Defining doctorateness: A concept analysis

Abstract

Aim/Purpose This study analyses the concept of doctorateness and its defining characteristics and gives a definition for it by examining the various ways it is used in doctoral education literature. Background The term 'doctorateness' is an immature unclarified concept referred to as a common quality for all doctoral awards. With the emergence of different types of doctoral studies worldwide, a clear definition for this concept is a requirement. Defining doctorateness can result in major implications for research and the prac-tice of doctoral education, as determining attributes of doctorateness will pose serious expectations regarding standard setting for the process and outcome of doctoral programs and requirements of doctoral students. Methodology In this study, Walker and Avant's eight step method of concept analysis is used. The method is a systematic approach frequently used to analyze relatively new concepts. Contribution The current study moves beyond the earlier studies by isolating defining attributes of the concept and giving a clear conceptual definition for doctorateness. Findings Five defining attribute of doctorateness refined from literature include independ-ent scholar, developmental and transformative apprenticeship process, original conceptual contribution/scholarship, highest academic degree, and stewardship of the discipline. Based on the defining attributes a definition is formulated for the concept of doctorateness. In addition to giving a definition a conceptual model consisting of five conceptual areas of purpose, process, product, prerequi-site, and impact according to the usage of concept in the literature is also pre-sented. Recommendations for Practitioners By using the conceptual model and defining attributes presented in this study practitioners and professionals in doctoral education can study the effective de-sign for doctoral programs and utilize the definition as a basis for evidencing doc-toral awards. Future Research Defining attributes can also contribute to psychometric researches related to tool development and constructing tools with explicit criteria for doctorate judgment.