What is involved in the PhD candidature?
This commences with an issue which the candidate has a desire to address. The issue is encompassed within a Proposal.
Somewhere out in the ether is a question which will define the issue within the proposal. When viewed from different perspectives, concepts within the question may expand research beyond manageable boundaries and need to be reigned in. It is unlikely that a PhD candidate will be able to resolve all the problems in the universe!.
Refining the Proposal is achieved through personal reflection, research and discussions with the Supervisor. Whilst there may be several changes in direction and a few cul-de-sacs visited en route, once identified and agreed, the proposal becomes the focus for all aspects of research.