PERC 2019 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | The effect of departmental policies on physics graduate students’ self-efficacy and persistence. |
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| Abstract: | Graduate attrition is a persistent phenomenon in all STEM fields. In physics, four out of ten students will end up not completing their graduate degrees. Previous studies found that students' entering academic ability is not related to attrition. This study shifts the focus on the effect of supportive departmental policies. In particular, we examine whether experiencing a supportive graduate program leads to higher self-efficacy ratings, better expectations of career outcomes upon the completion of their degree, and intention to persist. We use a mixed-methods study approach, collecting data from physics graduate students, chairs and/or graduate advisors from 18 physics graduate programs across the U.S. In this poster, we present the preliminary quantitative results from students' responses on the survey. The goal of this study is to create recommendations for policymakers in physics graduate programs that can better support students and result in increased retention. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session III |
| Poster Number: | C18 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Diana Sachmpazidi Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Phone: 9893306487 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Charles Henderson |
