The diary of a research student - part 4

by Katharyn Hall

Have you ever wondered what is involved in a research project?

You can find out by reading my regular online diary. I am a postgraduate student based at the University of Sheffield, and I will be working closely with Epilepsy Action throughout my project.

Part four

The beginning of September has brought with it a slightly daunting feeling, which has come about with the realisation that I have been carrying out research at Sheffield University for almost a year already! However, I feel much better when I think back on the past year and how much I have learnt and achieved, not only academically but on a personal level. The highlight of my year has definitely been the start of data collection, although (surprisingly) I have also enjoyed the challenges of public speaking.

As well as talking at the Postgraduate Conference back in May, I have also recently spoken at an Epilepsy Action conference in Carnforth. I described the different causes of poor memory for older people with epilepsy and also suggested various memory enhancement strategies that can help people manage their memory problems. These strategies are not just for people with memory impairment – they can be used by everyone. I can definitely relate to the one about using a diary to help remember plans – I would have struggled without my diary to remember all of my appointments in the past year!

In September, I am attending a health psychology conference in Essex. At the major conferences, people discuss their own research and relate their findings. Although I do not have enough data to present my study yet, it is still really useful to listen to other speakers. Hopefully, by this time next year, I will have been able to talk about the first stage of my research. I am looking forward to a busy second year and, as long as everything goes to plan, it should see the end of data collection for the first part of the study.