: Identify your...
How to Stay Motivated Through Your Research
Research 101: How To Stay MotivatedHere's What Experienced Scholars Want You to Know 🎓By: Derek Jansen | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Published: 7 November 2025TL;DR – The Quick Guide 📌 Expect non-linear progress – Research moves backwards sometimes. This is...
Finding a Research Topic: What Your Professors Want You to Know
How To Find The Perfect Research TopicHere's what insiders from some of the world's top universities want you to know 🎓By: Derek Jansen | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Published: 6 November 2025TL;DR – The Quick Guide 📌 Start with problems, not topics – Look for...
10 Things Every Examiner Wants to See in Your PhD Dissertation
PhD Dissertation 101: Key IngredientsHere's what your examiners want (and need) to see 🎓By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2025TL;DR - What makes a great PhD dissertation? A successful PhD dissertation isn’t about changing the...
Qualitative Research Basics: The 20,000-Foot View
Qualitative 101: The High-Level ProcessWhat You Need To Know - Before You Start Your Study 🔒By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | January 2025Navigating the qualitative research process can feel daunting if you're not sure where to start....
How To Choose The Right Qualitative Analysis Method
How To Choose Your Analysis MethodSelecting between thematic, content, narrative and discourse analysis.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | January 2025Choosing the right qualitative analysis method is a crucial step in any qualitative...
Reflexivity & Triangulation In Qualitative Research
Explainer: Reflexivity & TriangulationTwo critical tools to help manage subjectivity in your research 📘By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | January 2025Qualitative research has a unique strength: its ability to explore the subjective,...
Trustworthiness In Qualitative Research
Trustworthiness In Qualitative ResearchCredibility, Transferability, Dependability & Confirmability - Explained Simply ✅By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated August 2025TL;DR - What is trustworthiness? Trustworthiness in...
How To Choose A Tutor For Your Dissertation
How To Choose A Dissertation Tutor The Five Key Criteria You Need To ConsiderBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024 Choosing the right dissertation tutor can be the difference between constantly feeling overwhelmed by your...
Writing A Dissertation While Working: A How-To Guide
Writing A Dissertation Part-TimeHow to manage work, family and a research project - without losing your mindBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024Writing a dissertation is no easy task. Add a full-time job and family...
How To Review & Understand Academic Literature Quickly
How To Read Academic LiteratureFast-track your literature review process with these simple techniques.Podcast By Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you're working a literature review, this one is for you. Today, we're discussing how to work...
Dissertation Writing Services: Far Worse Than You Think
Thesis Writing Services & ToolsThe smart student's silver bullet - or too good to be true?Podcast by Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you've ever considered paying someone (or some AI-powered tool) to write your dissertation or thesis for...
Triangulation: The Ultimate Credibility Enhancer
Triangulation In Research: The BasicsData, methodology, investigator and theoretical triangulationBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - What is triangulation in research? Triangulation is about using...
The Harsh Truths Of Academic Research
The Harsh Truths Of Academic ResearchThree Things New Postgraduate Researchers Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode, Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of...
Dissertation Paralysis: How To Get Unstuck
🎙️ How To Get Your Research UnstuckA Practical Guide To Dealing With Dissertation ParalysisBy: Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | July 2024it a sticking point in your dissertation or thesis? That's okay. In this episode of the Grad Coach...
Structured, Semi-Structured & Unstructured Interviews
Structured, Semi-Structured & UnstructuredThe "Big 3" Interview Approaches ExplainedBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025hen it comes to using interviews for qualitative data collection, there are...
Viva Voce Victory: How To Defend Your Thesis
🎙️ How To Ace Your Viva VoceThree Practical Tips To Help You Defend Your ThesisBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | July 2024he viva voce or thesis defence is an event that often leaves students feeling a little intimidated. And...
How To Break Through Writer’s Block
🎙️ How To Break Through Writer's BlockThree Straightforward Interventions That Actually WorkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024riter's block is a common challenge for students. All too often, it can feel like there’s an...
How To Beat Perfectionism: 3 Practical Steps
🎙️ How To Beat PerfectionismThree Straightforward Actions You Can Take (Right Now)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024erfectionism often masquerades as a commitment to excellence - sounds good, right? The problem, however, is...
References vs Bibliography: What’s The Difference?
