Self-evaluation
From: Appendix in How to get a PhD by Eselle Phillips and Derek Pugh. A handbook for student
and their supervisors. Open University Press. 4th ed. 2006
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 the reason for you opinion
over some statements that are important for you. This you can also do on a separate sheet.
SA = strongly agree
A = agree
U = undecided
D = disagree
SD = strongly disagree
My progress
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
P7
P8
P9
I am fully committed to getting my PhD
whatever the problems I encounter
Under no circumstances will I take a new job
before finishing my PhD.
I understand clearly the standards that I will
be required to achieve in my thesis
I am confident that I can make ‘an original
contribution to knowledge’ in my thesis.
I have a plan for my work which I stick to,
and so can evaluate my progress.
I regularly set myself realistic deadlines and
achieve them.
My research work is directed towards
making a contribution by having an
argument to maintain (i.e. a thesis).
I take every opportunity to produce written
work (reports, draft paper, draft chapter) in
order to improve my writing skills.
Overall, I am satisfied with my progress
towards the PhD.
Support from my supervisor
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
My supervisor is an experienced researcher
with a good knowledge of my research area.
I am confident that my supervisor
understands the level of work required for a
PhD, and neither under nor overestimates it.
I am in regular contact with my supervisor,
who is always available when needed.
I get a great deal of help from my supervisor,
who is friendly and approachable.
My supervisor always reads ny work well in
advance of our meetings.
My supervisor has not ‘taken over’ my
research, but allows me to develop it
SA
A
U
D
SD
Your comment
S7
S8
S9
S10
independently.
I am always punctilious in keeping
appointments with my supervisor.
My supervisor is equally punctilious in
keeping appointments with me.
I have a good friendly relationship with the
departmental secretary which helps to keep
me in contact with my supervisor.
Overall, I am well satisfied with the quality
of supervision that I am receiving.
Support from my department
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
The department provides adequate physical
and financial resources for my research (e.g.
lab or other working space, equipment,
library access).
The department provides opportunities for
research students to meet and receive support
from each other and I have taken advantage
of them.
The department provides a stimulating
seminar programme for doctoral students to
which I contribute.
The department provides opportunities for
good professional contact with academic
staff which I have taken up.
The department provides opportunities for
social contact with academic staff which I
have taken up.
The department encourages and supports
attendance at conferences and other
academic gatherings which I have taken up.
The department organizes meetings to
discuss the nature of the doctoral process and
the relevant university regulations applying
to my research work which I have attended.
Overall, I am satisfied with the support I
receive from my department.
Other check-statements?
Please write own.