An Update

This blog badly needs an update if its purpose is to document my experience of doing a research project!

So far, I have managed to complete creating a 4-pages long questionnaire. Initially it was 8-pages long but with my Professor's help, it was shrunk to half its original length. That is good news for the trees! ;)

I managed to get permission from 3 lecturers to agree to allow me time to conduct my survey during their lessons. These are lecturers who have once taught me before and this I believe made them more compassionate towards me. The lecturers I emailed who have never met me, rejected me due to time constraints and one Statistics Professor rejected me as he disagreed on my methodology.

I learnt the importance of communication, being able to express myself well in English and also to have good written body language. This is actually one weakness I've struggled with since I was a child. English has always been my weakess subject and I have never managed to get the top grade for it. It was something I could never improve as I did not know how to study for it. Reading did not help me much either as I has always been a very avid reader. Prof. suggested writing 15 minutes a day, a proven method which has boosted a fellow student's grades up, which I seriously am considering!

I have photocopied 1000 copies of my survey forms and they lie waiting for their recipients to fill them in.

The next step would be to toughen my skin, take courage and stand firm. I would need perseverance and courage to speak to the whole LT to do my survey, meet the Statistics Professor to ask for help and to meet the tight deadline in the midst of other responsibilities.

This research project has really challenged my timidity and many times I find myself facing my inadequacies and insecurities. Being naturally timid and nervous, it was not easy even approaching my Professor or emailing another, nor am I very used to accepting corrections and criticisms. It was very scary for me today when I had to call a Statistics professor and speak to him over the phone (way more scarier than writing an email).

Though through a phone call, more "body language" can be passed on to the recipient, such as humility, sincerity, understanding, appreciation etc., yet to one like me, it also means the transference of my poor communication ability, my fear and insecurities. So this is something I must actively deal with as I do my research, to continue to improve my communication skills and becoming more confident and courageous.

As you can see, this project is challenging me in many areas, intellectually, socially and emotionally.

So here is a behind the scenes look at what a project such as this entails. I am very grateful for all the help offered to me and the kind understanding by my supervisors.