Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Education: A Study of Audiology, Speech-Language Therapy, and Physical Therapy Students’ Research Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to add to the existing knowledge base on the research self-efficacy beliefs and research productivity of doctoral students in Rehabilitation Sciences, and its influence on research productivity. Identifying and understanding the research beliefs of Rehabilitation Sciences doctoral students will provide a better understanding of the factors that facilitate research consumption and productivity with implications for improving and enhancing Rehabilitation Sciences doctoral education. Methods: This study employed a convenience sample of doctoral students at a public research institution of higher education enrolled in Rehabilitation Sciences programs that include; Doctor of Audiology, Communication Sciences and Disorders PhD, Physical Therapy Doctor of Science-Research Track, Physical Therapy Doctor of Science-Educational Track, and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences. The Research Self-efficacy Inventory was utilized to measure the research self-efficacy of doctoral students in Rehabilitation Sciences programs. Results: Research track doctoral students compared to clinical doctoral students reported higher research self-efficacy and research productivity. Conclusions: Mastery and vicarious experiences may have contributed to increasing the research self-efficacy beliefs of research track doctoral students.