Science, beliefs, sociocultural and economic influences on doctorates in South African universities  

作　　者：Bankole Adebayo Falade Bimbo Lolade Fafowora 

机构地区：[1]Stellenbosch University,Krotoa Building,Stellenbosch 7600,South Africa

出　　处：《Cultures of Science》2021年第4期237-251,共15页科学文化(英文)

基　　金：supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology;the National Research Foundation(NRF)of South Africa(Grant number 93097)

摘　　要：This paper examines the scientific and non-scientific influences on doctorates in South African universities by analyzing the acknowledgements in their theses. The data was extracted from 5644 Ph D theses drawn from four South African universities. Using data-mining techniques, we identified sources of inspiration, targets of dedication and subjects of acknowledgement. The findings show that over 90% of doctoral candidates expressed appreciation to supervisors and other academics and colleagues, as had been found in previous research. We also found that almost half of the sample acknowledged funding agencies, which indicates the strong role of external finance. The spread of academic networks across Africa, North America and Europe was noteworthy. The findings also show the strong role of religious beliefs, as 39% of the theses acknowledged the assistance of God. The figure was as high as 51% in one of the universities and statistically significant across institutions and faculties. Religious beliefs among scientists also confirm previous research in the US, indicating that ‘scientists are still keeping the faith'.

关 键 词：Doctorates BELIEFS acknowledgement genre BIBLIOMETRICS academic writing cognitive polyphasia South Africa UNIVERSITIES young scientists 

分 类 号：G643[文化科学—高等教育学] G649.478[文化科学—教育学]