1/2 Way Mark

Qualitative. Quantitative. Mixed-method. Pilot-testing. Literature review. Research objectives. Limitations / delimitations. Data collection. Data analysis. Theoretical framework. Research framework. Focus group interview. Questionnaire. Transcription. Emerging data...

Writing up my dissertation proposal was an agonizing process. It felt like giving birth - not that I've gone through labour.

But it was just so agonizing. Wondering if I'm on the right path. The more I read, the more confused I am.

"You are going through the process," the dear Dr (PhD) told me.

What process? I just want to be done with my study. I don't want to go through any process... I don't want to have sleepless nights wondering if I'm on the right track, doing the right thing.

Yet there's no answer. Not yet anyway.

"Link it to what's out there."

But what's out there? How much more do I have to read? What's the scope? Will what I find make any sense?

Gaahhh.

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I couldn't sleep last night, anticipating my appointment with the Dr today.

Fearful of his disapproval / approval of my write-up.

Thank God he approved, and signed the form for my mock viva.

In fact, I thought he was generous with his comment of my work.

Yet why was I so fearful, anxious? Why was I so afraid that it's not good enough?

*Sigh... the pressure.

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I'm thankful that it was approved. I think that was my source of stress - not getting an approval for my work.

Tonight, I can sleep tight.