Evaluating the empowerment of PhD students in online courses on responsible conduct of research: an exploratory study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This exploratory study explores if online courses can empower PhD students in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). We evaluated three Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) with a specific focus on active collaboration of participants and critical reflection. The evaluation targeted key RCR competencies: awareness, knowledge, reflection, motivation, courage and the ability to handle integrity issues in research practice. Using a mixed-method approach, we gathered data from PhD student participants through surveys (n = 120), learner reports (n = 72), semi-structured interviews (n = 7) and case reflections (n = 40). Findings indicate that participants across all three courses reported increased competence in multiple aspects of RCR. The results suggest that thoughtfully designed online courses can meaningfully support RCR empowerment among early-career researchers. IMPACT STATEMENT In this study, we inquire in three online thematic courses that were developed for PhD candidates if the teaching philosophy to empower the candidates towards responsible conduct of research is successful. We found support, comparable to another study on another online course, for the thought that participants can be empowered and become critically autonomous in research integrity dilemmas, and that we can help build researchers’ capacities and empower them to consistently adopt responsible, transparent and accountable behavior as the standard for their research endeavors.
Source: Cogent Education
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,165
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W4414614814