Graduate Students’ Experiences in a Convergent Research Environment: Social Networks, Expectancy Value, and Imposterism

• In Event: Creating Inclusive Doctoral Programs: Best Practices and Innovations in Doctoral Student Socialization

Abstract

This exploratory study examined graduate students’ perceived expectancy value of their convergence science graduate program. Forty-one treatment students (engaged in convergence science) and 16 control students (engaged in traditional graduate programs) completed a pre and post-survey of expectancy value factors. Results showed expectancy value decreased for the treatment group but not the control group. Treatment group students experienced challenges related to their graduate work that crossed disciplinary boundaries, and female treatment students reported higher feelings of imposterism compared to males. A social network analysis of the treatment group students showed the networks of research contacts increased as they worked across disciplines. The findings argue for providing students with increased support as they conduct transdisciplinary graduate research. 

Authors

• M. Gail Jones, North Carolina State University

• Julianna Nieuwsma, North Carolina State University

• Kathleen Bordewieck, North Carolina State University

• Gina Childers, Texas Tech University

• Steve McDonald, North Carolina State University

• Anna-Maria Marshall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Christine Hendren, Appalachian State University

• Brooke Mayer, Marquette University

• Maude Cuchiara, North Carolina State University

• John Classen, North Carolina State University