IRB, Pilot Study

So, Concept Paper A----proved!! Feels so good, so now it's time for the IRB again. I was told that I needed to do a pilot study so I've been up since midnight (now it's 5:44) working to get it all prepared for submission. I'm feeling hopeful, really I am. I'm trying to be more positive, look at the brighter side of things and stay focused on god and self-improvement. Although nothing is concrete, for the most part...I think that it's working. So, I have a full day ahead of me and I feel that I'm on the right track. I say fly high, reach the skies, and get this puppy done. This will be such a great accomplishment for me!

Making Progress

It has been a rough journey, I don't know where this will all go for now but it seems as if I'm moving in the right direction. FORWARD===>

I'm used to submitting papers and receiving baby changes that take weeks for a response but today, I checked and noticed that I was good to go. So that means I'm in a waiting status again for the IRB to approve. I doubt there will be any big issues with them. The committee is the major challenge. All in all, I'll stay focused and hope that everything continues to go well.

 

Slacking or relaxing?

I've been a little behind in my progress, took a short trip this weekend, slept all night yesterday, and went to the movies tonight, so....am I slacking or relaxing? I guess life is about balance, right? So, this has been the opposite end of the spectrum where I've been working myself to death. What is tonight? Tonight is the Mr. No sleep, get this submission done, lets see how this all works!

And the Results are in....slow down

So, I received the paper back today and I was told...to slow down. Not directed but suggested. I understand but that's not how I roll. My sleep pattern is all messed up. After 2 hours or so of sleep yesterday, I got in 3 hours after work and about an hour and a half after that and guess what? Can't sleep, so I refuse to sit in the bed like last time for two hours "hoping" that the sandman will take me down. This weekend will be busy so tonight I'll be attacking the paper. I normally complain about the responses and yap yap yap about how it doesn't make sense and I've lost confidence but guess what? Not anymore!! I have much work to do BUT I am definitely confident in her approach and her suggestions. So, here I am midnight just cracking open my knowledge box (computer). Goal is to finish all except the statistical assumptions tonight and then by Tuesday have a new submission ready for review.

Sleepless nights...

So, paper has been submitted for a few days, lets hope and pray that it makes it through!! For non-related reasons, I can't sleep. Sucks, I've implemented my workout routine, eating healthier but I can't seem to get "good" sleep. Anything over about 5 continuous hours of sleep doesn't work for me, I went to sleep at 10PM, up at 2AM, in bed until 4AM and here I am..yes, here I am. So, I guess I just won't sleep. As I have a meeting tomorrow with my Chair, I might as well polish up on my Statistics and find..um, something/anything else to do. I'm sure there is a purpose to all and reading my books, prayer, and church has helped me with strength and resilience. All in all, it's Thursday...almost time for the weekend!

Kind of Burnt

So as I drudge through the third day of revisions, I'm burnt but I have to finish, so much to consider, so much to check, so much to review...sigh...all in all, it's Sunday, church is out and the only thing on my agenda for today is to complete a paper worth of submission.

Losing my "wolf"

The wolf often signifies the hunt, the ability to track something down and devour it, this is in my heart but is leaving from my actions, I'm losing focus, losing desire for no foreseeable reason.

^That^ picture looks funny but it signifies how I feel...it's symbolic, so don't laugh, heck, go head and laugh..lol.

Often when I get like this I force myself to eat...or force myself to sit here and do it until it's done. Like a child without discipline..I need that...NOW. So here I am on a full Saturday, eat, sleep, up for a sec, sleep, turn on computer, lay down, sleep...makes me feel weak and lost...so, tonight, back to the table.

Full speed ahead!!

Be careful what you ask for. I've been complaining about the expertise and response rate of my advisors. So....this new advisor....this one...this one here....um...well, she's fast and she's good. Really pushing me to get it done. Not a lot of excuses here so far. full 3 Chapter proposal returned in 3 days. Smoking! So, it's time for me to turn it into hyperdrive and get this puppy moving...

And...we are off!!

So....take off!!! I'm focused again. After an hour and some change describing concerns posted on my February 11th post...I think we have it worked out.

So, for those that are familiar with the doctoral level procedure. I have one survey, 9 questions, 3 subscales that produce 3 IVs (independent variables). So, with no other survey or tool, where does my DV (dependent variable) come from? I was "told" that my 3 IVs would produce my DV. I disagree....also, that multivariate analysis does not compare the independent variables to themselves. I may be lost and confused but..I'm thinking

Univariate 

Uni = singular

Variate = variable

...Hence Single variable...

3 IVs, 1 DV

IV1 to DV

IV2 to DV

IV3 to DV

Multivariate

Multi = plural

Variate = Variable

....Hence Multiple variables...

3 IVs, 1 DV

IV1 to DV

IV2 to DV

IV3 to DV

IV1 to IV2

IV1 to IV3

etc, etc, etc..

Get it? I don't know, maybe there is more to it, that is why I wanted to speak to my Stats consultant. So, the way forward was to add an additional question which serves as the DV. I have reserves about that. I'm thinking the school will throw a flag due to the lack of complexity. At this point, I just want to get it done, so if this flies, that will be GREAT! If not, I have a second tool in mind which measures mentoring effectiveness. That means the purpose, research questions, methodology and a whole lot else will have to change. The worst part is the clock is now ticking. This must be done by 25 June.

 All in all, paper submitted, my Chair is normally quick with her responses, so lets see what I get back on this one. I will stay optimistic until I get something back.

Creaming

Morning grind...time to cream the paper. I've completed my first draft for my new advisor and today's plan will be to go line by line to cream the paper...making sure all is in line and correct. I officially have 12 months to complete this dissertation and defend and as I create my timeline, I'm thinking...cake...yup, cake. It will take time but still it's cake, long hours but cake, more money but cake, more thinking but cake, more focus but cake, more sacrifice but cake...with all that said, it's breakfast time. Not really brain food but omelet with cheese, mushrooms, and tomato's and one piece of sausage. I plan to complete everything today. Not much makes me feel better than progress. Doing more, being more, learning more. So after all that yapping, lets get to this cream!!