Thread by @Khushbu68906378

Early PhDs, if u r worried abt how to write a synopsis, don't be. I hv compiled some pointers based on my experience. See this 🧵

@THINKAcademia @AcademicChatter
@PhDVoice

Since the time u start reading on ur research area, make a habit of making detailed typed notes and categorise them into folders. For eg, if u r reading something on methodology, put it in a section on method.

This will organize all the stuff tht u hv to include in ur synopsis, will help u avoid any last minute hassle when u sit to properly write ur synopsis.

Make a broader outline of ur synopsis with sub headings like Introduction, Research Questions, Hypothesis, Review of Literature, Methodology, Chapterization, Bibliography etc in a doc. file & title it as 'Resources & ideas'.

During the course of ur reading or thinking abt synopsis, u can put in ur thoughts or important readings in each category this will give u a sense of structure with respect to ur synopsis since the beginning.

Once u hv a structure, hv a separate .doc file titled 'Notes & Arguments'. Here u can make notes of every resource u read, ur own thoughts while reading as well as how will u be utilising them in ur synopsis.

Remember to clearly separate the arguments made in the reading material frm ur own thoughts. Always put page numbers of the reading material from which a specific argument is taken. Put the quotations from text very clearly in quotation marks to avoid confusion while writing.

When u hv a rough idea of the outline of ur synopsis & u feel u hv read enough, two important points of focus must be ur research questions & methodology. These require more contemplation than reading. Try to craft ur questions & hypothesis as crisply as possible.

Methodology should be specified very clearly. In case of empirical research, u shud include a brief description of ur field, the reasons fr field selection, research design, approach, sample selection, tools & techniques for data collection & data analysis.

The first draft would be rough & be prepared to refine it over next few months. One misconception among PhDs is to keep ur draft 'secretive'. However, this does more harm than good. Make ur synopsis available fr reading (not publicly) bt to ur peers & offc supervisor.

Take their comments and start making changes to ur synopsis draft. This strategy has really helped me in improving my research synopsis to a great degree. One thing to keep in mind is tht when u make changes to ur drafts, don't make a habit of improving in one file itself.

Everytime u sit to improve a draft, begin from scratch. It will help u to get rid of the tendency to hold on to unnecessary material from the original draft just b/c u wrote it once.

Just take those well-crafted sections which u think do not need further modification frm the previous file. If u keep doing this, u will have a bundle of successive drafts, the newest of which will be the most improved.

By doing this u can also track ur own progress in the process. Lastly, never shy away from taking help from several published texts which can serve as potential guides fr how to write synopsis or thesis.

One that really helped me is by Patrick Dunleavy's Book titled- Authoring a PhD: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral Thesis Or Dissertation.

This is all tht I followed & work fr me. I hope something from this can be of any help. U can take frm this thread whatever works fr u. All the best!