Head Space

Calm productivity for academics

Category: Research

  • How to test your assumptions (before they waste more of your time)

    You’re probably not testing your assumptions—you’re confirming them. Before your next big decisi, use this method to test your assumptions: write down what you currently believe, generate alternatives that would require different approaches, then actively look for evidence that would prove you wrong. Either you’ll find it, or you’ve genuinely tested your belief.

  • You’re saving everything and finding nothing—here’s why

    Your research is scattered across browser bookmarks, note apps, screenshots, and email drafts. When you need information, you can’t find it. The solution isn’t better organisation within each platform—it’s refusing to use multiple platforms. One capture method, one structure, for every source format you encounter.

  • Show your working, not your credentials

    When you lack formal credentials, making claims about the world can trigger imposter syndrome—that voice questioning whether anyone will take you seriously. The solution isn’t sounding more authoritative. It’s showing your process instead of just your conclusions. This shifts the conversation from “who are you?” to “does this make sense?”

  • Stuck on a big question? Here’s how to break it down

    Here’s what I’ve learned when trying to answer big questions: the question itself is the problem. Complex questions like “How do I make this work?” feel appropriately serious, but they’re actually asking you to solve for multiple variables simultaneously. The technical term for the solution is tractability—a process of breaking complex questions into components you…

  • Why reading more won’t help you learn faster

    Most of us treat learning like filling a bucket—we think that if we consume enough content then understanding will emerge. But after months of podcasts, videos, and articles about AI, I had breadth but couldn’t take positions. The problem wasn’t reading too little. It was reading for breadth when I needed depth. Here’s how to…

  • A three-stage strategy for navigating conflicting advice

    Modern life demands decisions about topics outside our expertise—from managing children’s screen time to choosing healthcare approaches or evaluating educational options. We’re drowning in conflicting advice from experts who seem to contradict each other. Here’s a three-stage strategy that transforms information overwhelm into systematic understanding you can actually use.

  • Four questions for making sense of contradictory information

    When credible sources contradict each other, ask four questions in sequence: Who’s making this claim and why? What’s the actual evidence behind it? What are they comparing it to? What are they not telling you? This systematic approach works for a wide range of decisions you need to make, no matter what area of your…

  • Presenting research without over-reaching

    Academic presentations often suffer from overstated claims that undermine credibility rather than strengthen impact. Effective presentations acknowledge limitations whilst clearly articulating specific contributions. Using precise, qualified language and positioning work within proper scope demonstrates scholarly integrity. This balanced approach—presenting genuine strengths without exaggeration—typically earns more respect than grand claims and allows colleagues to recognise broader…

  • Crafting engaging academic presentations

    Creating effective academic presentations requires understanding your audience, establishing clear motivation, and simplifying visual elements. Practice thoughtfully to build confidence, especially when presenting in a non-native language. By focusing on clarity and engagement, researchers can successfully share their work in ways that resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

  • Google Scholar PDF Reader adds AI outlines

    Google Scholar has introduced AI outlines in its PDF Reader to help users read papers more efficiently. These outlines provide an extended table of contents with bullet points for each key section. Users can skim the outline for a quick overview or click on specific bullets to dive deeper into topics of interest.

  • Slower scholarship for greater impact

    In academia’s ‘publish or perish’ culture, quality often suffers for quantity. This post advocates for slower scholarship, emphasising how prioritising quality over quantity in academic publishing can lead to more impactful research and greater personal satisfaction. Learn practical strategies to integrate this approach into your daily academic practice for meaningful contributions to your field.