Abstract:

Quality in research (doctorateness) is to be recognised and applauded for its conceptualisation and theoretical conclusions rather than factual findings which simply state what was discovered (Leshem and Trafford). Doctorateness requires elevating thinking and seeking opportunities to conceptualize research through explicit visions, paradigms design assumptions and frameworks of analysis. The ability to move from simple factual explanation of the research process to reasoned conceptual justifications, illustrates a candidate’s higher level of thinking in understanding doctoral research.

Successful candidates progress through ascending levels of thinking as they clarify their topic, develop theoretical perspectives and convert findings into conceptual conclusions. When their perspectives move from descriptive and micro to conceptual and macro it is a paradigm shift. This reflects a candidate’s conscious redefinition of their research and it occurs when they recognise and use the significance of scholarship. Thus, candidates’ understanding of research transforms from description to conceptual scholarship that then exemplifies doctorateness.

The presentation will illustrate how to approach research in a scholarly manner moving from the descriptive to the conceptual to display doctorateness. It will show how candidates can raise their level of thinking and how supervisors can enable doctoral candidates to develop appropriate scholarly capabilities thus ‘think like researchers.’
Data draws on research over 7 years, extensive supervisory and examining experience, attending doctoral vivas, observations, participation and documents from conducting international workshops for doctoral supervisors and candidates. Presentation will be based on the book Stepping Stones to Achieving your Doctorate. By the author and Trafford (http://www.openup.co.uk/steppingstones ).

Keywords:

Doctorateness, scholarship, conceptual thinking.