Identifying individual differences among doctoral candidates: A framework for understanding problematic candidature

Understanding how candidates cope with the demands of PhD candidature is important for institutions, supervisors and candidates. Individual differences in affective and metacognitive disposition were explored in 263 PhD candidates from two Australian universities. Several questionnaires relating to affective and metacognitive beliefs were completed and analysed using one-factor congeneric modelling. A total of 20 scale scores were entered into a two-step cluster analysis which identified two distinct individual profiles relating to both affective and metacognitive management by the PhD candidates. A Principal Component factor analysis of the scales was then used to identify an underlying three-factor dimensionality of doctoral metacognition. The significance of these findings for the supervision and management of candidature is emphasised.

► Understanding how candidates cope with the demands of PhD candidature is important.
► Differences in affective and metacognitive disposition were explored in PhD candidates.
► Questionnaires were completed and analysed using one-factor congeneric modelling.
► Cluster analysis identified two distinct profiles in this elite group.
► Factor analysis identified 3 underlying dimensions of doctoral metacognition.