# Research Masterminds ## About **URL:** https://www.researchmasterminds.com **Tagline:** Changing the World, one initiative at a time **By:** Benita Olivier — I am a Professor of Rehabilitation at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, and Director of the Wits Cricket Research Hub for Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation in South Africa. I have a special interest in the prevention of sports injuries, with a focus on human movement analysis.  I aspire to live a balanced life with a strong sense of integrity and a drive to positively contribute to o... ## Pages - [Study Designs & Research Methods Resource Hub](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/study-designs-research-methods-resource-hub): A curated online learning space that provides clear, concise explanations of common study designs along with methodological guidance, and examples. - [Cancellation Feedback](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/cancellation-feedback): We’d really like to learn how we can better serve postgraduate students and help them achieve their goals and complete their research projects with ease. If you could reply to this email and let us know your thoughts on the Research Masterminds Success Academy and why you’re leaving, it will allow us to make the academy even better for future members (and you too if you decide to come back in the future). - [Digital Products Terms of Use](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/digital-products-terms): The Terms apply to the Digital Products offered by Research Masterminds LLC. - [Free Guide](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/free-time-management-guide): Get your free guide now! - [Welcome to the RMSA Waitlist](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/welcome-to-the-waitlist): You are now on the Research Masterminds' Broadcast List. You will receive an email from time to time containing valuable information and opportunities which will advance your academic skills, boost your motivation and productivity, and ultimately allow you to complete your research project with ease while you still have time to enjoy life out there. - [Bookmarks folder](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/bookmarks-folder): Your academic tools and resources a click away! - [Privacy Policy](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/privacy-policy): We take safeguarding online privacy seriously. - [Website Terms of Use](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/website-terms-of-use): These Terms and Conditions set out how you (the User) can use this Site. Please read them carefully. - [Broadcast List](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/broadcast-list): You are now on the Research Masterminds' Broadcast List. You will receive an email from time to time containing valuable information and opportunities which will advance your academic skills, boost your motivation and productivity, and ultimately allow you to complete your research project with ease while you still have time to enjoy life out there. - [Suggestions](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/suggestions): Share your suggestions. And make someone's life easier. Suggest a topic for a video or blog post which you think will help someone navigate easier through this daunting research journey. - [About this](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/about-this): Through the Research Masterminds website, I share solutions to challenges typically experienced by anyone involved in a research project, whether in the capacity of a postgraduate student or independent researcher. - [How to's](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/how-tos): Find answers to your most frequently asked questions related to research. - [Home](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/): Find solutions and templates for your dissertation and thesis challenges at Research Masterminds Success Academy. Make your academic journey easier with our expert knowledge. ## Blog - [The hidden cost of choosing the wrong study design](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/choosing-the-wrong-study-design) by Benita Olivier (Feb 18, 2026): Learn how to choose the right study design by matching your research question to the appropriate methodology. Avoid common mistakes and protect your productivity and wellbeing. - [From struggling to flourishing: a research-backed framework for PhD wellbeing and productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/phd-wellbeing-and-productivity) by Benita Olivier (Oct 25, 2025): Discover the productivity-wellbeing grid: an evidence-based framework helping PhD students and researchers balance progress with mental health for sustainable success. - [The researcher's superpower: How habit formation impacts academic productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/the-researchers-superpower-habit-formation-academic-productivity) by Benita Olivier (Aug 4, 2025): Discover how academic habits can transform your research productivity. Evidence-based strategies for PhD students and researchers to build lasting writing and research routines. - [How to find the right academic journal for your research: a complete selection guide](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/finding-the-right-academic-journal) by Benita Olivier (Jul 26, 2025): Discover how to choose the perfect academic journal for your research. Expert guidance on journal