For a full transcript of this video, visit: phd.academy/blog/the-myth-of-the-independent-researcher

I completely agree! Neither the research, nor the researcher can benefit from isolation. I did a PhD in the field that doesn't usually rely on research groups, but my supervisors introduced me to other professionals working with qnd developing the same methodology I've been using. It was an incredibly useful and productive experience for me!

This is so validating. Thank you. It will not change much practically for my situation but it does give mental strength knowing I am not crazy for having the same view you described here.

This is so absolutely true - the part about supervisors using this as an excuse to neglect students.

I work on a completely different work in my research. There are Ph.D. students but when I ask for help they say it's not my topic. That's the sole reason I jumped into KZfaq to hear and get valid information. @James you're just amazing and I am glad I found your video

Hi James, very good point! I started to think that the goal of research training is to become a "proactive researcher" rather than an "independent researcher". Meaning that you learn to take enough ownership of your project that you feel motivated to interact with other researchers to gain knowledge and ideas that help your own research. PIs rarely solve their problems alone, they interact with their colleagues, people they meet at conferences, etc. So why shouldn't a PhD student do the same? Perhaps for some people the concept of an "independent researcher" means exactly that, but it definitely shouldn't mean working in isolation.

Thank you for highlighting this crucial point in research!!

Thanks for saying this, I have ADHD and I've been really disheartened by the way "Independent Researcher" has been weaponized by neglectful supervisors to justify their lack of support for their students. As part of my condition I NEED external methods of accountability, it helps me so much. I absolutely don't want them to tell me what to do, I have so many of my own ideas that I'd love to pursue, but daily brief checkins with a supervisor helps me motivate myself greatly (which is a big struggle for people with ADHD) and allows me to externalize my thoughts, which is really energizing for me and allows me to reorient myself. Without regular contact it's so easy to drown, become demotivated and procrastinate. It's not because I'm not cut out to be a researcher, but simply because I have a disability that affects executive functioning. For all the talk of diversity and inclusion, academics are so ableist, and just want cookie cutter versions of themselves that never complain and get a tonne of publications without any help. It sucks, but hopefully one day it will change.

I really need help, I feel lonely doing my PhD , no guidance at all .......

Just finishing my PhD thesis totally on my own, while working full time, took me 3 years. Not recommended.

I agree on it. However, at my University, we were never encouraged to do that. Although we knew each other, and my PhD fellowmates were quite friendly and understanding, we always complained about the lack of support from our supervisors. I was really unfortunate to experience that.

THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR.

Thanks for sharing

so true. truth. truth. truth ☕☕☕

Such an effective segment. I cannot do my dissertation on my own, but an engaged mentor is irreplaceable.

Thanks

Very good video..... but got the advice bit late... networking is needed. But at times risky too

Only the person who claims to be independent can define what they mean by independence. In research, independence should be defined by how it benefits the research work itself and not the researcher. Independence is about minimizing distractions, unnecessary expenses and biases. Isolation is not the same thing as independence. Fraud requires isolation. Collaborating with others isn't always productive; too many cooks spoil the broth.

While I completely agree with your message here, how do you unlearn this? I have spent the better part of a decade in postdoctoral positions with this mantra. It hasn't been helpful, quite obviously.

It's funny. I know some independent researchers in NGOs, non-profits, and industry who don't have PhDs. And they collaborate. :)