Includes the outcomes of a study to identify predictors of dissertation completion success in an open access model using results from a test designed to measure research knowledge. The results include beginning/ending research knowledge and learning absorption rates. Research content focal points, potentially leading to curriculum modifications, will be discussed.
Research was conducted to examine predictors of dissertation completion success in an open access model by administering a questionnaire psychometrically developed to measure foundational research knowledge in five domains. The data collection instrument was administered to doctoral students both at the beginning and upon completion of their doctoral coursework, prior to the candidacy stage. Foundational research knowledge in specific domains, along with learning absorption rate between tests, proved to be strong predictors of both dissertation completion success and the rate of completion when controlling for confounding variables. The outcomes identify key elements of focus in doctoral coursework that, through curriculum revision, will likely yield positive outcomes in terms of both dissertation completion rate and time to completion.