PhD Researcher vs PhD Student: Know the Difference

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In the academic sphere, a PhD student and a PhD researcher are two terms often used interchangeably, leading to more confusion. A PhD student is an individual pursuing a PhD qualification or a doctoral degree through research at an institution. Typically, they will be under the guidance of a PhD supervisor in this process. On the other hand, a PhD researcher can describe the PhD student as a post-doctoral researcher, research associate, research assistant, or research fellow. Here, we will look at the key qualities that differentiate between a PhD student and a PhD researcher.

PhD Researcher: Key Responsibilities

A PhD researcher’s role varies according to the discipline and field in which they are pursuing their degree. Let us look at some common and mandatory responsibilities that a PhD researcher is usually expected to implement.

Formulate research questions: A PhD researcher needs to formulate a research question that will help them conduct further investigation in their existing field of study while identifying and addressing specific gaps in knowledge. To do this, PhD researchers must extensively review available literature on the subject. This process makes them more aware of the existing universe of knowledge in the specific area and allows them to formulate clear, concise, and focused research questions.
Design experiments: A PhD researcher must, in discussion with their supervisor, proceed to design a clear and methodological design for their research experiments. This follows from the research question that was formulated. The PhD researcher, while creating the experiment, also plans and finalizes the research methods and tools to address the research question.
Collect and analyze data: Once the study design has been established, the next step for the PhD researcher is to begin the data collection process with tools aligned with the research question and study area. Some of the tools of data collection include surveys, interviews, field observations, group discussions, and laboratory experiments. Evaluating the data thus collected becomes the next step in the research process. Analyzing and processing data typically involves a considerable amount of time and may also include revisiting the experiment or the field.
Add to new knowledge: A PhD researcher ultimately must be independent and think critically and innovatively to break new ground within their specific disciplines. This will enable them to contribute to existing knowledge within the field.

PhD Student: Key Responsibilities

A PhD student’s main tasks are centered on gaining knowledge, acquiring research skills and expertise, while gaining exposure to wide-ranging perspectives. A PhD student engages in during the initial years is to complete the designated coursework that provides a basic foundation upon which to build.

Reading and reviewing existing literature related to their area of study is crucial during this stage. It helps them to gain a comprehensive understanding, identify gaps, and situate their topic within the larger field. PhD students are also expected to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to equip themselves with the latest developments and be aware of cross-cutting issues within their field of study. These also offer platforms for peer-to-peer engagement, networking with experts, and other faculty as they share new research ideas.

Transitioning From a PhD Student to a PhD Researcher

As PhD students, they are more in the learning mode where they have to attend set classes, complete course credits, appear in qualifying exams, attend seminars and conferences, and collaborate with colleagues and faculty. The critical transition takes place when they become a PhD researcher.

In this position, they take up a more research-focused role. As a PhD researcher, the key focus is to undertake research activities in a specific domain or field of knowledge. A sense of independence and access to various resources are comparatively greater for a full-fledged PhD researcher.

There are various phases during this transition where the candidate is given mentorship by advisors or faculty who provide advice and input. Both PhD students and PhD researchers can enrich their professional development aspirations by participating in workshops and seminars. These opportunities provide a platform for them to network and highlight their research work.

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