Research Supervision: Matches and Mismatches

Abstract

This paper explores differences between beliefs endorsed by supervisors and candidates and between their preferred supervisory practices. It builds on previous research which identified a variety of orientations to research higher degree supervision within one electrical engineering faculty. Contrary to traditional thinking, it was found that supervisors and candidates (pairings here referred to as ‘dyads’), generally think about and approach supervision in very different ways. This is discussed as a contributory factor to poor supervisory experiences and longer than average completion times. Suggestions for improvement are offered.