Career of doctoral candidates : new instrument to measure doctoral student's professional identity

Abstract

Investment in young researchers is considered to be a driving force for economic growth. On the other hand, the majority of doctoral candidates seeking careers in higher education. Meanwhile career in higher education, characterized by political and social transformations and dynamics, is becoming increasingly complex. In this complex environment doctoral students perform many professional roles and they can face with difficulties recognizing who they want and can be after studies completion. All this shows the importance to identify challenges faced by students and look for ways to help them. The important factor to ensure the success of career development is the perception of professional identity. Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to present new and unique tool to measure the professional identity of doctoral students. To respond the need of instruments (in Lithuania and abroad) measuring professional identity of doctoral students, new instrument was developed to evaluate the expression of their professional roles performed. A five-step procedure was used to develop the instrument: systematic literature review, item generation, revision, external expert review and pilot. Three professional roles (teacher, researcher and practitioner) were selected from the range of roles presented in the literature. After systematize of potential criteria and indicators, items were generated and after careful review items were selected for the instrument. The instrument was sent with request for comment to three scientists who specialize in the fields of research methodology and professional identity. After review of the comments and necessary changes made, the instrument was finalized. Before use in a large sample, the instrument was piloted with twelve doctoral students in psychology to increase clarity and usability. [...]