Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v19i1.2017
Journey into Doctoral Candidacy: A Grounded Theory Study of Doctoral Qualification Exam Process
Sevinc Gelmez Burakgazi
; Department of Educational Sciences Hacettepe University
Ali Yildirim
; Department of Educational Sciences Middle East Technical University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the process doctoral students go through in qualification exam. Within a grounded theory design, a series of in-depth interviews were carried out with six doctoral candidates to inquire into their thoughts and experiences. Data collection started four months before the qualification exam and ended approximately a month after the exam had been taken. A total of 127 pages of interview transcripts were produced as a result of interviews. The data from these interviews were analysed in three stages: (1) initial coding and theorizing; (2) selective coding and theorizing; (3) theoretical codes. The theoretical codes were generated from the codes using the constant comparative method. The analysis revealed five interrelated phases students go through in the qualification exam: Ambiguity and procrastination; Getting lost and finding ways; Getting on with the unavoidable: taking the exam; Relief or burnout after the exam, and Looking back with mixed feelings.
Keywords
doctoral qualification exam; doctoral students; higher education; grounded theory
Hrčak ID:
179513
URI
Publication date:
29.3.2017.
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