Thread: What Exactly Is A Doctorate?

I found an interesting visual explanation of what a doctorate is today.....thought I'd share it....

What Exactly Is a Doctorate?

I don't have a doctorate, but I think that his graphical representation is a pretty good analogy! It makes sense to me!

-Matt

Originally Posted by mattbrent

I don't have a doctorate, but I think that his graphical representation is a pretty good analogy! It makes sense to me!

-Matt

Makes you realize how insignificant a PhD really is. Subjectively it's a big deal, but not such a big deal when considered in the grand scope of things.

Some of the responders take great liberty by inferring things not remotely suggested in the example. The drawings and explanation do not imply that this represents the only way that knowledge is either internalized or expanded. It is only meant to show a perspective relative to the topic: a doctorate.

Some responses also make clear that many do not understand the purpose of a doctorate, or more specifically a research doctorate (PhD for purpose of my frame of reference). A PhD, by definition, must in some way produce at least a mustard seed of new knowledge - through reflection, context, analysis, discovery, etc. A lit review in a dissertation presents a view of the existing body of knowledge as it relates to the variables associated with the hypothesis (that is the large circle), and then executes a research design that expands on that body of knowledge in some, often, very small way - such that it adds to the body of knowledge (hence the very small dimply in the outer circle).

The graphics was spot on, relative to a research based doctoral degree program. If that dimple did not exist after the completion of a research doctorate, you would not have completed successfully. I did not see any reference to this being the only way to expand human knowledge or that higher education was the only way to increase your own knowledge. The presentation was offered in a very specific context. It was a good representation of what the expected outcome of a doctoral program would be.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Liberty University Liberty University Liberty offers online degrees in the following subject areas: a huge selection of programs in Religious Studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), a Master's Degree in Human Services, Master of Science in Nursing, Business (Associate's, Bachelor's, and MBA), Education and Teaching (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate), Liberal Arts (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), and Counseling (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's). Liberty has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its education and scholarship, though the strong Christian affiliation may be objectionable to some. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	AIU Online Aiken Technical College Online degree programs from AIU help you acquire industry-current credentials in your field of interest. Many of our online degree programs offer concentrations in some of today's most in-demand professional fields, empowering you to tailor your education to address your specific career goals. AIU offers degree programs in Business Administration, Education, Information Technology, Design, and Criminal Justice. AIU is regionally accredidated, the most widely accepted form of accredidation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

I love it! Truly it is both an inspiring and humbling graphic, or I imagine it would be if pursuing a PHD.

Pretty amusing.

I will tell you when I FINALLY get there. LOL

Originally Posted by PaulC

Some of the responders take great liberty by inferring things not remotely suggested in the example. The drawings and explanation do not imply that this represents the only way that knowledge is either internalized or expanded. It is only meant to show a perspective relative to the topic: a doctorate.

Some responses also make clear that many do not understand the purpose of a doctorate, or more specifically a research doctorate (PhD for purpose of my frame of reference). A PhD, by definition, must in some way produce at least a mustard seed of new knowledge - through reflection, context, analysis, discovery, etc. A lit review in a dissertation presents a view of the existing body of knowledge as it relates to the variables associated with the hypothesis (that is the large circle), and then executes a research design that expands on that body of knowledge in some, often, very small way - such that it adds to the body of knowledge (hence the very small dimply in the outer circle).

The graphics was spot on, relative to a research based doctoral degree program. If that dimple did not exist after the completion of a research doctorate, you would not have completed successfully. I did not see any reference to this being the only way to expand human knowledge or that higher education was the only way to increase your own knowledge. The presentation was offered in a very specific context. It was a good representation of what the expected outcome of a doctoral program would be.

I'm having difficulty understanding who this post was addressed to. Were you commenting on posts that were present on a different thread? There were only two replies above yours and neither were making the assertions you mention.

	Liberty University Liberty University Liberty offers online degrees in the following subject areas: a huge selection of programs in Religious Studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), a Master's Degree in Human Services, Master of Science in Nursing, Business (Associate's, Bachelor's, and MBA), Education and Teaching (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate), Liberal Arts (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), and Counseling (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's). Liberty has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its education and scholarship, though the strong Christian affiliation may be objectionable to some. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	AIU Online Aiken Technical College Online degree programs from AIU help you acquire industry-current credentials in your field of interest. Many of our online degree programs offer concentrations in some of today's most in-demand professional fields, empowering you to tailor your education to address your specific career goals. AIU offers degree programs in Business Administration, Education, Information Technology, Design, and Criminal Justice. AIU is regionally accredidated, the most widely accepted form of accredidation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by MichaelOliver

Makes you realize how insignificant a PhD really is. Subjectively it's a big deal, but not such a big deal when considered in the grand scope of things.

I dunno... breaking through the outer surface of all human knowledge seems pretty significant to me. ;)

Removing my snarky boundary comment.

Originally Posted by Scott Henley

I dunno... breaking through the outer surface of all human knowledge seems pretty significant to me. ;)

Well, when you put it that way... :)

Imagine the alternative...
Living in the middle ages.
We believe mysticism and wizards.
Most of us work in manual labor.
Using leeches to cure illness.
No antibiotics.
The average lifespan is 40 years of age.
Not enough food to feed us.
Ahh, the good old days.

Originally Posted by MichaelOliver

I'm having difficulty understanding who this post was addressed to. Were you commenting on posts that were present on a different thread? There were only two replies above yours and neither were making the assertions you mention.

If you click on the link that this thread references (as shown in the first post):

What Exactly Is a Doctorate?

...when you get to the bottom of the content on that page, there is a litany of comments/posts from "responders" offering their opinions on the article. My comments were a reflection to the responders comments on that article. The perspectives left by the readers are as interesting as the content of the article, itself.

Augh. I hate the comments, so many negative ones. We get that not every PHD pushes the bounds of human knowledge, but it's a nice way of looking at it, and many do. Above all the graphic is inspiring, a "look what you can do" but at the same time "you can do better!".

Originally Posted by AV8R

I found an interesting visual explanation of what a doctorate is today.....thought I'd share it....

What Exactly Is a Doctorate?

I think its a degree...right...he he :)

Originally Posted by PaulC

If you click on the link that this thread references (as shown in the first post):

What Exactly Is a Doctorate?

...when you get to the bottom of the content on that page, there is a litany of comments/posts from "responders" offering their opinions on the article. My comments were a reflection to the responders comments on that article. The perspectives left by the readers are as interesting as the content of the article, itself.

Stupid question; I didn't read all the way to the bottom. Thanks, Paul.