North case study

Although you have a mutual interest in the subject being researched, you and your research student do not seem to be getting along well. The student is based on the other side of the world to you and from a different cultural context.

The student misses planned Skype calls without providing reasons and is erratic in responding to emails. When the student does respond, they make unrealistic demands on you and your time – such as asking you to post books and articles out to him and demanding lengthy explanations on basic concepts. Most worryingly, they seem to be unable to accept the advice you give on their research question and developing research plan.

The student is about a third of the way into the time allowable for the project and you are concerned about their avoidance behaviours and lack of progress. What should you do?

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