References, Bibliography & "Works Cited"A Plain-Language Explainer - With Practical Examples 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025hen writing a dissertation or thesis, you'll often hear...
Qualitative Coding Examples: Process, Values & In Vivo Coding
Qualitative Coding Practical ExamplesReal-world Examples: Process Coding, Values Coding & In Vivo Coding 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025e've spoken about qualitative coding...
You Are NOT Your Dissertation: How To Maintain A Healthy Perspective
🎙️ You Are NOT Your DissertationWhy your dissertation is not quite as epically important as you thinkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025f you’ve been losing sleep over your dissertation, we’re here to help bring...
Research Ethics 101: A Simple Explainer (With Examples)
What (Exactly) Are Research Ethics?The Key Ethical Considerations Explained Simply - With ExamplesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024esearch ethics are one of those “unsexy but essential” subjects that you need to...
The Unspoken Laws Of Academic Success: Secrets From “The Inside”
🎙️ Unspoken Laws Of Academic SuccessThree Simple But Effective Practices You Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar delve into the unwritten laws of...
Research Implications & Recommendations: A Simple Explainer
Implications & RecommendationsA Plain-Language Explainer With Examples + FREE Template 📑By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Implications vs Recommendations Implications and recommendations are linked but...
Acknowledgements 101: Five Examples For Your Inspiration
Examples: Thesis Acknowledgements5 Well-Structured Samples For Your Inspiration 🙌By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024he acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is an opportunity to say thanks to...
Dissertation & Thesis Examples: Get Inspired Now
50+ Dissertation & Thesis Examples Real-world examples and samples from leading universities 📖By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025eed some inspiration for your study? You’ve come to the...
Research Limitations 101: What You Need To Know
What Are Research Limitations? A Plain-Language Explainer (With Practical Examples) 📖By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024esearch limitations are one of those things that students tend to avoid digging into, and...
In Vivo Coding 101: Full Explainer With Examples
In Vivo Coding 101 🖍️A Plain-Language Explainer (With Practical Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024ualitative coding is a topic that often leaves students feeling a little confused - but it doesn’t...
All But Dissertation (ABD) Status – What You Need To Know
All But Dissertation (ABD) Status 😬A Plain-Language Explainer + Guide For Stuck StudentsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025hen it comes to completing a PhD or doctoral degree, “all but dissertation” (or ABD) is all...
The Four Powerful Habits Of Successful Students
🎙️ The 4 HABITS of Successful Students(And how to develop them...)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025t Grad Coach, we've worked with thousands of students. Over the years, we've noticed a few simple but powerful...
Process Coding 101: Full Explainer With Examples
Process Coding 101 🖍️A Plain-Language Explainer (With Practical Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024ualitative coding and analysis are areas that often leave students feeling a little confused - but...
Qualitative Coding 101: Inductive, Deductive & Hybrid Coding
Inductive, Deductive & Abductive CodingQualitative Coding Approaches Explained Simply (+ Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024ualitative coding is a topic that often leaves students feeling a little...
3 STRUGGLES You’ll Face During Your Research Journey
The "Big 3" Dissertation StrugglesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a dissertation or thesis is no small task - just ask any ABD. The academic research journey is one...
Considering A PhD? Here Are 3 Things You Should Know
Doing A PhD: Three Harsh RealitiesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025ndertaking a PhD or any doctoral-level program is no small task. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast,...
How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria
How To Choose Your Research TopicStep-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic EvaluatorBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Selecting a Research Topic Choosing the right research topic is the single most...
Writing A Research Proposal: 4 Hacks To Fast-Track The Process
Research Proposal Writing Hacks4 Time-Saving Tips To Fast-Track Your ProposalBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025rafting a well-thought-out research proposal is essential for gaining approval and setting a clear path...
How To Write A Research Paper (Video Tutorial)
How To Write A Research PaperStep-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE TemplateBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024or many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task...
Master Your Methodology: 4 Hacks To Fast-Track The Process
🎙️ PODCAST: Master The Methodology4 Tips To Ensure Your Methodology Is Perfectly On PointBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025ind yourself lost in a sea of complex terms and unsure where to begin? Fear not. In this...
How To Reference In Microsoft Word (Video Tutorial)
How To Reference In Microsoft WordStep-By-Step Video Tutorial With ExamplesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024n this video tutorial, you'll learn how to use Microsoft Word's referencing function for in-text...
