Self-Evaluation Questionnaire
On Research Student Progress

In order to focus your views on your progress towards a PhD, please give your opinion on the statements below. As you go through the questionnaire, please list on a separate sheet the reasons for your opinion.

SA = strongly agree
A = agree
U = undecided
D = disagree
SD = strongly disagree

My progress

P1. I am fully committed to getting my PhD whatever the problems I encounter

SA  A  U  D  SD

P2. Under no circumstances will I take a new job before finishing my PhD

SA  A  U  D  SD

P3. I understand clearly the standards that I will be required to achieve in my thesis

SA  A  U  D  SD

P4. I am confident that I can make 'an original contribution to knowledge' in my thesis

SA  A  U  D  SD

P5. I have a plan for my work which I stick to, and so can evaluate my progress

SA  A  U  D  SD

P6. I regularly set myself realistic deadlines and achieve them

SA  A  U  D  SD

P7. My research work is directed towards making a contribution by having an argument to maintain (i.e. a thesis)

SA  A  U  D  SD

P8. I take every opportunity to produce written work (reports, draft papers, draft chapters) in order to improve my writing skills

SA  A  U  D  SD

P9. Overall, I am satisfied with my progress towards the PhD

SA  A  U  D  SD

Support from my supervisor

S1. My supervisor is an experienced researcher with a good knowledge of my research area

SA  A  U  D  SD

S2. I am confident that my supervisor understands the level of work required for a PhD, and neither under- nor over-estimates it

SA  A  U  D  SD

S3. I am in regular contact with my supervisor who is always available when needed

SA  A  U  D  SD

S4. I get a great deal of help from my supervisor who is friendly and approachable

SA  A  U  D  SD

S5. My supervisor always reads my work well in advance

SA  A  U  D  SD

S6. My supervisor has not 'taken over' my research, but allows me to develop it independently

SA  A  U  D  SD

S7. I am always punctilious in keeping appointments with my supervisor.

SA  A  U  D  SD

S8. My supervisor is equally punctilious in keeping appointments with me

SA  A  U  D  SD

S9. I have a good friendly relationship with the Departmental secretary which helps to keep me in contact with my supervisor

SA  A  U  D  SD

S10. Overall, I am well satisfied with the quality of supervision that I am receiving

SA  A  U  D  SD

Support from my Department

D1. The Department provides adequate physical and financial resources for my research (e.g. lab or other working space, equipment, library access)

SA  A  U  D  SD

D2. The Department provides opportunities for research students to meet and receive support from each other and I have taken advantage of them

SA  A  U  D  SD

D3. The Department provides a stimulating seminar programme for Doctoral students to which I contribute

SA  A  U  D  SD

D4. The Department provides opportunities for good professional contact with academic staff which I have taken up

SA  A  U  D  SD

D5. The Department provides opportunities for social contact with academic staff which I have taken up

SA  A  U  D  SD

D6. The Department encourages and supports attendance at conferences and other academic gatherings which I have taken up

SA  A  U  D  SD

D7. The Department organises meetings to discuss the nature of the Doctoral process and the relevant University regulations applying to my research work which I have attended

SA  A  U  D  SD

D8. Overall, I am satisfied with the support I receive from my Department

SA  A  U  D  SD

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