selection tools, avoiding predatory publishers, and maximising publication success. - [Why your research identity matters as much as your methodology: The hidden foundation of academic success](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/why-your-research-identity-matters) by Benita Olivier (Jul 20, 2025): Discover how your research identity shapes academic success. Evidence-based strategies for PhD students and researchers to build sustainable habits and overcome impostor syndrome. - [Creating accountability to move from good intentions to real progress in your PhD](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/create-accountability-to-achieve-goals) by Benita Olivier (Jul 12, 2025): Discover evidence-based strategies to overcome procrastination and boost research productivity through accountability systems that work for PhD students. - [Rethinking work-life balance: A researcher's guide to designing a sustainable academic life](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/rethinking-work-life-balance) by Benita Olivier (Jul 6, 2025): Transform your research career with evidence-based strategies for work-life balance. Professor Benita Olivier shares practical tips for PhD students and academics. - [Academic collaboration isn't just a nice-to-have: the evidence-based case for building your research network](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/academic-collaboration-networking-research-impact) by Benita Olivier (Jun 29, 2025): Discover why academic networking drives research impact. Evidence-based strategies for building meaningful collaborations that advance your career and change the world. - [Why the best researchers don’t just fix weaknesses - they double down on strengths](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/dont-just-fix-weaknesses-double-down-on-strengths) by Benita Olivier (Jun 22, 2025): Discover how combining strengths-based approaches with targeted weakness improvement can boost research productivity, wellbeing, and academic success for postgraduates. You're not just a collection of problems to be fixed; you're a researcher with unique talents that can contribute meaningfully to your field. - [How to write a brilliant discussion section: A 10-step guide for researchers and postgraduate students](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/how-to-write-discussion-section-research-guide) by Benita Olivier (Jun 14, 2025): Master the art of writing compelling discussion sections with this comprehensive 10-step guide. Transform your research findings into meaningful insights that advance your field. - [The multitasking myth: Why single-tasking is your secret weapon for research productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/multitasking-myth-research-productivity) by Benita Olivier (Jun 7, 2025) - [The complete declutter: creating physical and digital workspaces for academic success](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/complete-declutter-academic-workspace-productivity) by Benita Olivier (May 31, 2025): Transform your research productivity with evidence-based decluttering strategies for physical and digital workspaces. - [Parkinson's and Hofstadter's Laws: How to stop research projects from taking forever, while no longer underestimating their completion time](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/parkinsons-and-hofstadters-laws-time-management) by Benita Olivier (May 25, 2025): Discover how Parkinson's and Hofstadter's Laws secretly impact your research productivity, and learn practical strategies to harness these time paradoxes for academic success. - [Timeboxing, academic writing retreats, and creating dedicated focus time for your research](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/timeboxing-academic-writing-retreats) by Benita Olivier (May 18, 2025): Learn how timeboxing, the Pomodoro Technique, and dedicated focus sessions can transform your research productivity and help you accomplish more with less stress. - [Eat that frog: Why tackling your most challenging task first transforms academic productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/eat-that-frog-academic-productivity) by Benita Olivier (May 11, 2025): Discover how the "Eat That Frog" technique can revolutionise your research productivity by tackling difficult tasks first - practical strategies for postgraduates and academics. - [The procrastination puzzle: Breaking the cycle of delay in academic work](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/breaking-academic-procrastination-cycle) by Benita Olivier (May 3, 2025): Discover evidence-based strategies to overcome research procrastination, boost productivity and complete your academic projects with insights from Professor Benita Olivier. - [Debunking to-do list myths: How to make lists work for you](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/debunking-to-do-list-myths-for-researchers) by Benita Olivier (Apr 28, 2025): Discover evidence-based strategies to overcome common to-do list pitfalls and transform your research productivity with practical techniques tailored for academic contexts. - [Prioritisation with Eisenhower, MoSCoW & Pareto in the Research Context](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/the-researchers-prioritisation-toolkit) by Benita Olivier (Apr 21, 2025) - [The SMART and PATHS approach to academic goal setting and action planning](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/smart-paths-goal-setting-for-researchers) by