system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Netherlands, I have difficulties finishing my master thesis because of my research questions and methods. I am not an expert on the methods but I don't really have too many options because it was "assigned".

I am an international student from a developing country where the education is only for getting papers. I have difficulties when I write a thesis and these difficulties are not only with language problems, English. I also have problems making it concise and more critical. I read the research that many Asian countries have this problem due to their education system. In my experience, my country is always descriptive and explains as much as we can when writing a thesis.

My topic is about the environmental impact that happens because of tourism. My problem is about the topic itself and the supervisor, but I guess I cannot undo this. It is like I get assigned a certain supervisor and topic even tho I don't like it or I am not an expert on that.

My thesis uses fuzzy cognitive maps, it is like a mind map and it is obtained with a participatory approach. My rationale for using this because my supervisor excels in this. It was his will. If I want to use another method then I need to choose another supervisor but I cannot do that. I won't explain it here because this is a long story. In short, it is due to my previous explanation about the assigned topic and supervisor. I can choose another topic and supervisor but I need to pay for the fieldwork where I cannot pay. Unfortunately, I don't really understand how the method works.

I should make my research questions more specific but I already gathered the data, and it cant be more specific. I don't have any idea how to make it more specific. For example, my SPV suggests making it narrow with spatial issues, but it is clear to me because of tourism. So I don't get why I need to use my method/participatory. I think it is better to use a satellite and see it with eyes compared to 10 years ago with now. I think there is something that lies behind why my SPV wants to use it and wants me to be critical but I cannot see it. So during data collection, I collected all data not only restricted to spatial analysis, but I have a problem analysing it. I believe something is missing.

I tried to use a tutor not from NL because I cannot afford it. They have a bit different approach that is more conventional (similar to my country, strict to descriptive) and it makes me more confused. They are from South Africa. So I wonder how to solve this. I spoke with my SPV and study advisor but they told me to study more.
gpt
Arrange a meeting with your supervisor and come prepared:

\- Tell them that you are struggling to understand the method and carry out the analysis. Ask them for study materials, or people that can give your guidance.

\- Tell them that you prefer doing things another certain way and why you feel it's better. Don't make it sound like a demand but more of a suggestion. However, stand your ground if their answers are not sufficient for you. In the end, it's your thesis to write.

\- You are not supposed to pay anything for your master's project. Maybe the supervisor has some means to cover it.

Final point: just in case you are similar to me and also have a personal fall-out with your supervisor: they are supposed to guide you and you are supposed to ask. Send them emails, ask them for office hours, and document everything. Always cc your study advisor, the project coordinator, and the PI in every one of your emails. Make sure they know the situation before it's too late.