Table 1 Disciplinary maturity assessment index and reference markers within each cycle

Research object

(a)

1 Field X focuses on a variety of specific problems of the same type

2 Field X focuses on different types of problems

3 Several types of problems studied in the field of X share a common property

4 Field X studies a class of problems with well-defined attributes, and the attributes of these problems are shifting

Theoretical system

(b)

1 Field X uses a few authoritative scholarly studies as a source of theory

2 Researchers in the field of X have summarized, generalized, and developed different theoretical results from their own practice

3 The field of X has developed a well-established theoretical system recognized by the academic community

4 The academic community in the field of X continuously adjusts and improves its theoretical system according to the different contexts of the times

Knowledge base

(c)

1 The basic knowledge of field X has been disseminated by only a few researchers.

2 Field X dissemination of knowledge through academic journals, books and other vehicles

3 Knowledge dissemination through various vehicles such as teaching materials, books, audio and video in field X

4 Knowledge dissemination through various vehicles such as teaching materials, books, audio and video in field X

Research methods

(d)

1 Research methods in field X are mainly qualitative and relatively homogenous

2 Research methods in field X are beginning to focus on the use of quantitative methods, and methods are beginning to diversify

3 A mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods has become the norm in research in field X, and there is a discipline-appropriate, scientific approach to research

4 A mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods has become the norm in research in field X, and there is a discipline-appropriate, scientific approach to research

The secondary discipline

(e)

1 Field X has research on multiple unsettled problems and no stable scholarly outputs

2 There are consistent and stable academic outputs in a number of research directions in field X, but there is still no established disciplinary orientation

3 Field X has developed several self-contained and relatively fixed disciplinary directions, and each direction has sustained and stable academic outputs

4 On the basis of the original disciplinary directions, a number of new research directions have been added to the X-field, and these directions differ from the original research directions in terms of research targets

Degree granting

(f)

1 No institution has yet established a master’s degree or doctorate in X

2 A few institutions offer master’s and doctoral programs in X fields

3 Most institutions offer master’s and doctoral programs in X fields

4 Institutions with master’s and doctoral programs in X are on the decline

Talent cultivation

(g)

1–1 There are currently no master’s or doctoral students in X field in the community

2–1 A certain number of master’s and doctoral students have graduated in X field

3 − 1 There are a relatively large number of master’s and doctoral students enrolled in X field

4 − 1 Decrease in the number of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs in field X

1–2 There are only a few research grants in field X

2–2 Funding for research in field X is beginning to increase, but it does not match the training of master’s and doctoral students

3 − 2 Adequate funding for research in field X to enable quality training of master’s and doctoral students

4 − 2 Funding for research in field X began to decline

Scientific research

(h)

1 Scientific research in field X is still in its infancy and the results are limited

2 X field currently has a certain number of national or provincial important academic programs, and academic achi

3 Field X currently has a high number of important national or provincial academic programs and a proliferation of academic achievements

4 Significant academic programs in field X are beginning to decline, with a tendency to shift in other directions

Course system

(i)

1 The X-field program focuses on academic lectures by leading researchers

2 There are instructional programs for graduate and doctoral students in Area X

3 Field X has a systematic curriculum, and most institutions offer required and elective courses in field X

4 Shift in curriculum content in field X

Teachers

(j)

1 Only a few researchers in field X are disseminating relevant knowledge

2 There is a critical mass of faculty in field X that can sustain relevant teaching assignments

3 Field X has a faculty with a reasonable knowledge structure, age structure, and structure of professional and technical positions, and can consistently teach at a high level

4 There is a tendency for teachers in field X to move to other disciplines

Social needs

(k)

1 Society is not yet aware of the need for professionals in field X

2 There is a social demand for people in field X

3 Society has a steady and sizeable demand for talent in X field

4 Society’s demand for talent in field X has declined