Benita Olivier (Apr 14, 2025): Discover how to transform your research ambitions into achievable outcomes using the powerful combination of SMART goals and the PATHS framework—practical guidance for researchers. - [Lost in research? How vision statements transform academic productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/lost-in-research-vision-statements) by Benita Olivier (Apr 8, 2025) - [Energy management: The secret weapon in academic productivity](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/energy-management-in-academic-productivity) by Benita Olivier (Mar 30, 2025) - [NIHR Career Development Opportunities: Expanding Research Careers in Health and Care](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/nihr-career-development-opportunities) by Benita Olivier (Mar 17, 2025) - [The complete guide to academic referencing: general principles with Harvard referencing style examples](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/academic-referencing-harvard) by Benita Olivier (Mar 13, 2025) - [PhD funding opportunities for health research in the UK](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/phd-funding-opportunities-in-the-uk) by Benita Olivier (Mar 11, 2025) - [The 5 Steps of the Research Process: A Postgraduate Research Roadmap](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/steps-of-the-research-process) by Benita Olivier (Jan 21, 2025) - [10 Keys to preparing for your PhD Viva: A comprehensive guide to a successful PhD Defense](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/preparing-for-your-phd-viva) by Benita Olivier (Nov 11, 2024) - [How to write the acknowledgements of your dissertation – two examples included](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/acknowledgements-dissertation-thesis) by Benita Olivier (Jun 24, 2024) - [9 AI Tools + 2 Smart Platforms to Supercharge Your Research](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/ai-tools-smart-platforms-research) by Benita Olivier (Jun 2, 2024) - [8 strategies to optimise your research output while creating impact](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/strategies-to-optimise-research-output) by Benita Olivier (Apr 2, 2024) - [Conquer your research project with 13 time management and productivity strategies that work](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/time-management-and-productivity) by Benita Olivier (Mar 3, 2024) - [From Must-Haves to Won't-Haves: The MoSCoW Method for Achieving Your Goals](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/the-moscow-method) by Benita Olivier (Mar 3, 2024) - [Mastering the Eisenhower Matrix for Increased Productivity and Success](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/eisenhower-matrix) by Benita Olivier (Feb 27, 2024) - [7 To-Do List Myths DEBUNKED: The SECRETS to Making To-Do Lists Work](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/to-do-list-myths-debunked) by Benita Olivier (Feb 27, 2024) - [Oxford Brookes University Graduation Guest Speech: Two Unconventional Truths](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/oxford-brookes-university-graduation) by Benita Olivier (Sep 8, 2023) - [Finding your research niche: the what, the why and the how](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/finding-your-research-niche) by Benita Olivier (Feb 11, 2023): There is no need to jump into a research niche area from day one. But… we also know the value of developing a niche area and growing within that niche. This blog post will guide you in developing your research niche area. - [Amplify your success with these 10 self-mastery solutions for postgraduate students](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/self-mastery-solutions-for-postgraduate-students) by Benita Olivier (Jan 24, 2023): Our biggest control is over our internal environment. Sometimes, we can’t change a situation or how others feel or what they do. Still, we can optimise our internal environment and have a battle half won. - [Authorship in Academic Publication – how does it work?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/authorship-in-academic-publication) by Benita Olivier (Jan 17, 2023): Researchers entering into a collaboration for the first time often ask, “how does one decide who gets authorship and who gets acknowledged in the publication?”. Authorship can be quite sticky, seeing that career progression and other academic rewards are at stake. - [7 things to consider when choosing a topic for your dissertation or thesis](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-topic-for-your-dissertation) by Benita Olivier (Jan 10, 2023): The one question I often get from prospective postgraduate students is, “how do I decide on a topic for my master’s or doctoral dissertation or thesis?” This blog post will highlight a few things to consider when it comes to deciding on a topic for your dissertation or thesis. - [14 Top Tips for getting your Precious Paper Published](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/getting_published) by Benita Olivier (Jan 3, 2023): When I started in academia, I was young and naive, but over the years I learnt a few tips and tricks which allowed me to successfully navigate through the publication process... Here they are. - [Move your research project forward with this micro-level planning top tip: "Next Steps for Tomorrow, Today"](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/77195-move-your-research-project-forward) by Benita Olivier (Dec 22, 