Joseph came back from a brief summer vacation convinced that he
would be able to finish up his Ph.D. in one more semester. Though
he had not discussed the status of his thesis with his adviser or
any other member of his thesis committee since the spring, he was
sure they would agree that he could finish up quickly. In fact, he
had already begun drawing up a list of companies to which he
planned to apply for a research position.
However, when his research adviser heard about his plans, she
immediately objected. She told him that the measurements he had
made were not going to be enough to satisfy his dissertation
committee. She said that he should plan to spend at least two more
semesters on campus doing additional measurements and finishing his
dissertation.
Joseph had always had a good working relationship with his
adviser, and her advice had been very helpful in the post. plus, he
knew that he would need a good recommendation from her to get the
jobs that he wanted. But he couldn't help but wonder if her advice
this time might be self-serving, since her own research would
benefit greatly from the additional set of measurements.
Should Joseph try to change his adviser's mind? For example,
should he review what his measurements already show and compare
that with what the new measurements would add and then ask his
adviser to hat reconsider?
Should Joseph talk with other members of his thesis committee
to get their opinions?
What actions could Joseph have taken earlier to avoid the
problem?
What actions can Joseph take now to avoid future
disappointment?