Time to Ph.D. of Women in Physics: Early Motivation and Background Factors

• In Event: 60.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 60.083-16 - Academic and Career Aspirations: Redefining Student Success

Abstract

A paucity of research exists that examines what differentiates female physicists’ time to Ph.D. completion. Women still lag behind men when it comes to doctoral completion in physics and this lag can lead to decreased pay and render women less likely to make substantial contributions to their field. This study examines the following question: Do such variables as demographic, background, academic achievement, and academic experiences explain a significant amount of variance in female physical scientists’ years to Ph.D. completion? These questions are analyzed using variables from the Project Crossover Survey dataset through a subset of female physicist doctoral students and scientists (N=351). A multiple regression model of female physicists uncovers significant predictors that associate with time to doctoral degree completion.

Authors

• Katherine P. Dabney, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia