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Zhuchkova S, Bekova S. Building a strong foundation: How pre-doctorate experience shapes doctoral student outcomes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291448. [PMID: 37682973 PMCID: PMC10490895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of doctoral programs has been a major topic of interest for national policies, universities, and researchers for decades now. However, studies that try to identify factors associated with doctoral students' success usually focus on characteristics measured during doctoral training, while the role of pre-doctorate characteristics remains underexplored. This research aims to fill this gap by examining whether and how various aspects of pre-doctorate experience-academic achievements, research experience related and unrelated to the dissertation topic, and teaching experience-contribute to the successful defense of the doctoral dissertation. Using data from a survey of the Russian doctoral programs' graduates (N = 985) and regression analysis, we show that research experience related to the dissertation topic is the only pre-doctorate characteristic associated with the successful defense of the dissertation. At the same time, the effect of this type of research experience vanishes when controlling for support from the supervisor and department that students receive during their training. The results of the study can be used for designing criteria for doctoral students' admission campaigns and introduction of integrated, or fast-track, doctoral programs, as well as to broaden our understanding of the relative importance of environmental vs. individual factors of doctoral students' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Zhuchkova
- Center for Sociology of Higher Education, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Saule Bekova
- Center for Institutional Analysis of Science & Education, European University at St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Khalid S, Orynbek G, Lianyu C, Tadesse E. What goes around comes around: Shedding light on today's doctoral student's research socialization and who will be the future faculty. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285843. [PMID: 37228082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher education around the globe is striving to develop rigor and productive doctoral studies that mainly evolve in fostering doctoral students' research skills by furnishing the necessary socialization process which predicts their future professional and academic decisions. Although scholars investigated the socialization experiences of doctoral students from different perspectives and stages, a large body of evidence is concentrated in western countries that do not define or imply non-western countries like Pakistan. Therefore, the present qualitative study sought to be an icebreaker and stimulant investigation to unfold doctoral students' socialization experience in research-intensive universities through the lens of Weidman's socialization framework. After interviewing 24 doctoral students, the findings revealed that doctoral students have high expectations from research universities to enhance their research capabilities. Moreover, most students knew the research's significance for personal and professional development. The study concluded the progressive and adverse research socialization experiences of doctoral students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabika Khalid
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Gulnar Orynbek
- Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Cai Lianyu
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Endale Tadesse
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
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How much does a Ph.D. scholarship program impact an emerging economy research performance? Scientometrics 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-022-04487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Munkácsy G, Herman P, Győrffy B. Comparison of scientometric achievements at PhD and scientific output ten years later for 4,790 academic researchers. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271218. [PMID: 35895676 PMCID: PMC9328526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction PhD is the highest awarded degree offered by universities in different disciplines. Owners of a PhD can teach at universities, start independent research and receive a higher salary while further building a scientific career. We examined whether the publication output before the PhD degree has a correlation with subsequent research activities. Methods We downloaded publication and citation data from the Hungarian Scientific Bibliography for Hungarian researchers who obtained PhD between the ages of 24 and 45. The researchers were grouped into eleven scientific sections. We examined the number of Q1 publications published in the previous 5 years, the H-index, the total number of citations for the last complete year, and the biological age of the researcher. Each parameter was computed for the year at which the PhD was obtained and ten years later. Pre-PhD publications (and citations for these) were excluded when assessing post-PhD track records. Spearman rank correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test were computed. Results We analyzed all together 4,790 researchers. We obtained a positive correlation between the number of Q1 publications before and after PhD (corr. coeff. = 0.21–0.54, p<0.01 in all sections), between the H-index before and after PhD (corr. coeff. = 0.32–0.56, p<0.01 in all sections), and between the citations received before and after PhD (corr. coeff. = 0.34–0.51, p<0.01 in all sections). All three metrics measured ten years after the PhD were negatively correlated with the age of the researcher at the time of obtaining the PhD (number of publications corr. coeff. = -0.09–0.22, p<0.05; H-index corr. coeff. = -0.09–0.29, p<0.08; number of citations corr. coeff. = -0.14–0.30, p<0.01). Among all disciplines, Philosophy and History and Engineering sciences show the strongest correlation between pre- and post-PhD output. When running multiple regression analysis for all three metrics as dependent variables and the number of articles, the H-index, the number of citations in the year of the PhD, the calendar year of PhD, and the gender of the researcher as independent variables, the number of articles and the H-index in the year of PhD reached the strongest positive correlations while gender had a negative correlation. Conclusions We independently evaluated pre- and post-PhD publication performance. In connection with age, the discipline-specific reference values of scientometric parameters at the time of obtaining the PhD can help to select candidates for postdoctoral grants and positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyöngyi Munkácsy
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Herman
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
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Nicholls H, Nicholls M, Tekin S, Lamb D, Billings J. The impact of working in academia on researchers' mental health and well-being: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268890. [PMID: 35613147 PMCID: PMC9132292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how researchers experience working in academia and the effects these experiences have on their mental health and well-being, through synthesizing published qualitative data. METHOD A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to gain a comprehensive overview of what is currently known about academic researchers' mental health and well-being. Relevant papers were identified through searching electronic databases, Google Scholar, and citation tracking. The quality of the included studies was assessed and the data was synthesised using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS 26 papers were identified and included in this review. Academic researchers' experiences were captured under seven key themes. Job insecurity coupled with the high expectations set by the academic system left researchers at risk of poor mental health and well-being. Access to peer support networks, opportunities for career progression, and mentorship can help mitigate the stress associated with the academic job role, however, under-represented groups in academia are at risk of unequal access to resources, support, and opportunities. CONCLUSION To improve researchers' well-being at work, scientific/academic practice and the system's concept of what a successful researcher should look like, needs to change. Further high-quality qualitative research is needed to better understand how systemic change, including tackling inequality and introducing better support systems, can be brought about more immediately and effectively. Further research is also needed to better understand the experiences and support needs of post-doctoral and more senior researchers, as there is a paucity of literature in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021232480).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Nicholls