Writing A Literature Review: 4 Time-Saving Hacks
🎙️PODCAST: Ace The Literature Review4 Time-Saving Tips To Fast-Track Your Literature ReviewBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a literature review can be a daunting task for many students, but fear not! In...
Research Topics & Ideas: Automation & Robotics
Research Topic Ideas: Robotics 🦾50+ Robotics Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring robotics and/or automation-related topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology
Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology 📚50+ Sociology Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025Sociology offers a unique lens to understand and analyse the complexities of society. Choosing the...
Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health & Epidemiology
Research Topic Ideas: Public Health 🏥50 Public Health-Related Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025If you're just starting out exploring public health and/or...
Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience
Research Topic Ideas: Neuroscience 🧠50+ Neuroscience Research Ideas + Sample DissertationsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring neuroscience-related topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Journalism
Research Topics & Ideas: Journalism 📢50 Journalism-Related Topic Ideas + Sample DissertationsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring journalism-related topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Data Science & Analytics
Research Topic Ideas: Data Science 📊50 Data Science Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025f you're just starting out exploring data science-related topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Cybersecurity
Research Topic Ideas: Cybersecurity 🔐50+ Cybersecurity Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring cybersecurity-related topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Communication
Research Topic Ideas: Communication 💬50+ Communications-Related Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025Struggling to find the right communication-related research topic for your dissertation or...
Research Topics & Ideas: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
Research Topics & Ideas: Blockchain 🔗50+ Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring blockchain-related...
Research Topics & Ideas: Biotech & Genetic Engineering
Research Topics & Ideas: Biotech 🧬50+ Research Ideas In Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025f you're just starting out exploring biotechnology-related topics for...
Research Topics & Ideas: AI & Machine Learning
Research Topic Ideas: AI & ML ⚙️50+ Research ideas in Artifical Intelligence and Machine LearningBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world, making it one of the most...
Dissertation Advisor 101: How To Get The Most From The Relationship
Working With Your Thesis AdvisorHow to get the most from the student-supervisor relationship 🤝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025any students feel a little intimidated by the idea of having...
Acknowledgements 101: How To Write The Section
The Acknowledgements SectionHow to write the acknowledgements for your thesis or dissertationBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | January 2024riting the acknowledgements section of your thesis might seem straightforward, but...
Inferential Statistics 101: Simple Explainer (With Examples)
What Are Inferential Statistics?A Plain-Language Explainer - With Practical Examples 📑By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Review By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Inferential Statistics 101 Inferential statistics help you test whether the patterns in...
Research Question 101: Everything You Need To Know
What Is A Research Question?Everything you need to know to write a high-quality research questionBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Research Question 101 A research question is the clear, focused query that guides...
Research Question Examples: The Perfect Starting Point
Practical Examples: Research Questions 25+ Practical Examples & Ideas To Help You Get Started 🧑🏻🏫By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025well-crafted research question (or set of questions) sets the...
Research Topics & Ideas: Mental Health
Research Topic Ideas: Mental Health 🌱100+ Mental Health Research Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated January 2025If you're just starting out exploring mental health topics for your...
Research Topics & Ideas: Finance
Research Topics & Ideas: Finance 📈120+ Finance Research Topic Ideas + Sample StudiesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | Updated March 2025Choosing the right finance research topic can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it...
Descriptive Statistics 101: Simple Explainer (With Examples)
What Are Descriptive Statistics?Means, Medians, Modes & More - Explained Simply 📊By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Descriptive Statistics Descriptive statistics summarise the key features of a dataset (a sample)...
5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper
5 Signs You Need A Dissertation HelperHere's how you know it's really time get some support.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023Writing a dissertation is no small task. It’s a demanding project that requires you to juggle...
AI Research Tools: Hype Or Help?
AI Research Tools: Hype Or Help?It's time for a balanced discussionBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Kerryn Warren (PhD), David Phair (PhD) | October 2023here’s a lot of talk about AI research tools at the moment. If the YouTubers, the bloggers...
Validity & Reliability: Explained Simply
Validity & Reliability In ResearchA Plain-Language Explanation (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | September 2023alidity and reliability are two related but distinctly different concepts within research....
Literature Synthesis 101: How To Synthesise The Literature
How To "Synthesise" The LiteratureLiterature Synthesis Explained Simply - With ExamplesBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | August 2023ne of the most common mistakes that students make when writing a literature...