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Supervisors & managers

Breadcrumbs

Exploring researchers' expectations in supervision

Read each of the statements below and then estimate your position in each. For example with statement 1, if you believe very strongly that it is the supervisor's responsibility to select a good topic you should put a ring round ‘1'. If you think that both the supervisor and researcher should equally be involved you put a ring round ‘3' and if you think it is definitely the student's responsibility to select a topic, put a ring round ‘5'.

You might find it useful to use this as a stimulus for discussion during one of your supervisions.

1. It is the supervisor's responsibility to select a research topic

 

1       2       3       4       5

The researcher is responsible for selecting their own topic

2. It is the supervisor who decides which theoretical framework or methodology is most appropriate

1       2       3       4       5

Researchers should decide which theoretical framework or methodology they wish to use

3. The supervisor should develop an appropriate programme and timetable of research and study for the researcher

 

1       2       3       4       5

The supervisor should leave the development of the programme of study to the researcher

4. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the researcher is introduced to the appropriate services and facilities of the department and university

1       2       3       4       5

It is the researchers responsibility to ensure that they have located and accessed all the relevant services and facilities for research

5. A warm supportive relationship between supervisor and researcher is important for successful candidature

1       2       3       4       5

A personal supportive relationship is inadvisable because it may obstruct objectivity for both researcher and supervisor during the candidature

6. The supervisor should insist on regular meetings with the researcher

 

1       2       3       4       5

The researcher should decide when they want to meet with the supervisor

7. The supervisor should check regularly that the researcher is working consistently and on task

 

1       2       3       4       5

The researcher should work independently and not have to account for how and where time is spent 

8. The supervisor is responsible for providing emotional support and encouragement to the researcher

 

1       2       3       4       5

Personal counselling and support are not the responsibility of the supervisor - researchers should look elsewhere

9. The supervisor should insist on seeing all drafts of work to ensure that the researcher in on the right track

 

1       2       3       4       5

Researchers should submit drafts of work only when they want constructive criticism from the supervisor

10. The supervisor should assist in the writing of the thesis if necessary

 

1       2       3       4       5

The writing of the thesis should only ever be the researcher's own work

11. The supervisor is responsible for decisions regarding the standard of the thesis

 

1       2       3       4       5

The researcher is responsible for decisions concerning the standard of the thesis