Inadequate skills or knowledge in different methodologies are the most common difficulty reported by students, particularly where unfamiliar computer programs or advanced statistical techniques are required. Isolation Isolation was the second most common problem reported by graduate students, especially those in the social sciences and humanities. This problem may be particularly acute for part-time and overseas students. Isolation can lead to less external motivation through the discussion of ideas, as well as less practical help with methodological problems. Too much isolation can contribute to problems at the end of the study, when the research is defended, if the student has too few sources of criticism and feedback during the progress of the research.
Many departments arrange group opportunities for students to present their ideas.
However, students have been found less willing to participate in times of scarce job opportunities and potential competition for departmental resources. Numerous factors outside the research project can contribute to late completion, failure to have supervision meetings on a regular basis, or to stress in the supervisory relationship itself. These factors include problems with personal relationships, family commitments, finance, employment, illness and injury. Inadequate or negligent supervision Inadequate supervision may result from a poor match between supervisor, student and topic, or supervision without training in supervisory skills. The Faculty of Graduate Studies at UBC recommends that every effort should be made to resolve differences and disputes as close as possible to the source of the problem.