2022): You have done your long-term and short-term planning. It is now time to get micro. It is so easy to procrastinate if a task seems like a misty mountain and you don't know where to start climbing. - [How to find examples of completed theses and dissertations: what’s inside the box? ](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/77143-find-examples-of-completed-theses-and-dissertations) by Benita Olivier (Dec 19, 2022): You would love to enrol for a masters or doctoral degree. You have done your homework, and you know that the degree you have in mind requires you to put together a research project of some kind. But… you have no idea what the “end product” of this research project will look like, which makes it difficult to envision what you are letting yourself in for. - [7 principles to consider while navigating the academic journey](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/76675-principles-academic-journey) by Benita Olivier (Nov 26, 2022): Academia is like a real-life game, complete with roles and rules. Over the years, I learnt from those around me, and I’d like to pay it forward by sharing seven principles to consider while navigating the academic journey. Just a disclaimer before I continue: these principles are based on my own experience, each person’s story is different, and not everything will apply to everyone. Take what works for you, and let go of the rest. - [Work-life balance strategies for postgraduate students](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/74606-work-life-balance-strategies) by Benita Olivier (Sep 7, 2022) - [Effective (& Reasonable) Goal Setting](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/74515-effective-reasonable-goal-setting) by Benita Olivier (Sep 3, 2022): Goal setting… it sounds so easy; you jot down a few wishes, and off you go. If it is so easy, why do so many of us not achieve our goals? This blog post will look at the goal itself and deeply dive into how you can formulate your goals to set yourself up for success. - [Having to deal with strong emotions? Just FAVE them](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/74451-deal-with-strong-emotions) by Benita Olivier (Sep 2, 2022): We have all been confronted with strong emotions from a fellow student, supervisor, friend or foe. A friend shares an experience and we, coming from a good place, jump in with an array of solutions. Often followed by an unexpected reaction from our counterpart. This type of situation does not benefit either party, creates animosity and leaves one feeling empty. - [How to increase the number citations to your research paper](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/74236-increase-research-citations) by Benita Olivier (Aug 22, 2022): In a research paper, a citation refers to a source of information. In-text citations are used in the body of the paper, while end-of-paper citations are found in the reference list at the end of the paper. You may wonder why one would want to increase the number of citations to one’s paper. The number of times one’s research paper is cited is used as a measure of the reach (also referred to by some as impact) of a researcher’s work. The number of citations is used in various metrics, including the h-index (more about the h-index here). The h-index, although controversial, often play a role in career advancement and may increase your chances of obtaining funding. Citation metrics should be interpreted with caution and used responsibly.  The more researchers are aware of your work, the greater chance that they will cite it in their own research and use it to make this world a better place. Our ultimate goal is not to create research for the sake of creating research but for that research to be used to impact society positively. This blog post will share some ways in which one can increase awareness of one’s work as a means to increase your citations. - [Create an Elevator Pitch for your research | Get crystal clear clarity and more opportunities](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/74217-elevator-pitch) by Benita Olivier (Aug 21, 2022): Imagine you are getting into an elevator and someone asks you "what is our research all about", you need to describe what it is and why it is important before the elevator reaches its destination and the two of you part ways. By the time you exit the elevator, the other person should know exactly what problem your research is addressing, what it is that you are researching and why it is important. - [Narrative vs systematic vs scoping review: What’s the difference?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/narrative-vs-systematic-vs-scoping-review) by Benita Olivier (Apr 2, 2022): I often get asked what the difference between a narrative review and a systematic review, or what is the difference between a narrative review and a scoping review is. This is also something I wondered about when I was new to the world of research. This blog post will explain these three types of reviews. - [Systematic review and meta-analysis: the basics explained, quick and easy](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/systematic-review-the-basics) by Benita Olivier (Apr 2, 2022): New postgraduate students and early career researchers looking for the perfect study design for their research question often ask, “what is a systematic review?”. This blog post explains what a systematic review is and the different types of systematic reviews. It will also ensure that the concept of a meta-analysis is no longer a foreign one. - [Systematic vs scoping review: Which is right for your research question?