Curiosity and PhD Studies: Discrepancies of Curiosity Manifestation of PhD and Unsuccessful Doctoral Candidates
Authors: Tokatligil Yuliya , Saliyeva Aigul , Karmelyuk Anastassiya , Mambetalina Aliya , Saliyeva Kamilla 
Published: July 2024

Aim/Purpose: The research is aimed at understanding the role of curiosity in obtaining a PhD degree. The differences in the expression of curiosity between PhD and unsuccessful doctoral candidates are studied.

Background: Differences in the expression of curiosity predict differences in behavior and achievement of results. The role of curiosity in research activities and progress has been recognized in the literature review. However, the influence of curiosity on the success of researchers has received little attention as a subject of empirical research.

Methodology: Quantitative methods were used to examine differences in curiosity among PhD candidates and unsuccessful doctoral candidates. The study involved PhD (n=181) and unsuccessful doctoral candidates (n=194) aged 29 to 49 years. A questionnaire of socio-demographic characteristics, the tests “Curiosity” and the “Test for assessing research potential” were used to collect data. Independent groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and relationships between variables were studied using the partial correlation matrix and Network Plots, to determine statistically significant differences between the strength of the relationship between two pairs of variables. Partial correlations were compared.

Contribution: The study initiates a new line of questioning and contributes to the study of factors influencing the successful completion of doctoral studies. The focus of the study is on a group of respondents who have previously received insufficient attention.

Findings: The comparison analysis of partial correlations lets us establish the differences in all components of curiosity (target, motivational, cognitive, productive, dynamic, emotional, regulatory, reflective-evaluative) and research potential. The differences relate to the desire for research, the importance of scientific knowledge, priorities, ways of expressing curiosity, emotional experiences, comparison of intentions, and achieved results. The profiles of curiosity in research activities are described based on the identified differences.

Recommendations for Practitioners: From a practical point of view, the research results can help organize and plan the research activities of doctoral students.

Recommendation for Researchers: The authors recommend researchers study in more detail the nature of the connections between the components of curiosity and their impact on research success. Future research could focus on a detailed analysis of curiosity profiles, including in the context of various personality traits. It is also recommended that a longitudinal or experimental study be conducted that involves diagnosing curiosity in doctoral students at different stages of training and with different research productivity.

Impact on Society: Doctoral studies are considered as an important strategic resource of the modern economy. The development of curiosity can help increase the research productivity of doctoral students and competitiveness in the globalizing scientific world.

Future Research: Following research on curiosity as it relates to research activities could contribute to the development of a conceptual framework.