Ph.D student's expectations from their supervisors: A qualitative content analysis

Quality of research in PhD programs increases if supervisors become aware of students'' expectations from them. This qualitative study aimed to explore expectations of PhD students from their supervisors was done. This qualitative content analysis study was conducted on 22 graduated PhD students of Iran University of Medical Sciences، in 2014. The samples were purposefully selected and interviewed. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. After analyzing and coding data، it was found that PhD students have four main expectations from their supervisors. These expectations consist of scientific support including help with selection of subject، preparation and registration of proposal، data collection and support for writing and examination of the thesis. Developing scientific skills and help with preparing manuscripts were other expectations. Emotional-social support with five categories including relationship between supervisor-student، general expectations of supervisor، supervisor personality characteristics، needed emotional skills and social activities related to thesis and finally providing adequate resources including financial support and access to facilities inside and outside the university were among the other expectations. PhD students need to scientific، emotional، social and material supports from their supervisors in the process of performing thesis. These expectations should be told to supervisors.