Table 1 Distribution of students’ answers on different responsibilities in medical research. N(%) are presented
From: Medical research: what to expect in a student–supervisor relationship
Item | 1 | 2 | Equal responsibility | 4 | 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | It is a supervisor’s responsibility to select a promising topic. | 4(1.3) | 85(26.6) | 147(45.9) | 60(18.8) | 24(7.5) | It is a student’s responsibility to select a promising topic. |
2 | It is up to the supervisor to decide which theoretical frame of reference is most appropriate. | 12(3.8) | 154(48.1) | 87(27.2) | 55(17.2) | 12(3.8) | The student has a right to choose theoretical standpoint even if it conflicts with that of the supervisor. |
3 | A supervisor should direct a student in the development of an appropriate program of research and study. | 24(7.5) | 64(20) | 219(68.4) | 5(1.6) | 8(2.5) | A student should be able to work out a schedule and research program appropriate to his/her needs. |
4 | A supervisor should ensure that a student has access to all necessary facilities. | 12(3.8) | 228(71.3) | 57(17.8) | 15(4.7) | 8(2.5) | Ultimately, the student must find the necessary facilities to complete his/her research. |
5 | Supervisor-student relationships should be purely professional. | 12(3.8) | 202(63.1) | 36(11.3) | 52(16.3) | 18(5.6) | Close personal relationships are essential for successful supervision. |
6 | A supervisor should initiate frequent meetings with a student. | 17(5.3) | 168(52.5) | 119(37.2) | 5(1.6) | 11(3.4) | A student should initiate meetings. |
7 | A supervisor should check constantly that a student is on track and working consistently. | 119(37.2) | 138(43.1) | 31(9.7) | 20(6.3) | 12(3.8) | Students should work independently and not have to account for how they spend their time. |
8 | A supervisor should terminate the candidate if she/he thinks a student will not succeed. | 4(1.3) | 27(8.4) | 27(8.4) | 213(66.6) | 56(17.5) | A supervisor should support the student regardless of his/her opinion of the student’s capability. |
9 | A supervisor should ensure that the research manuscript is finished within the time limit. | 34(10.6) | 166(51.9) | 105(32.8) | 3(0.9) | 12(3.8) | As long as the student works steadily, she/he can take as long as she/he needs to finish the work. |
10 | A supervisor has direct responsibility for the methodology and content of the manuscript. | 72(22.5) | 201(62.8) | 43(13.4) | 3(0.9) | 1(0.3) | A student has total responsibility for ensuring that the methodology and content are appropriate to the discipline. |
11 | A supervisor should assist in the actual writing of the research manuscript if the student has difficulties and should ensure that the presentation is flawless. | 17(5.3) | 216(67.5) | 15(4.7) | 31(9.7) | 41(12.8) | A student must take full responsibility for presentation of the research manuscript, including grammar and spelling. |
12 | A supervisor should insist on seeing drafts of every section of the research manuscript in order to review them in a timely fashion. | 49(15.3) | 223(69.7) | 36(11.3) | 1(0.3) | 11(3.4) | It is up to a student to ask for constructive criticism from a supervisor. |