Coddling by Research Mentor

[TiptoeConqueror]

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Has anyone had the experience of a research mentor maybe helping a student TOO much? I recently worked on an abstract for which we decided to change the topic to something else before submission. I just felt like I had too much input from my mentor the second time around and so it no longer feels like my abstract. It makes me feel inadequate. Am I the only one with this experience? How much help do grad students typically get from their mentors on various things?

 

[thewesternsky]

Are you early in grad school? This sounds completely normal to me. Get used to it-- It'll help you improve. 🙂

 

[TiptoeConqueror]

Yes, I am early. Thanks for the feedback! Glad it's not abnormal.

 

[Rivi]

Enjoy the guidance, learn from it. This is a good problem to have.

 

[PsychPhDone]

My experience was that I was "scaffolded"...lots of attention/feedback at the beginning, and it tapered off over time. 🙂 Sounds pretty typical to me, especially as you get to know your mentor's style.