Common Myths About PhD Students and PhDs

There are many common myths and misunderstandings regarding PhD students and the PhD degree. Many have already been mentioned, but here are a few based on my experience as a doctoral professor, Chair/Advisor, and Coach:

The PhD Student

• The PhD student must use big words and sound impressive when writing their dissertation. This is false. In fact, many suggest that the dissertation should be written at about an 8th-grade reading level. Writing must be both concise and understandable. Avoid writing to impress.

• The PhD student must use a mixed methods design because the most complex and difficult form of research is required at the PhD level. This is false. In fact, many universities restrict the use of mixed methods as the dissertation is often the PhD student’s first research project and choosing mixed methods is often overwhelming to attempt. As such, focus on either qualitative or quantitative, alone, and remember that all that is required and expected is to demonstrate the ability to conduct doctoral-level research, with either qualitative or quantitative, alone, satifies.

• The PhD is only for those who are young. This is false. I see many older adults pursuing their doctorate. Motivation differs for each person; however, older adults often have more time, money, and experience to succeed. Some may be seeking a career change, while other simply seek the prestige of fulfilling the highest academic honor in their lifetime.

The PhD

• A PhD will lead to an academic career, or greatly increase earnings. Increasingly, finding a job, based on earning a PhD (doctorate) is becoming increasingly difficult. In fact, many are burdened by student debt and are often unable to pay due to the lack of employment (or under-employment) after funding their PhD via loans. Ensure the ability to self-fund the PhD without incurring more debt than can repaid without a new/better job.

• A PhD will lead to great wealth. In a recent article, it was noted that earning a PhD may in fact hinder wealth generation. While it is true that higher education degrees generally do lead to better pay, being a PhD and the work of a PhD often stifles creativity as observed within the billionaires of the world.

• A PhD will make one wiser. Wisdom is not the objective for a PhD, but rather, demonstrating the ability to conduct doctoral-level (scholarly) research and writing. While wisdom may be obtained in some areas, such as the doctoral process, that is not the goal of a PhD.

The above is obviously a partial list, but a good discussion as those seeking a PhD (doctorate) should consider and be aware of all that is involved and to enter their doctorate with proper expectations and understanding of what they will, and will not be, required to do.

For additional reading:

• Writing a Good PhD Dissertation or Thesis

• Lawrence Ness's answer to What key factors do you consider before you accept to be an advisor to a PhD candidate?

• Lawrence Ness's answer to On a scale of 1-10, how hard must I work for a PhD?

• Lawrence Ness's answer to Is a PhD worth getting it? Does it ever help you?

• Lawrence Ness's answer to Is a PhD still worth it these days? Did your PhD really help you get a better job?

• Lawrence Ness's answer to I am starting a PhD this September, what one piece of advice would you give me to set myself up well in the first 3 months? in PhD Diaries

Additional Resources

The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation (Updated) Buy on Amazon

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