What disengages doctoral students in the biological and environmental sciences from their doctoral studies?

ABSTRACT

This study explored the causes of student disengagement from their doctoral studies in the biological and environmental sciences. The data came from interviews of 40 doctoral students (male = 15, female = 25) and underwent qualitative analysis for content. Our results showed that doctoral studies provide multiple contexts for disengagement, such as the scholarly community and supervision, while doctoral students’ sense of distress, cynicism and inefficacy emerged as central components of disengagement. The study identified isolation, indifference, and lack of support and constructive feedback as sources of cynicism, while distress and inefficacy were more often related to failure or lack of progress in research. Our findings indicate that the source of disengagement can vary not only between individuals, but also between the academic activities at hand. Thus, while promoting an engaging doctoral experience, awareness of what typically triggers disengagement in the doctoral journey is vital.

KEYWORDS:

• STEM disciplines
• disengagement
• doctoral students
• postgraduate education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Viivi Virtanen is senior lecturer in university pedagogy in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki. Her research interests are linked to learning and teaching in the biological and environmental sciences including doctoral education and post-doctoral careers.

Juha Taina is senior lecturer in university pedagogy in the Faculty of Sciences, University of Helsinki. His research interests are linked to the teaching of mathematical subjects including doctoral education and post-doctoral careers.

Kirsi Pyhältö is professor of educational sciences in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oulu, and research director in the Centre for Research and Development of Higher Education at the University of Helsinki. She is expert in the area of researcher education and careers. Her research interest include doctoral education, supervision, researcher communities and post-doctoral careers https://researchondoctoraleducation.wordpress.com.