Release by Sven Geier CID Summer 2005 Convening: Developing Researchers and Scholars Topic 3: Sharing Findings and Communicating Results CID-Survey Data This Snapshot presents data on the Carnegie Foundation surveys of graduate students and faculty about how students learn to share findings and communicate results. Conducting an investigation has little meaning until the results of the investigation are shared with others. This serves the dual purposes of putting the work up for scrutiny by knowledgeable peers, and of advancing knowledge and understanding. Completion of a doctoral program requires the student to complete a number of specialized products and performances unique to this stage of the academic career. In addition, they must approach mastery of the performances and products expected of a practicing research professional in their field.

Click on image to enlarge Products Our data show that about half of all doctoral students publish scholarly papers (including coauthored papers). While our sample of about 2000 doctoral students included a handful who reported publishing more than 20 papers, the mean numbers are modest. The table below shows the number of papers published, arranged by discipline. Performances Another important arena for sharing findings is at scholarly conferences. The table below shows the mean number of presentations at conferences. Conference presentations by doctoral students Click on image to enlarge Pitfalls Presenting one's work to the scholarly community requires an understanding of the ethical standards of one's field, including conventions for acknowledging the contributions of others. In our survey, most students reported that they had discussed ethical issues regarding research.

In Their Own Words Survey respondents had the opportunity to write statements about the development of researchers. For sample of what doctoral students and faculty had to say on this topic, click on the link below. In Their Own Words Survey Overview As part of the research strand of the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate (CID), two surveys -- one each to graduate students and faculty -- were administered by Carnegie staff to doctoral students and graduate faculty in the participating departments of the CID (84 departments and programs at 44 universities). Graduate Student Survey The Carnegie Graduate Student Survey was administered to all doctoral students in participating departments. In all, 2,176 students from 76 departments at 40 universities responded. Graduate Faculty Survey The Carnegie Graduate Faculty survey was administered to faculty in participating departments. In all, 668 faculty members in 63 departments at 32 universities completed the survey. Overview of surveys Summary of survey goals and overview of tables and graphs. Snapshot of Survey Data This snapshot includes several graphs and tables of data from the CID faculty and student surveys. Contact Information [email protected] 650/566-5107