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/systematic-vs-scoping-review) by Benita Olivier (Mar 30, 2022): After many hours of thinking, reading up, jotting down, walking about, you have your research question formulated. You know that it's a review that you need to do to get your research question answered, in other words, a study where you gather existing research and summarise all of it into one study. You are uncertain whether it is a scoping review or a systematic review that needs to be done. - [Engaging with your supervisor to support your systematic review](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/supervisor-systematic-review) by Benita Olivier (Mar 8, 2022): Find some tips and steps to help get the most out of your supervisor engagement for your postgraduate research project from a supervisor's perspective. - [Help! Where can I find out more about systematic reviews?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/systematic-review-help) by Benita Olivier (Mar 6, 2022): Undertaking research and systematic review can be quite daunting. Luckily there are many great resources available. - [Images and your research project: an all-in-one how-to guide](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/images) by Benita Olivier (Nov 19, 2021): Doing a masters or doctoral project teaches one not only about research but also about all other types of skills, such as preparing your images so you can add them to your thesis, dissertation or publication. These four videos will give you some guidance when it comes to combining multiple images into one, de-identifying the model in an image, creating an image out of anything and removing the background of an image. - [Your Systematic Review Search Strategy](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/systematicreview) by Benita Olivier (Nov 12, 2021): The search strategy can get one down when doing a systematic, scoping or any other type of review. This series of videos will help you organise your keywords and apply the essential principles to a search done in Medline via Pubmed. To explain the importance of keeping track of the number of studies you find, I also give you a glimpse into the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. - [Outlook Calendar Tips & Tricks](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/outlook-calendar-tips-tricks) by Benita Olivier (Oct 18, 2021): Outlook Calendar has so much potential! In this blog post, referring to three videos, I highlight the most valuable tips and tricks to boost your productivity when using Microsoft Office 365 Outlook Calendar. - [6 ways to use concept mapping in your research](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/concept-mapping-in-your-research) by Benita Olivier (Aug 20, 2021): A concept map is a great way to present all the moving parts in your research project. I recommend using this technique when you start thinking about your new research topic all the way through to the end product, and once you submitted your thesis, dissertation or research article, you can use this technique to plan your next project. - [The Academic Role: What do Faculty do?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/the-academic-role) by Benita Olivier (Aug 5, 2021): Have you ever wondered what faculty do? Here's a sneak peek of a random week in a professor's calendar. Academia is full of variety. - [Keep track of your postgraduate students' research progress](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/postgraduate-students-progress) by Benita Olivier (May 9, 2021): Keeping track of your postgraduate students' research progress is important. Both to allow you to give them the guidance they need when they need it, but also to add some proactive planning to your own schedule. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how I keep track of the research progress of the postgraduate students under my supervision. - [Go Fast, Go Far, Go with Kindness and Respect](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/life-and-academia/go-fast-go-far-go-with-kindness-and-respect) by Benita Olivier (Oct 20, 2020): “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” - African proverb. Let us value others for who they are whether it’s for going fast or far. The Island University of Kind Efficiency is recruiting, and this is your official invitation to a job interview. - [Crowdfight Against COVID-19: How can the Scientific Community Help?](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/ife-and-academia/crowdfight) by Benita Olivier (Apr 17, 2020): As COVID-19 is doing its thing outside, you may have the same thoughts as me - what can I do to help? ## Courses - [Research Masterminds AI Starter Kit](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/courses/123874-research-masterminds-ai-starter-kit): Experience AI-powered research support with two carefully selected tools that every postgraduate student will find valuable. Meet your two new research companions: Timebox Buddy for Research - Your... - [Study Designs & Research Methods Resource Hub](https://www.researchmasterminds.com/courses/128704-study-designs-research-methods-resource): The Study Design and Research Methods Resource Hub is a curated learning space designed to help students and researchers understand, compare and apply the most commonly used study designs in resear...