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sahra Tekin
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Lamb
- Department of Applied Health Research, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Owen PJ, Main LC, Miller CT, Ford JJ, Hahne AJ, Belavy DL. Protection motivation theory screening tool for predicting chronic low back pain rehabilitation adherence: analysis of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052644. [PMID: 35115351 PMCID: PMC8814751 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore a protection motivation theory screening tool for predicting rehabilitation adherence. DESIGN Analysis of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING An exercise physiology and physiotherapist clinic. PARTICIPANTS Patients with chronic low back pain (n=40). INTERVENTIONS General strength and conditioning (GSC) compared with motor control and manual therapy. Primary and secondary outcome measures: predicting patient adherence to supervised sessions and dropout using the Sports Injury Rehabilitation Beliefs Scale, seven-item barriers checklist and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale. RESULTS Average attendance was 77% (motor control and manual therapy) and 60% (GSC) with eight dropouts. No Sports Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale values other than 5 across all three components were recorded. Treatment efficacy (p=0.019), self-efficacy (p=0.001), rehabilitation value (p=0.028) and injury severity (p=0.002) positively correlated with susceptibility (the extent of vulnerability to having health problems from not taking action). Rehabilitation value positively correlated with self-efficacy (p=0.005). Injury severity positively correlated with rehabilitation value (p=0.011). The final model for number of cancellations included rehabilitation value only and accounted for approximately 12% of variance (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS Perceived value of rehabilitation should be considered by clinicians in the rehabilitation setting to improve treatment adherence in patients with chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12615001270505.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Owen
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luana C Main
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clint T Miller
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jon J Ford
- Low Back Research Team, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Advanced HealthCare, Boronia, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Hahne
- Low Back Research Team, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel L Belavy
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Bochum, Germany
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Raja HZ, Saleem MN, Noor A, Usmani A, Khan JS. Status of Research and Development Within Dental Institutes of Pakistan. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221100147. [PMID: 35527702 PMCID: PMC9083037 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221100147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Health sector institutes of Pakistan can play a pivotal part in improving the status of health sciences. This can be achieved by facilitating research and innovation facilities. It is a need of the day to emphasize academicians and institutional administrations to take keen interest in this regard. Knowledge of the present research and development conditions within higher education institutions may help in policy development and fund allocations at the required levels. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the status of research and development within dental Institutes of Pakistan. A 30 itemed questionnaire was e mailed/posted to all institutional heads of all registered and recognized dental institutes of Pakistan. Response rate was 62% showing lack of administrational interest. Insufficient infrastructure, inadequate research planning, execution and intellectual property management was recorded. It can be concluded that higher education dental institutions of Pakistan are in need of deeper administrational and educational input to gear up the progress of health sector in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Zafar Raja
- Department of Prosthodontics, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, NUMS Rawalpindi, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nasir Saleem
- Operative Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, NUMS Rawalpindi, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Noor
- Department of Prosthodontics, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, NUMS Rawalpindi, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Usmani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Agha Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid S. Khan
- School of Health Professionals’ Education and Postgraduate Studies, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, NUMS Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Candelaria D, Gallagher R, Hendriks J. Future-proofing your research career post-PhD: top tips for doctoral students. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2021; 21:402-404. [PMID: 34922370 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dion Candelaria
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D18, Western Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Robyn Gallagher
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, D18, Western Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jeroen Hendriks
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.,Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Road, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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Lockhart JW. Paradigms of Sex Research and Women in STEM. GENDER & SOCIETY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SOCIOLOGISTS FOR WOMEN IN SOCIETY 2021; 35:449-475. [PMID: 35958390 PMCID: PMC9365066 DOI: 10.1177/08912432211001384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Scientists' identities and social locations influence their work, but the content of scientific work can also influence scientists. Theory from feminist science studies, autoethnographic accounts, interviews, and experiments indicate that the substance of scientific research can have profound effects on how scientists are treated by colleagues and their sense of belonging in science. I bring together this disparate literature under the framework of professional cultures and show population-level trends supporting it. Drawing on the Survey of Earned Doctorates and the Web of Science, I use computational social science tools to argue that the way scientists write about sex in their research influences the future gender ratio of PhDs awarded across 53 subfields of the life sciences over a span of 47 years. Specifically, I show that a critical paradigm of "feminist biology" that seeks to de-essentialize sex and gender corresponds to increases in women's graduation rates, while "sex difference" research-sometimes called "neurosexism" because of its emphasis on essential, categorical differences-has negative effects on women's graduation rates in most fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Lockhart
- University of Michigan, Department of Sociology and Center for the Study of Complex Systems
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